Intraoperative 2D C-arm and 3D O-arm in children: a comparative phantom study

Abstract Purpose Exposure to ionizing radiation is a concern for children during intraoperative imaging. We aimed to assess the radiation exposureto the paediatric patient with 2D and 3D imaging. Methods To evaluate the radiation exposure, patient absorbed dosesto the organs were measured in an anthropomorphic phantom representing a five-year-old child, using thermoluminescent dosimeters. For comparative purposes, organ doses were measured using a C-arm for one minute of fluoroscopyand one acquisition with an O-arm. The cone-beam was centred on the pelvis. Direct and scattered irradiations were measured and compared ( Student’s t-test). Skin entrance dose rates were also evaluated. Results All radiation doses were expressed in µGy. Direct radiation doses of pelvic organs were between 631.22 and 1691.87 for the O-arm and between 214.08 and 737.51 for the C-arm, and were not significant (p = 0.07). Close scattered radiation on abdominal organs were between 25.11 and 114.85 for the O-arm and between 8.03 a...