Radiation exposure to medical staff in interventional and cardiac radiology.

Abstract

The aim of this work has been to determine typical occupational dose levels in interventional radiology and cardiology installations and to relate doses to patient and occupational dosimetry through the dose-area product. An experimental correlation between environmental dosimetric records and dose-area products in the centres studied was established. The study covered a sample of 83 procedures performed by 10 specialists in six laboratories. The radiologists and cardiologists monitored wore nine thermoluminescent chips next to eyes, forehead, neck, hands, left shoulder, left forearm and left arm during each single procedure. In addition, direct reading electronic devices for environmental dosimetry were placed in the C-arm of the X-ray system, to estimate roughly the occupational radiation risk level. Typical shoulder doses derived from electronic dosimetry range between 300 and 500 muSv per procedure, assuming no lead protective screens were used. Using these values and patient dose-area data from two laboratories, averaged ratios of 84 and 120 muSv per 1000 cGy cm2 are obtained for cardiology procedures. Finally, occupational dose reductions of approximately 20% when using highly filtered X-ray beams with automatic tube potential (kV) reduction (available in some facilities), and by a factor of about three when using ceiling mounted screens, have been found.

Ionizing radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: current radiation protection practice of invasive cardiology operators in Lithuania

“…Therefore, radiation safety is essential in the quality administration of cardiac catheterization laboratories [1,5]. Understanding the risks inherent to radiation exposure and being conscious of the means to minimize these hazards are mandatory for every interventionist.…”

An overview on extremity dosimetry in medical applications

“…The lowest doses for coronary angiographies (CAs) were found in a hospital centre (3) with very strict radiation protection policy (low exposure rate fluoroscopy modes, use of spectral filters, low frame rate, proper use of protective screens, protective collar, lead aprons and curtain shields). The use of a protective barrier can reduce staff doses by a factor of 2, whereas the use of a ceiling mounted screen by a factor of 3 (4) .…”

“…For vascular radiology procedures, finger doses up to 840 mSv per procedure (4) have been reported. Without protective devices, the hand doses in angiographies vary from 120 to 710 mSv per procedure.…”

“…If lead protection is not used, the dose to the feet may range from 320 to 2640 mSv per procedure, which exceeds the hand exposure during the same procedure (8) . Studies (3,4,7,10) on IC procedures (CA, PTCA and ablations) report shoulder doses between 10 and 100 mSv per procedure, feet doses between 10 and 200 mSv per procedure and hand doses between 260 and 350 mSv per procedure.…”

Active Electronic Personal Dosemeter in Interventional Radiology

“…This article presents data recorded by ALARA OD-type of AEPDs (10 -12) worn as additional personal dosemeters (4,5,9) by four medical specialists as shown in Figure 1. AEPDs were strapped on the protective apron, on the left side at the chest level (9,10) .…”