Establishment of institutional diagnostic reference level for coronary angiography procedures in Sri Lanka

Vijitha Ramanathan1, Hasalanka S Senarathna1, Hasun U Gunaratna1

  • 1Department of Radiography and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.

PubMed

Insights

This study established the first institutional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for coronary angiography (CAG) in Sri Lanka. The findings provide crucial benchmarks for optimizing radiation exposure during this common cardiac interventional procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Medical Physics
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Coronary angiography (CAG) is a frequent interventional procedure in cardiac catheterisation laboratories.
  • Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are essential for optimizing radiation exposure for patients and staff while ensuring diagnostic image quality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish institutional DRLs for CAG procedures at a private hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • To provide a benchmark for radiation dose optimization in cardiac interventions within the region.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 325 CAG procedures performed on two C-arm machines.
  • Calculation of institutional DRLs for cumulative dose-area product (DAP) and fluoroscopic time.

Main Results:

  • The established institutional DRL for accumulated DAP was 10,610 mGycm².
  • The established institutional DRL for fluoroscopic time was 2.31 minutes.

Conclusions:

  • The study successfully established institutional DRLs for CAG, offering a baseline for radiation safety.
  • Further development of national DRLs for common interventional procedures in Sri Lanka is recommended, considering all influencing factors to optimize patient doses.

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