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Decreasing operators' radiation exposure during coronary procedures
Author(s) -
Behan Miles,
Haworth Peter,
Colley Paul,
Brittain Michael,
Hince Andrew,
Clarke Michael,
Ghuran Azad,
Saha Mrinal,
HildickSmith David
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
catheterization and cardiovascular interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1522-726X
pISSN - 1522-1946
DOI - 10.1002/ccd.22466
Subject(s) - medicine , lead apron , fluoroscopy , radiation exposure , nuclear medicine , radiation protection , radiation dose , surgery
Aim : Transradial coronary procedures are associated with decreased vascular access site complications and other benefits compared to the femoral approach. There is some concern however about high‐recorded radiation doses for interventional cardiologists using the transradial route. We therefore designed and investigated the effect of a transradial radiation protection board (TRPB) on operator radiation exposure during coronary procedures. Methods and Results : One hundred and six patients were randomly assigned by time period to undergo radial coronary procedures either with or without a TRPB. This is a grooved arm board with a detachable 0.5‐mm lead equivalent shield designed to rest between the patient's arm and side. Individual case‐specific radiation exposures were measured using electronic personal dosimeter worn on the left outer pocket of the lead apron at chest level. The TRPB was used in addition to standard lead apron and thyroid shielding, below‐table leaded flaps, and leaded glass. Operator radiation exposure was significantly decreased in the TRPB group overall: 28 [18–65] μSV versus 19.5 [10.5–35] μSV, P = 0.003. There were no significant differences in procedure duration, total fluoroscopy dose, or contrast load between the two groups. Conclusion : Identification of methods to reduce operator radiation dose is important. The use of the TRPB can significantly reduce radiation exposure to radial operators. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.