Skin dose and dose-area product values for interventional cardiology procedures

Br J Radiol. 2001 Jan;74(877):48-55. doi: 10.1259/bjr.74.877.740048.

Abstract

Coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures performed in four different facilities were monitored in the present study by measuring maximum skin dose, dose-area product and other operational parameters. Radiographic slow film, thermoluminescent dosemeters and transmission ion chambers were used to measure dose related quantities. Values of 107-711 mGy for maximum skin dose and 27.3-370.6 Gy cm2 for dose-area product were found, together with cumulative skin dose estimates of 110-3706 mGy. A discussion of the relationship of measured dose-area product and skin dose values is made using a field concentration factor defined as a way to interpret the findings. No general correlation was observed between dose-area product and maximum skin dose. Cumulative skin dose estimates throughout a procedure should be discarded as a realistic method for assessing deterministic risk in cardiology procedures. Slow film in addition to thermoluminescent dosemeters for measurement of maximum skin dose is a good alternative, especially for complex interventional procedures. For repeated procedures, combining film and dose-area product monitoring favours optimization of radiation protection for the patient.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary*
  • Coronary Angiography*
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiography, Interventional*
  • Radiometry / methods
  • Skin / radiation effects*