Key result
Higher patient BMI is linked to ~24% higher odds of elevated operator radiation during ablation.
Why the study?
Standard dosimeters provide only delayed cumulative radiation exposure data, limiting timely risk assessment during catheter ablation, especially for radiation-sensitive operators.
Observational (n=82)
No
Odds Ratio: 1.238 (95% CI 1.057–1.451)
p-value: p=0.008
Real-time personal dosimetry demonstrates that while per-procedure operator radiation exposure during catheter ablation is generally low (median 2 µSv), it significantly increases with higher patient BMI, longer fluoroscopy times, and unforeseen procedural complications.
May warrant extra radiation precautions in higher-BMI ablation cases; leaves open prospective confirmation of dosimetry-guided interventions.
Advances in interventional cardiology have increased procedural complexity, raising concerns about radiation exposure—especially for women operators of reproductive age, who are subject to stricter dose limits. Standard dosimeters provide only delayed cumulative data, limiting timely risk assessment. Real-time personal dosimetry offers immediate feedback, but its clinical utility during catheter ablation (CA) remains underexplored. We retrospectively analyzed 82 CA procedures performed between January and May 2024. First operators wore real-time dosimeters positioned at the waist under lead aprons. Radiation exposure and procedural characteristics were recorded and analyzed. The median operator radiation dose per procedure was 2 [1, 3] µSv, while the median patient dose was 0.163 [0.082, 0.324] Gy. A procedure-related cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis resulted in the highest operator dose (50 µSv). Higher patient BMI (≥ 25 kg/m 2 ) and longer fluoroscopy time were independently associated with increased operator exposure (OR: 1.238, P = 0.008; OR: 1.056, P = 0.022), though no linear correlation was observed between BMI and operator dose (r = 0.029, P = 0.797). Radiation exposure to operators during CA is generally low but may increase significantly in the event of complications or with higher-risk patient characteristics. Real-time dosimetry provides valuable immediate feedback and may be especially important for radiation-sensitive operators, supporting safer practice in the evolving field of interventional electrophysiology.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Miyoshi et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Arrhythmias requiring catheter ablation (n=82). Higher patient BMI vs. Lower patient BMI was evaluated on Operator radiation exposure ≥ 2 µSv (OR 1.238, 95% CI 1.057-1.451, p=0.008). Higher patient body mass index was independently associated with increased odds of operator radiation exposure ≥ 2 µSv during catheter ablation (OR 1.238).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: