Objectives: Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (cPVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation requires fluoroscopic guidance, causing a relevant amount of radiation exposure. Strategies to reduce radiation exposure in electrophysiologic procedures and specifically cPVI are of great importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible reduction of radiation dose using the novel Azurion 7 F12 x-ray system compared with its predecessor Allura FD10.
Methods: In February 2017, the Philips Azurion angiography system was introduced, combining the Allura Clarity radiation dose reduction technology with a more powerful generator, improved image resolution, and a large screen display. In 173 patients undergoing cPVI by a single experienced operator in our institution between December 2016 and April 2018, dose area products (cGy×cm) and image quality were compared using Azurion 7 F12 or Allura FD10 angiography system.
Results: A significant reduction in total radiation dose expressed as a dose area products of 524 (332; 821) cGy×cm on the Allura system compared with 309 (224; 432) cGy×cm on the Azurion system was observed (P<0.001). The number of imaging scenes recorded were 14.7 versus 13.9, and mean overall imaging quality scores (grading 4.85±0.4 with Azurion vs. 4.80±0.4 with Allura, P=0.38) and scores based on specific quality parameters were similar in both groups.
Conclusion: Use of the new Azurion 7 F12 angiography system substantially reduced radiation doses compared with the previous generation reference system, Allura Clarity, without compromising imaging quality in patients undergoing cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation.