W.S.B.--a fluoroscopy C-arm communication strategy.

Abstract

Good communication between an operating clinician and the attending radiographer when using C-arm fluoroscopy is vital. Efficient and safe use of ionising radiation protects all theatre staff. The object of this study was to design and test a single communication language for use in all fluoroscopy-assisted procedures. A clinician guiding a radiographer performed a control 'no-rules' experiment of 56 targeting manoeuvres with a fluoroscopic C-arm on a scientific model. A single beam laser replaced the usual ionising radiation beam. The time taken for each targeting along with the laser exposure required was recorded. Following a period of instruction, the experiment was repeated using only our pre-defined communication strategy. The data was collected for statistical analysis. A statistically significant reduction was seen in the time taken for each targeting manoeuvre and the laser exposure required when using our strategy. This study shows that using our pre-prepared communication strategy could significantly improve efficiency and safety of fluoroscopic C-arm use.