[Impact of secondary irradiation on operators during coronary arteriography].
BACKGROUND
The activity over cellular genetic pattern of ionizing radiation can produce stochastic and unspecific damages. Interventional cardiology operators have increasing exposure times to ionizing radiation and there is no information about the real protection conferred by simple radiological protection devices.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the magnitude of secondary ionizing radiation exposure of operators during conventional coronary arteriography, evaluating the radiation exposure during different beam projections and the usefulness of leaded aprons.


METHODS
Ionizing radiation received by operators during coronary arteriography was measured using a Geiger-Müller Victoreen model 490 counter. The device was placed in the ventral region, covered by the leaded apron and in the unprotected dorsal region. Radiation was measured in right and left projections during fluoroscopy and shooting.


RESULTS
In right projection, the intensity of ionizing radiation in ventral and dorsal regions was 1.24 +/- 1.1 and 2.9 +/- 4 mR/h respectively (p = 0.08). In left projection, the figures were 2.95 +/- 3 and 7.86 +/- 7.2 mR/h respectively (p = 0.001). During shooting in left projection the radiation exposure in ventral and dorsal regions was 9.66 +/- 6.7 and 32.8 +/- 27 mR/h respectively (p < 0.001). During shooting in right projection that figures were 10.1 +/- 16 and 20.7 +/- 39.8 mR/h respectively (p = 0.09). No correlation between radiation exposure and patients surface area was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Secondary radiation received by operators is higher during shooting and in left projections. Leaded apron confers a partial protection for ventral region, and great fluctuations in the magnitude of radiation exposure were recorded. Unprotected dorsal region receives a greater amount of radiation in left projections.
Ramírez
A
A
Centro Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. aramírez@secmail.mcl.cl
Quispe
P
P
Silva
A M
AM
Farías
E
E
D017677:Age Distribution; D001830:Body Surface Area; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing
Impacto de la radiación secundaria en el operador durante la arteriografía coronaria selectiva.