Scatter radiation to the hands from insertion of transvenous pacemakers

Using ring film-badge dosimeters, scatter radiation to the hands of the operating surgeon was measured during the transvenous insertion of nine permanent pacemakers and one inferior vena cava umbrella. Average fluoroscopy time was 12 minutes. The average dose of radiation was 25.5 mrems. The calculated yearly exposure of a surgeon inserting pacemakers at this rate is approximately 3 R. This falls well within the "maximum permissible dose" to the hands, which is currently 75 R per year.