Objectives: Interventional procedures in angiography result in increased radiation exposure to cardiologists. Such exposure may increase the risk of a variety of health problems, especially cancer. Thus, radiation exposure to operators, as well as patients, is a major concern. This study was performed to determine the status of radiation exposure to cardiologists during interventional cardiology procedures.
Methods We measured the radiation dose to 3 cardiologists during 353 procedures (187 coronary angiographies [CAG] and 166 percutaneous coronary angioplasties [PTCA]) between 2002 and 2004. The absorbed dose for each cardiologist by quarter and year were measured with a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). The fluoroscopy time of each procedure was measured and compared according to the medical conditions being evaluated, the number of cardiologists involved, and whether or not the procedure was performed on an emergent basis. The fluoroscopy time was described as a geographic mean (SD).
Results: For CAG and PTCA, the major underlying diseases were angina and myocardial infarction, respectively. The radiation dose recorded on the TLD was significantly increased in parallel with the increase in fluoroscopy time. The fluoroscopy time for PTCA was 12.5 (1.9) minutes, which was significantly longer than CAG (3.7 [2.2] minutes). The fluoroscopy time for myocardial infarction was 9.1 (2.4) minutes, which was the longest of all medical conditions evaluated. The fluoroscopy time in emergent procedures was 8.2 (2.3) minutes, which was significantly longer than for elective procedures.
Conclusions: The most effective action to reduce radiation exposure for interventional cardiologists may be the consistent and proper use of radiation protective equipment as recommended through education and training. The authors hope that through the report of our findings, many interventional cardiologists will elect to attend a radiation safety and health course.
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