Operator Radiation Exposure in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Guidance

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Oncology
• Radiological Physics

Background:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance is increasingly used in medical procedures.
• Operator radiation exposure is a concern during interventional procedures.
• Quantitative data on operator dose and the efficacy of shielding in CBCT-guidance is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively analyze operator radiation dose during CBCT-guided procedures.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of protective shielding in reducing operator dose.

Main Methods:

• A Rando phantom model was used to measure radiation dose to the operator's hand, thyroid, and gonads.
• Dose measurements were taken with and without sterile radiation-absorbing drapes and ceiling/couch shielding.
• Dosimetry measurements were correlated with clinical cases.

Main Results:

• Mean hand doses were 34.2 µSv (thoracic) and 54.6 µSv (abdominal).
• Thyroid and gonad doses varied by procedure group, with combined shielding reducing dose by 98.2-98.9%.
• Clinical measurements showed lower doses, especially with shielding.

Conclusions:

• Operator dose in CBCT-guidance without shielding is relatively low compared to existing literature.
• Protective shielding is highly effective, reducing radiation exposure significantly.
• A substantial number of procedures can be performed annually while staying within the 20 mSv effective whole-body dose limit.