Radiolucent head immobilization during neurointerventional procedures: A pilot study from a single-institution experience

BackgroundRadiolucent head immobilization (RHI) devices have recently been introduced to the neurovascular space for the purpose of procedural efficiency and safety. However, limited data exists to support its efficacy. In this study, we assessed the potential benefits of RHI. We hypothesized that RHI use is associated with improved procedural efficiency without loss of angiographic image quality or increase in radiation exposure.MethodsA single-institution single-physician retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) under conscious sedation over a 1-year period was conducted. Comparative analyses of fluoroscopy time, image quality, and radiation dosage were performed.ResultsSignificantly shorter fluoroscopy times were observed for patients with RHI undergoing DSA (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and bilateral MMAE (<i>p</i> < 0.05). There was no significant difference in fluoroscopy time for patients undergoing a unilateral MMAE. No difference was found in total radiation dose between patients with RHI compared to patients without RHI. A blinded image quality comparison found no differences in image quality or presence of artifact upon review of DSA images.ConclusionUse of RHI devices was associated with significantly lower fluoroscopy times for DSA and bilateral MMAE without sacrificing image quality. RHI may prove beneficial for decreasing procedural times, particularly during longer, conscious sedation procedures.