Minimizing exposure to radiation in invasive cardiology using modern dose-reduction technology: Evaluation of the real-life effects.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to measure the reduction in the estimated dose of radiation received by patients that can be achieved using dose-reduction technology (ClarityIQ, Philips Healthcare, The Netherlands), among all patients undergoing invasive cardiology procedures. BACKGROUND: Medical procedures remain the primary source of exposure to ionizing radiation in the general population. METHODS: The study population comprised all patients (without exclusion criteria) undergoing invasive coronary procedures over a 1-year study period in a large referral centre equipped with two catheterization laboratories (cathlabs). Both cathlabs (A and B) were equipped with the Allura Xper FD10 imaging system (Philips Healthcare, The Netherlands), but only Cathlab B was equipped with ClarityIQ technology. The primary endpoint was the estimated total dose of radiation received by the patient, as assessed by Air Kerma (AK) and dose area product (DAP). RESULTS: In total, 2095 invasive coronary procedures were analyzed. The patients who underwent procedures in Cathlab B received an average estimated dose that was 23% (AK) and 43% (DAP) lower than the dose received by patients undergoing procedures in Cathlab A (P < .0001). The reduction remained significant by multivariate analysis after adjustment for total X-ray time, body mass index, arterial approach, PCI of at least one lesion, sex, and patient age. CONCLUSION: In our study, the ClarityIQ technology reduced the estimated radiation dose received by patients by 23-43%, according to the method of measurement.

Trends in Patient Exposure to Radiation in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Over a 10-Year Period.

Technological progress has made it possible to reduce the dose of radiation delivered by medical x-ray systems. In parallel, interventional coronary procedures have become increasingly complex and consequently, last longer. This study aimed to compare the estimated dose of radiation received by patients in interventional cardiology at 10 years interval (2006 vs 2016). The study population included all patients who underwent interventional coronary procedures in one of the catheterization laboratories of our institution during 2 periods, namely, period 1 from October 2005 to March 2006, and period 2 from November 2015 to October 2016. The primary end point was the estimated dose of radiation received by the patient as assessed by dose area product. In 2016, the estimated dose of radiation received by patients who underwent interventional coronary procedures was on average 78% lower than that received in 2006 (p <0.0001), whereas the fluoroscopy time increased by 54% on average over the same period (p <0.0001). By multivariate analysis, including age, approach, body mass index, fluoroscopy time, and performance of angioplasty, the reduction in radiation remained significant. The radial approach was significantly associated with an increased estimated dose of radiation received (p <0.0001). In conclusion, the estimated dose of radiation received by patients who underwent interventional cardiology procedures has been reduced by 78% over the last decade.

Acute coronary syndromes in the very elderly: Short term prognostic performance of the SYNTAX score.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) frequently occur in elderly subjects. The high mortality associated with ACS in this population justifies the identification of factors related to poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the short-term prognostic performance of the SYNTAX score in a population of patients aged 85years or more presenting ACS and undergoing coronary angiography. Secondary objectives were to identify factors related to length of stay and potential markers of in-hospital death. We performed a retrospective, single-centre prognostic study including patients aged 85years or more who underwent coronary angiography for ACS over a 4year period. The primary endpoint was length of stay, and the secondary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. In total, 70 patients were included (37 men), average age 87.0±2.5years. Average SYNTAX score was 19.0±14.9. Average length of stay was 13.1±7.8days. By multivariate analysis, SYNTAX score was correlated with length of stay (p=0.008). Seven (10%) patients died in-hospital. Patients who died had a higher SYNTAX score (p=0.013) (threshold value of 25) and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.001). They more frequently had signs of heart failure at admission (p=0.002), ST segment elevation ACS (p=0.046) and left main stem involvement (p=0.041) than survivors. In our study, SYNTAX score was associated with length of stay and in-hospital mortality. A SYNTAX score of 25 or more seems to be an indicator of poor short-term prognosis in very elderly patients with ACS.

Risk factors for infection of implantable cardiac devices: data from a registry of 2496 patients.

AIMS: The increased use of implantable cardiac devices has been accompanied by an increase in infection. However, risk factors for infection of implanted devices are poorly documented. We aimed to identify risk factors in patients with long-term follow-up after implantation of cardiac devices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with first implantation of a cardiac device in our centre between October 1996 and July 2007 were entered in a registry. Each confirmed infection of the implanted device was matched to two controls for age, sex, and implantation year. We recorded cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes), previous history of heart disease, renal failure, antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, as well as pre- and post-procedural characteristics (antibiotic prophylaxis, hyperthermia, number of leads, associated interventions, and early complications). During the study period, 2496 patients underwent implantation of a cardiac device; 35 infections were diagnosed (1.2%). Among these, 75% occurred during the first year after implantation. Early non-infectious complication requiring surgical intervention was observed only in patients with infection (9 of 35, P < 0.001). Factors independently associated with infection were diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.03, 12.97]], underlying heart disease (OR 3.12, 95% CI [1.13; 8.69]), and use of >1 lead (OR 4.07, 95% CI [1.23, 13.47]). These latter two risk factors were also independently associated with occurrence of infection within 1 year of implantation. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the presence of diabetes and underlying heart disease are independent risk factors for infection after cardiac device implantation. As regards procedural characteristics, the use of several leads and early re-intervention are associated with a higher infection rate.