Reduction of radiation dose using real-time visual feedback dosimetry during angiographic interventions

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Interventional Radiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Medical staff in interventional radiology face occupational radiation exposure.
• Minimizing radiation dose is crucial for staff safety during procedures like angiographic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of real-time dosimetry with visual feedback in reducing radiation dose for medical staff during angiographic interventions.
• To assess the impact of this technology on operator and assistant radiation exposure and procedural time.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 214 angiographic examinations (chemoembolizations and other therapeutic interventions).
• Interventionalists wore Unfors RaySafe i2 dosimeters.
• 110 interventions used real-time dosimetry with visual feedback; 104 served as a control group.

Main Results:

• Mean operator radiation dose decreased by 36% (from 3.67 to 2.36 μSv) with real-time dosimetry (p=0.032).
• Operator exposure time was reduced by 4.5 minutes (p=0.071).
• Significant dose reductions were observed for both chemoembolizations and other interventions, as well as for assistants (-30%, p=0.039).

Conclusions:

• Integration of real-time dosimetry and visual feedback into clinical workflows can significantly reduce occupational radiation exposure during angiographic interventions.
• This technology enhances awareness of radiation risks, leading to radiation-sparing practices and a safer environment for medical personnel.