[A study of operator's hand and finger exposure dose reduction during angiographic procedures]

The number of examinations using interventional radiology (IVR) has increased recently. Because of the more advanced and more complex procedures for IVR, longer treatment time is required. Therefore, it is important to determine exposure doses. We measured operator exposure dose during IVR using a thermoluminescence dosimeter. The results revealed the dose equivalent to the operator's hands and fingers to be higher than that of other parts, although the effective dose for the operator was low. Moreover, we looked into the factors that affected exposure dose to the operator's fingers, and examined ways to reduce the dose. In regard to the exposed dose to the operator's fingers, dose reduction was possible as a result of a geometric arrangement of the fluoroscopic unit, the radiation field size, using a radiation protective device and deliberation to exposure dose reduction of the operator. It is possible to carry out IVR more safely using the method of exposure dose reduction to the operator's fingers.