Differences in radiation exposure among cardiac catheterization lab stuff

Introduction:

Interventional cardiology procedures has advanced significantly over the past years resulting in great increase in radiation exposure of interventional cardiologists.

Despite the change in fluoroscopic techniques and safety equipment the evidence of occupational radiation hazard persist.

The aim for this study was to evaluate contemporary radiation exposure during coronary angiography.

Methods:

Consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography preformed in a single medium volume center by two operators were enrolled.

The dose of radiation exposure of the first, second and circulating nurse were measured by an electronic dosimeter attached to the chest pocket of the personal’s apron.

The dose-area product (DAP) and air kerma product (KAP) were used as indices of patient exposure to radiation. The duration of fluoroscopy, acquisition time, and total duration of the procedure were measured.

Results:

108 coronary angiographies were performed, the average patient age was 64 and 75% were males. The first operator was most exposed to radiation, mean of 10.68 mSV followed by 4.47 mSv for second operator and 0.6 mSv for the circulating nurse.

The average total procedure time was 32.6 ± 24.7 minutes and fluoroscopic time was 13 ± 10.9 minutes.

The DAP was higher for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) than non STEMI (217, 105, P=0.013), higher for radial over femoral approach (119 ± 99, 64 ± 35 P=0.032), higher for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) over non PCI (176 ± 126 ,64 ± 43, P=0.001) and higher for males over females (134 ± 119, 80 ± 53, P = 0.009). there was no significant difference in DAP for weight or BMI.

Conclusion:

Male gender, radial approach, STEMI case, PCI and being the primary operator were all associated with higher radiation dose during coronary angiography.