Occupational radiation exposure during endovascular aortic procedures

To measure the radiation exposure of the operating team during endovascular aortic procedures, and to determine factors that predict high exposures.

Electronic dosimeters placed over and under protective lead garments, were used to prospectively record radiation exposure during endovascular aortic repairs performed in a designated interventional radiology suite. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses of predictors of radiation exposure were performed.

A total of 26 infra-renal and 10 thoracic endovascular cases were studied. Median (IQR) patient age and body mass index were 76.0 (70.0-81.8) years and 26.2 (23.9-28.9) kg/m(2) respectively. Over-lead exposure to the operator was higher for thoracic than for infra-renal procedures (421.0 [233.8-597.8] microSv vs. 52.5 [27.8-179.8] microSv, p = .0003), reflecting a significant exposure to unprotected parts of the body. Under-lead exposures for operator and assistant were 5.5 (2.0-14.2) microSv and 1.0 (0.0-2.3) microSv respectively, which for an average caseload would comply with total body effective dose limits. Type of case and percentage of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) time in left anterior oblique angulations predicted dose to the operator (p < .0001).

Thoracic procedures, DSA runs and obliquity of the C-arm are strong predictors of radiation exposure during endovascular aortic repairs. Understanding scatter radiation dynamics and instigating measures to minimise radiation exposure should be mandatory.