Real time eye dose reduction in fluoroscopy with auditory and visual feedback dosimeter through swine model...

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Interventional Cardiology
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Fluoroscopy-guided arterial punctures pose radiation risks to physicians and assistants.
• Ocular radiation exposure is a significant concern in interventional procedures.
• Effective real-time monitoring and dose reduction strategies are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and reduce real-time eye radiation dose for medical staff during fluoroscopy-guided arterial punctures.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a real-time radiation dosimeter with auditory and visual feedback.

Main Methods:

• Eye dose rates were measured in pigs during 30 fluoroscopy-guided femoral artery punctures.
• Procedures were divided into two groups: with and without real-time dosimeter feedback.
• The dosimeter was worn on the forehead by an experienced interventional cardiologist.

Main Results:

• Physicians' mean eye dose rate decreased from 0.18 mSv/h to 0.07 mSv/h (61% reduction) with the feedback dosimeter.
• Assistants' mean eye dose rate showed a 33% reduction.
• The device facilitated staff positioning away from the X-ray source.

Conclusions:

• Real-time radiation dosimeters with visual and auditory feedback are effective in measuring and minimizing ocular radiation dose.
• This technology enhances radiation safety for interventional cardiologists and their assistants.
• Implementing real-time feedback systems can significantly improve radiation protection during fluoroscopic procedures.