Does the use of new intracoronary interventional devices prolong radiation exposure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory?
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the duration of radiation exposure associated with new percutaneous coronary interventional devices with that associated with conventional balloon angioplasty. BACKGROUND: Radiation exposure levels have been documented to be higher with coronary balloon angioplasty than with routine diagnostic coronary angiography. However, the effect of new interventional devices on radiation exposure has not been studied. METHODS: Fluoroscopic and cineangiographic data from the Mayo Clinic cardiac catheterization laboratory data base of patients having single-segment coronary intervention during a recent 46-month period were retrospectively analyzed. Of 897 patients studied, 646 underwent balloon angioplasty, 138 directional coronary atherectomy (42 with adjunctive balloon angioplasty), 76 excimer laser angioplasty (50 with adjunctive balloon angioplasty) and 37 placement of an intracoronary stent (16 emergencies). RESULTS: Duration of fluoroscopy duri
