Impact of Simulation-Based Training on Radiation Exposure of Young Interventional Cardiologists

Reducing radiation exposure during cardiovascular catheterization is of paramount importance to ensure patient and staff safety. Our study aimed to assess the transferability of acquired skills from virtual reality to the real world, including radioprotection measures during mentored simulation training (ST) in coronary angiography. A total of 10 cardiology residents were evaluated during real-life cases in the catheterization laboratory before (group A) and after mentored ST. The educational effect of mentored simulator training on real-life case performance was evaluated at 2 different time points: within the first week (group B) and after 12 weeks (group C). Compared with group A, the total dose area product (DAP) (µGy•m²) and total air kerma (mGy) were lower after ST: group A: 2,633 (1,723 to 3,617) versus group B: 1,618 (1,032 to 2,562), p <0.05 and 214 (136 to 297) versus 135 (84 to 222), p <0.05, respectively. Concerning operator radiation exposure (µSv), left finger dose: 1,090 (820 to 1,460) versus 635 (300 to 900), p = 0.028; left leg dose 80 (0 to 110) versus 0 (0 to 0), p = 0.027; left eye lens dose: 39 (24 to 69) versus 11 (8 to 20), p <0.0001; and chest dose outside the lead apron: 50 (34 to 88) versus 29 (21 to 50), p <0.003 were significantly lower in the group B than group A. A total of 12 weeks after ST, the total DAP and total air kerma remained stable along with operator exposure except left eye lens dose (µSv): group B: 11 (8 to 20) versus group C: 16 (12 to 27), p = 0.02. In addition, left eye lens dose, left wrist dose, and chest dose outside the lead apron were significantly correlated with total DAP (rs = 0.635, rs = 0.729, and rs = 0, 629, respectively) and total air kerma (rs = 0.488, rs = 0.514, and rs = 0.548, respectively) at 12 weeks. In conclusion, ST for coronary angiography may improve radioprotection learning and should be incorporated into training curricula.