Eye Lens Radiation Exposure During TAVI: Current Evidence and Imaging-Based Strategies for Dose Reduction.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increasingly performed in fluoroscopy-intensive environments, raising concerns about occupational eye lens dose (equivalent dose to the eye lens, Hp (3)) and the risk of radiation-induced cataract, particularly after the reduction of recommended annual eye lens dose limits to 20 mSv.

PURPOSE: To summarize evidence on eye lens radiation exposure during TAVI, identify procedural and occupational determinants, and review strategies to reduce exposure with a focus on imaging optimization.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review of observational and prospective studies reporting direct eye-level dose measurements or validated surrogate eye lens dose estimates (head-level, chest-level, or DAP-normalized) during TAVI and related structural heart procedures. This approach was chosen to provide a qualitative synthesis of the available evidence rather than a formal systematic review.

RESULTS

Reported operator eye lens doses typically ranged from 30 to 110 µSv per procedure, with higher exposure during transapical/transaortal access and among staff working close to the patient (e.g., anesthesiologists and circulating nurses). Additional shielding and lead-free drapes reduced normalized eye dose by approximately 25-40%, and RADPAD® use reduced operator eye-level dose from 24.3 to 14.8 µSv per procedure (p = 0.008). At these levels, cumulative exposure may approach recommended regulatory limits after approximately 150-300 procedures, depending on role, access route, and shielding practices.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Occupational eye lens exposure during TAVI is clinically relevant and strongly influenced by access route, staff positioning, and imaging-system use. Dose reduction should combine routine eye protection and dedicated eye-level dosimetry with imaging optimization (low pulse-rate fluoroscopy, minimized Digital-Subtraction-Angiography (DSA)/cine acquisitions, tight collimation, avoidance of unnecessary magnification, and correct positioning of ceiling-suspended shields and table skirts).