Effectiveness of artificial intelligent laser location system in reducing the location time and radiation dose of vertebroplasty

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that the radiation exposure dose of percutaneous vertebroplasty is 10 times that of other spinal operations. According to the two-dimensional image, the C-arm alone cannot provide more information about the injured vertebrae. There are technical defects in the process of positioning puncture during the guide operation, which has potential safety risks for both doctors and patients. Therefore, how to improve the positioning accuracy and reduce or avoid the exposure of radiation dose is a consensus. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligent laser location system in reducing the location time and radiation dose in vertebroplasty procedures. METHODS: Eighty-six cases with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture were randomly divided into two groups. Forty-three cases in the trial group were located on the body surface with C-arm fluoroscopy assisted by the artificial intelligent laser location system, and the remaining 43 cases in the control group were treated with regular C-arm fluoroscopy alone. For each procedure, radioscopy frequency, radiation dose and location puncture time were recorded. The radiation dose was documented using a Hitachi-Aloka Medical external dosimeter. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Location radioscopy frequency, radioscopy frequency of puncture, and total radiation dose were less, and the mean procedure time was shorter in the trial group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). (2) The puncture accuracy of the trial group was 65% higher than that of the control group. (3) In both groups, no polymethyl methacrylate leakage into the spinal canal, chest or abdominal cavity, no pulmonary embolism or infection occurred. (4) It is concluded that the C-arm assisted artificial intelligent laser location system applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty improves the accuracy of location in percutaneous vertebroplasty, effectively reduces the radioscopy frequency and radiation exposure dose, and shortens the location puncture time. This system is simple and easy to learn. During the procedure, the patient’s body should be prevented from shifting.