Comparison of radiation dose to patient and staff for two interventional cardiology units: a phantom study

The purpose of this investigation was to measure the patient and staff dose during routine interventional cardiology procedures for an image intensifier-based and a flat detector system using a water phantom. The Integris BH3000 image intensifier-based (Philips) and the Axiom Artis flat detector-based (Siemens) angiography units were used in this study. The accuracy of tubes potential and irradiation timers and also internal dosimeters were verified and confirmed. A water phantom with a thickness of 18 cm was used for patient and staff dose measurements. For the Philips system, phantom entrance dose rates were 2.77 and 38.97 microGym(2) s(-1) during fluoroscopy and cineangiography. The respective dose rates for the Siemens were 1.98 and 13.46 microGym(2) s(-1). Phantom entrance dose rate was 28.5 and 65% higher for the Philips system during fluoroscopy and cineangiography, respectively. Comparing the scattered dose rates at the operator location showed that the flat detector-based Siemens system delivers five times lower dose to the operator in comparison with the image intensifier-based Philips unit. The results suggest that the decrease in received dose of the patient and staff is achievable using the flat detector system. In addition, application of lead curtain and glass is recommended to lower the cardiologist dose especially for the image intensifier-based Philips system.