Factors affecting radiation exposure in endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: a pilot study

Background Radiation exposure during endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is a potential issue. Several studies have identified factors affecting radiation exposure, although they are limited. The aim of this study was to identify independent factors affecting radiation exposure in patients with AAA undergoing standard EVAR. Methods Forty-eight consecutive patients underwent elective EVAR for infrarenal AAA managed between April 2019 and April 2020. Fluoroscopy time (FT) and kerma area product (KAP) were the main outcome measures. Results Median (interquartile range) FT and KAP values were 1018 (653-1619) s and 2.68 (2.08-3.81) mGy·m2, respectively. C3 Excluder graft use and main body insertion site from the right femoral were associated with significantly lower FT. Coronary artery disease, endografts with two docking limbs, AAA diameter, neck angle and length, procedure duration, contrast amount, and hospitalization were associated with significantly higher FT. Neck angle was the single independent perioperative factors related to FT higher than the median value observed in the study (p=0.004, odds ratio 1.073, 95% confidence interval 1.023-1.126). The use of the C3 Excluder device was associated with lower KAP. AAA diameter, neck angle, procedure duration, contrast medium amount and postoperative hospitalization were associated with higher KAP. AAA diameter was the single independent factor related to KAP higher than the median value observed in the study (p=0.013, odds ratio 3.73, 95% confidence interval 1.32-10.56). Conclusions This study has identified factors affecting radiation exposure during standard EVAR for infrarenal AAAs. These factors should be taken into account when contemplating AAA repair.