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.m (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.m (2.39-5.43) and air kerma of 2.27 mGy (1.41-3.06) versus 1.86 µGy.m (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.