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Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
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.
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.
Abstract:
Amongst many interventional procedures performed in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, the coronary angiography (CAG) is the most frequently performed cardiac interventional procedure. A diagnostic reference level (DRL) is an effective tool to optimise the radiation exposure to patients and staff whilst maintaining the adequate diagnostic image quality. The aim of the study was to establish institutional DRLs for the CAG procedures performed at a selected private hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A total of 325 CAG procedures were selected for this study from two C-arm machines. The institutional DRLs of cumulative dose length product (DAP) and fluoroscopic time for the CAG procedure were calculated. The established institutional DRL for accumulated DAP and fluoroscopic time are 10 610 mGycm2 and 2.31 min, respectively. As this study conducted at only one institute we recommend to develop national DRLs for mostly performing interventional procedures in Sri Lanka by considering all influencing factors to optimise the patient dose.
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