[Reduction of Radiation Exposure to Operator with Radiation Protective Device in ERCP Procedure Using Over-coach...

It is important to reduce the dose received by medical staffs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of protective curtain and the property of small optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters used for ambient dose measurement in fluoroscopy. The property of small OSL dosimeters was investigated in terms of uniformity, changing fluoroscopy time and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) thickness, and angular dependence. Paper pipes were assembled in glid shape and ambient dose was investigated by using small OSL dosimeters that were put on them with and without protective curtain. Air kerma was investigated by small OSL dosimeters that were put on a head phantom at the position of eyes. Dose response of small OSL dosimeters was independent of fluoroscopy time and PMMA thickness, so it is appropriate to measure ambient dose by small OSL dosimeters. In relation to ambient dose, there was significant difference with and without protective curtain (p<0.001, paired-t-test). These air kerma on the head phantom were reduced to approximately 20% by attaching protective curtain. In order to reduce the dose received by operators, it is desirable to use protective curtain.