Work

Radiation exposure in pediatric port implantations – How low is reasonable achievable? A retrospective single-center study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the present study was to establish local reference data for radiation exposure in children undergoing port implantation. METHODS: . The study included all pediatric port implantations performed at our institution between 2018 and 2023. Secondary endpoints comprised patient age, underlying diagnoses, radiation duration, and duration of surgery. All procedures were performed under fluoroscopy using a mobile C-arm with a flat panel detector (Ziehm Vision, Leu AG). This device automatically adjusts power output based on tissue density. The standard pre-installed program, "Children and Heart", delivers 12 pulses per second. At our institution, pediatric surgeons are responsible for intraoperative fluoroscopy. Mandatory annual radiation protection training is provided for all surgeons utilizing fluoroscopic equipment. MAIN RESULTS: , with calculated effective doses ranging from 0.009 mSv to 0.023, depending on patient weight. The mean radiation duration was 31 s. The radiation exposure was found to be positively correlated with patient's weight. CONCLUSION: The literature on radiation exposure in pediatric port implantation is limited. The present analysis provides a benchmark for children and adolescents, useful for quality control and the development of protocols that aim to reduce radiation exposure in children.

Source: European Journal of Radiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.111965

Authors: Tobias Krause, Erich Schröder, Eric Stöckli, Steffen Berger, Milan Milosevic

Institutions: University of Bern, University Hospital of Bern, University Children’s Hospital Bern

Language: English

Topic: Radiation Dose and Imaging

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,440