The effect of anti-scatter grids on radiation exposure during transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants.

Background: Radiation exposure and the effect of anti-scatter grids are not well studied in premature infants during transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure.This study aimed to investigate whether the use of anti-scatter grids altered the level of radiation exposure to premature infants undergoing transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure.

Methods and results: Demographic and radiation exposure data for premature infants who underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure at the Stead Family Children's Hospital from 10/2019 to 10/2021 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Twenty-four patients (41%) underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure with anti-scatter grids, while 34 (59%) underwent the procedure without using anti-scatter grids. At the time of catheterization, the median age, corrected age, and weight were 4.3 weeks (3.4-6), 29 weeks (28.1-30.9), and 1200g (1000-1600), respectively. Total radiation exposures for the dose area product and air kerma were 2.73 µGy.m² (1.65-4.16), and 1.63 mGy (1.15-2.58), respectively. Radiation doses were higher in the group in whom the anti-scatter grids were utilized with dose area product of 3.33 µGy.m² (2.39-5.43) and air kerma of 2.27 mGy (1.41-3.06) versus 1.86 µGy.m² (1.46-3.60) and air kerma of 1.40 mGy (1.08-1.92). When radiation doses were adjusted to the radiation time, no difference in radiation exposure was noticed between the groups.

Conclusions: Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants can be safely performed with minimal radiation exposure. In the authors' laboratory, the use of anti-scatter grids does not impact radiation exposure in premature infants.