Radiation Exposure of Interventional Radiologists during Computed Tomography Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation

Abstract

The principal aim of this study was to evaluate radiation exposure of interventionalists during computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) using radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeters (RPLDs). The radioprotective effects of safety glasses and lead apron were also evaluated.Materials and Methods: Radiation exposure of interventionalists during 46 CT fluoroscopy-guided PCA procedures was evaluated. Entrance surface dose (ESD) was measured using RPLDs on multiple sites: five sites, representing eye lens exposure; five sites, representing body exposure; and four sites, representing skin exposure. The ESD values on multiple sites were compared between different PCA procedures (renal, liver, and bone).Results: The mean ESD on the X-ray-side hand exhibited the highest value (358.8 μGy). Regarding evaluation sites representing exposure to the eye lens, the highest ESD inside the radiation protective glasses was detected on the X-ray-side cheek (167.1 μGy). Most ESD values among multiple sites (10/14) were linearly correlated with CT fluoroscopy time. Among them, the ESD values measured during renal and liver PCA were relatively higher than those measured during bone PCA, especially on the chest area outside the lead apron, and on the X-ray tube-side elbow and hand during renal and bone PCA. Radioprotective effects of safety glasses and lead apron ranged from 44.6 to 50.6% and from 30.2 to 79.6%, respectively, on each evaluation site. Conclusion:The site with the highest radiation exposure on interventionalists during CT fluoroscopyguided PCA was the X-ray tube-side hand. Radiation exposure of interventionalists was at acceptable levels and consistent with the recommended dose limits.

Effect of Radiation Protection Training on Medical Students using X-ray Equipment

“…Radiation-shielding glasses are essential for reducing radiation exposure to the lenses of the eye. 9 Second, experiments on radiation dose measurement were conducted using one type of X-ray fluoroscopy device, one type of lead apron, and one particular imaging condition. Medical students must be informed that the radiation doses measured will have generally similar trends if not performed with equipment that performs completely differently or under other imaging conditions, but this varies depending on the tools used.…”