Radiation dose measurement for patients and staff during cardiac catheterization

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to determine the patient and staff dose during cardiac catheterization procedures in Ahmed Gasim Hospital, Khartoum Bahry. A survey of patient and staff exposure was performed covered 2 Cath Lab units from 2 manufacturers. The measurements involved 50 operations. The medical staff was monitored using TLD chips (LiF: Mg, Cu, P). The main operator who was closer to the patient and the X-ray tube, was monitored at six positions (forehead, neck, chest – over the lead apron, waist – under the lead apron, leg, and hand), while the exposure to the assistant was measured at two positions (chest – over the lead apron, and hand), where the technologist and the circulator were monitored at one position (chest – over the lead apron). Patient exposure was measured using the DAP meter. The main operator and the rest of the staff received 0.14, 0.01 mSv/procedure, giving rise to an estimated annual effective dose of 17.67, 6.3 mSv/y respectively. The estimated patient dose rate was found to be 125 mGy/min which considered higher than the recommended DRL for the continuous high mode fluoroscopy used in interventional radiology (100 mGy/min). The study concluded to the fact that the main operator received relatively high dose which is a direct result to the poor radiation protection in the department.