Implementation of a near-zero fluoroscopy approach in interventional electrophysiology: impact of operator experience.

PURPOSE: Catheter ablation is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Reduction of radiation dose for patients and staff is emphasized by current recommendations. Previous studies have shown that lower operator experience leads to increased radiation dose. On the other hand, less experienced operators may depend even more on fluoroscopic guidance. Our study aimed to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of a non-fluoroscopic approach in different training levels.

METHODS: From January 2017, a near-zero fluoroscopy approach was established in two centers. Four operators (beginner, 1st year fellow, 2nd year fellow, expert) were instructed to perform the complete procedure with the use of a 3-D mapping system without fluoroscopy. A historical cohort that underwent procedures with fluoroscopy use served as control group. Dose area product (DPA), procedure duration, acute procedural success, and complications were compared between the groups and for each operator.

RESULTS: Procedures were performed in 157 patients. The first 100 patients underwent procedures with fluoroscopic guidance, the following 57 procedures were performed with the near-zero fluoroscopy approach. The results show a significant reduction in DPA for all operators immediately after implementation of the near-zero fluoroscopy protocol (control 637 ± 611 μGy/m2 ; beginner 44.1 ± 79.5 μGy/m2 , p = 0.002; 1st year fellow 24.3 ± 46.4.5 μGy/m2 , p = 0.001; 2nd year fellow 130.3 ± 233.3 μGy/m2 , p = 0.003; expert 9.3 ± 37.4 μGy/m2 , P < 0.001). Procedure duration, acute success, and complications were not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSION: Our results show a 90% reduction of DPA shortly after implementation of a near-zero fluoroscopy approach in interventional electrophysiology even in operators in training.