Dosemeter readings and effective dose to the cardiologist with protective clothing in a simulated interventional procedure.
A personal dosemeter issued for individual monitoring is calibrated in terms of personal dose equivalent, usually H(P)(10). In general it yields a reasonable estimate of effective dose (E) when the exposed person does not wear protective clothing. In interventional cardiology, however, a lead equivalent apron is worn and often a thyroid collar. A correction factor will then be necessary to convert a dosemeter reading to E. To explore this factor an interventional cardiology procedure is simulated based on exposure conditions typical for a modern hospital in the BENELUX area. The dose to the cardiologist is investigated using Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport. It is concluded that a personal dosemeter may best be worn outside the apron at a central position high on the chest for least dependence on the beam direction. It will overestimate E by roughly a factor of 20 (apron and thyroid collar of 0.25 mm Pb).
Schultz
F W
FW
Delft University of Technology, Applied Sciences, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB Delft, The Netherlands. f.w.schultz@tudelft.nl
Zoetelief
J
J
D000328:Adult; D002309:Cardiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors