Occupational doses to cardiologists performing fluoroscopically-guided procedures

Interventional cardiologists (ICs) receive the largest radiation dose of any medical specialist working with X-ray techniques. The aim of present study has been to obtain dose estimates received by ICs during fluoroscopically-guided imaging and interventional procedures. TLDs in the form of badges, rings, and chips have been used, measuring Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) as appropriate. During the course of 41 coronary angiography (CAG) cases, 50 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) cases and 9 (CAG + PCI) procedures, cardiologist doses to the skin of the hands, upper neck area and to the eyes were assessed. Two-TLD badges were placed at the level of the Pb-composite collar exterior to the shielding, with a further two placed under and two more over the Pb-composite apron. Four chip-form TLDs were positioned above the eyebrows (two for the right- and two for the left eye), and two ring dosimeters were worn on the left and right hands. Cardiologist doses correlated with total fluoroscopy time over the five month period of the survey, the annual effective doses received by the body, eyes, hands and upper trunk area being estimated to be 8.0-, 10.7-, 24.3- and 10.2 mSv respectively, all well below the ICRP recommended equivalent dose limits, indicating well-controlled radiation protection practices.