ALARA in Pediatric Electrophysiology Laboratory

Abstract

The effects of radiation on patients and the providers are dose-dependent and cumulative. Pediatric patients are not only more sensitive to radiation but also may undergo more procedures and diagnostic tests throughout their lifetime. As providers, the endeavor is to cause no harm and it behooves us to either eliminate or minimize the radiation exposure to patients without affecting the efficacy and outcomes of the diagnostic or therapeutic modalities. Pediatric electrophysiologists have taken the lead in attempting to minimize the radiation exposure to patients and staff with innovative and advanced techniques. The techniques range from minimizing the exposure to radiation with better understanding and applications of the physics associated with fluoroscopic imaging to using alternative imaging modalities that do not use radiation.

Compatibility assessment of a temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter with a novel electroanatomical mapping system

“…The main results of the current study are: (1) Previously developed universal method for compatibility assessment of 3D mapping systems are considered as a standard of care for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrythmias. They reduce radiation time and dose and improve the precision of ablation treatment (2,5,8). However, the use of third-party ablation catheters is limited as there is no compatibility out of the box.…”

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Heart Disease in Children

“…In the next paper, Dr. Singh from the Baylor College of Medicine/The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA, reviews “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) in pediatric electrophysiology laboratory [ 6 ]. Dr. Singh emphasizes the occurrence of adverse radiation effects (cataracts, skin abnormalities, malignancies, birth defects, and spine and orthopedic injuries) associated with electrophysiologic studies and therapy, particularly in children, and advocates ALARA.…”

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Heart Disease in Children

“…In the next paper, Dr. Singh from the Baylor College of Medicine/The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA, reviews “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) in pediatric electrophysiology laboratory [ 3 ]. Dr. Singh emphasizes the occurrence of adverse radiation effects (cataracts, skin abnormalities, malignancies, birth defects, and spine and orthopedic injuries) associated with electrophysiologic studies and therapy, particularly in children, and advocates ALARA.…”