Decreasing operators' radiation exposure during coronary procedures: the transradial radiation protection board.
OBJECTIVE
Transradial coronary procedures are associated with decreased vascular access site complications and other benefits compared to the femoral approach. There is some concern however about high-recorded radiation doses for interventional cardiologists using the transradial route. We therefore designed and investigated the effect of a transradial radiation protection board (TRPB) on operator radiation exposure during coronary procedures.


RESULTS
One hundred and six patients were randomly assigned by time period to undergo radial coronary procedures either with or without a TRPB. This is a grooved arm board with a detachable 0.5-mm lead equivalent shield designed to rest between the patient's arm and side. Individual case-specific radiation exposures were measured using electronic personal dosimeter worn on the left outer pocket of the lead apron at chest level. The TRPB was used in addition to standard lead apron and thyroid shielding, below-table leaded flaps, and leaded glass. Operator radiation exposure was significantly decreased in the TRPB group overall: 28 [18-65] microSV versus 19.5 [10.5-35] microSV, P = 0.003. There were no significant differences in procedure duration, total fluoroscopy dose, or contrast load between the two groups. conclusion: Identification of methods to reduce operator radiation dose is important. The use of the TRPB can significantly reduce radiation exposure to radial operators.
Behan
Miles
M
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom. milesbehan@hotmail.com
Haworth
Peter
P
Colley
Paul
P
Brittain
Michael
M
Hince
Andrew
A
Clarke
Michael
M
Ghuran
Azad
A
Saha
Mrinal
M
Hildick-Smith
David
D
D000368:Aged; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects; D004739:England; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005373:Film Dosimetry; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011482:Protective Devices; D017534:Radial Artery; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors