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Audit of radiation dose to patients during coronary angiography
Roshan S Livingstone1, Sunil Chandy, Timothy B S Peace
1Department of Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore - 632 004, India. roshanlivingstone@yahoo.com
Insights
This study optimized radiation dose for coronary angiography (CA) patients. Implementing spectral filters and evaluating operator practices significantly reduced patient radiation exposure, with no reported adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Widespread concern exists regarding patient radiation doses in cardiology procedures.
- Coronary angiography (CA) is a common procedure with potential for significant radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit and optimize radiation dose for patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA).
- To evaluate the effectiveness of dose reduction strategies in cardiovascular procedures.
Main Methods:
- Dose auditing was performed on 149 patients undergoing CA.
- Dose reduction strategies included spectral filters and evaluation of operator work practices.
- Statistical significance was analyzed using Student's 't' test.
Main Results:
- Mean dose area product (DAP) decreased from 55.86 Gy cm² before optimization to 27.71 Gy cm² after optimization.
- No adverse effects related to radiation were reported in patients.
- Copper filtration demonstrated potential for dose reduction.
Conclusions:
- Radiation dose optimization is feasible and effective in coronary angiography.
- Spectral filters, particularly copper filtration, can significantly reduce patient radiation exposure.
- Optimized radiation protocols enhance patient safety during cardiovascular procedures.
Background:
There is widespread concern about radiation doses imparted to patients during cardiology procedures in the medical community. The current study intends to audit and optimize radiation dose to patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA) performed using two dedicated cardiovascular machines.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred and forty nine patients who underwent CA are reported in this study. Dose auditing was done by implementing dose reduction strategies using spectral filters and by evaluating work practices of operators involved in performing CA.
Statistical Analysis:
A Student's 't' test was used to analyze the statistical significance.
Results And Conclusion:
The radiation dose imparted to patients was measured using dose area product (DAP) meter. The mean DAP values during CA before optimization was 55.86 Gy cm2 and after optimization was 27.71 Gy cm2. No ill-effects of radiation were reported for patients who underwent CA. Use of copper filtration may be recommended for procedures performed using cardiovascular machines.
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