Congress:
ECR25
Poster Number:
C-22462
Type:
Poster: EPOS Radiologist (scientific)
Authorblock:
S. Gowda, R. Kothari, V. Raj; Bengaluru/IN
Disclosures:
Suraj Gowda:
Nothing to disclose
Richa Kothari:
Nothing to disclose
Vimal Raj:
Nothing to disclose
Keywords:
Cardiac, Cardiovascular system, CT, CT-Angiography, Cost-effectiveness, Technical aspects, Education and training, Sustainability
- Sustainability in radiology encompasses the implementation of environmentally conscious practices that minimize ecological impact while ensuring optimal diagnostic accuracy, patient care, and resource utilization
- In the context of modern healthcare systems, the integration of sustainable methodologies is of paramount importance.
- As part of our institutional commitment to eco-friendly imaging protocols, we adopted an innovative electrocardiogram (ECG) lead placement technique for ECG-gated computed tomography (CT) studies, wherein leads were positioned on the anterior abdominal wall instead of the conventional precordial region
- This study seeks to establish the abdominal ECG lead configuration as a viable alternative to traditional precordial placement, with the potential to enhance procedural efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and promote environmentally sustainable imaging practices without compromising clinical precision
- The low failure rate of abdominal ECG lead placement supports its widespread applicability and underscores its potential to be integrated as a standard practice in ECG-gated cardiac CT imaging protocols
- In culturally diverse populations, such as in India, where modesty and privacy concerns are prevalent, particularly among female patients, the abdominal lead placement approach mitigated potential discomfort, thereby fostering improved communication, cooperation, and overall patient satisfaction.
- In male patients with significant chest hair, pre-procedural shaving is frequently required to enhance electrode adherence, adding to procedural complexity and prolonging imaging readiness. The abdominal ECG technique eliminates this requirement, further contributing to patient convenience and procedural efficiency.
- From an economic and sustainability perspective, this novel approach confers multiple advantages. The accelerated patient turnover rate facilitates maximal utilization of imaging infrastructure during operational hours, thereby enhancing departmental efficiency and reducing scanner downtime. Moreover, the elimination of hospital gown usage results in direct cost savings by reducing the burden on laundry services, decreasing energy and water consumption, and minimizing labor costs associated with gown maintenance.
- The cost savings may be strategically reinvested in advancing patient care, acquiring state-of-the-art imaging equipment, or implementing other sustainability-driven initiatives within the radiology department, thereby contributing to long-term healthcare infrastructure optimization.
- The abdominal ECG lead connection method offers a more efficient and time-saving alternative to traditional ECG lead placement. By simplifying the lead connection process, this method not only reduces the time required for ECG preparation but also optimizes hospital resources.
- A four-lead abdominal ECG configuration may exhibit suboptimal sensitivity in detecting complex cardiac arrhythmias or subtle conduction abnormalities
- Aberrations in signal fidelity can compromise temporal resolution and degrade image quality
- Abdominal ECG leads are inherently more susceptible to motion artifacts induced by diaphragmatic excursion and abdominal wall displacement during respiration
Limitations: