Reducing the radiation exposure of physicians during computed tomography-guided biopsy using an adjustable X-ray beam...

We evaluated the effects of using the half-scan on the exposure of physicians to radiation in intermittent computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy. For the half-scan, 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° were used as the angular ranges of X-rays on the chest phantom. The ambient dose equivalent was calculated using an optically stimulated luminescence dosemeter at heights of 1600 mm (eye lens height), 1200 mm (chest height), and 800 mm (pelvis height) from the floor. The minimum ambient dose equivalent was observed at 180° for the head and at 90° for the chest and abdomen. Similar results were obtained when calculating the physician's upper extremities. The use of a lead shielding drape reduced radiation exposure by 72% on the head, 73% on the chest, and 33% on the pelvis. In CT-guided IVR of the lung, the use of a lead shielding drape and half-scan is important, depending on the procedural situation.