Operator radiation exposure during right or left transradial coronary angiography: A phantom study

To evaluate the radiation dose absorbed by operators comparing left with right radial access (LRA and RRA respectively) we simulated a diagnostic coronary angiography using a dedicated phantom. Operators were equipped with dedicated electronic dosimeters at wrist, hip, head and thorax level. LRA compared to RRA was associated with a significant lower operator dose at wrist and thorax but with a significant higher radiation dose at hip level whereas the radiation dose at left side of the head did not show significant differences between the two approaches.