Radiation exposure during ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided spinal interventional pain management procedures in dogs: a retrospective analysis in a single institution.
Roger Medina-Serra, Eliseo Belda, Patricia López-Abradelo, Aurora Zoff, Sandra Sanchís-Mora
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: To quantify C-arm-registered radiation exposure during ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided spinal interventional pain management in dogs, and to measure operator-based radiation levels to identify discrepancies between delivered and received dose.
Study design: A retrospective observational study.
Animals: A total of 82 canine spinal interventional pain management procedures performed at a single referral institution.
Methods: Radiation data [dose-area product (Gy·cm2) and absorbed dose (mGy)] were collected from a mobile C-arm fluoroscopy system for procedures conducted from September 2020 to August 2024. Effective dose (mSv) was calculated using a standard conversion factor applied to dose-area product (Gy·cm2). Operator exposure was monitored via thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) placed at chest level and at the C-arm arc. TLD readings were retrieved quarterly through the Public Health England/UK Health Security Agency databases. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality, and data were expressed as median (minimum-maximum) or mean ± standard deviation, as appropriate.
Results: The median absorbed dose for all spinal interventions was 3.97 (0.07-25.8) mGy. The corresponding median dose-area product and effective dose was 0.63 (0.01-4.12) Gy·cm2 and 0.15 (0.002-0.95) mSv, respectively. Procedural radiation exposure lay near the lower end of reported human ranges and operator TLD readings remained below detection thresholds despite cumulative procedural doses exceeding these levels.
Conclusions and clinical relevance: Ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided spinal interventional pain management in dogs resulted in relatively low radiation exposure levels for both animals and operators. Incorporating ultrasound aligns with the 'as low as reasonably achievable' principle, helping reduce fluoroscopy time and associated risks. These findings support the development of targeted radiation safety protocols for veterinary interventional procedures and underscore the importance of continued operator training and dosimetry monitoring.
期刊介绍：
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia is the official journal of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists, the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. Its purpose is the publication of original, peer reviewed articles covering all branches of anaesthesia and the relief of pain in animals. Articles concerned with the following subjects related to anaesthesia and analgesia are also welcome:
the basic sciences;
pathophysiology of disease as it relates to anaesthetic management
equipment
intensive care
chemical restraint of animals including laboratory animals, wildlife and exotic animals
welfare issues associated with pain and distress
education in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.
Review articles, special articles, and historical notes will also be published, along with editorials, case reports in the form of letters to the editor, and book reviews. There is also an active correspondence section.
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