title: Reduction of radiation exposure for the examiner in angiography using a direct dosimeter.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate whether a reduction in radiation exposure can be achieved using a direct dosimeter with an acoustic warning signal (model EDD-30, Unfors Instruments, Billdal, Sweden).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 183 diagnostic and interventional angiographies of the pelvis and lower limbs using a direct dosimeter were analyzed. The vascular interventions were performed either by an experienced examiner (> 5000 interventions), an intermediate examiner (> 1000 interventions) or by a beginner (< 200 interventions). The measuring sensor of the direct dosimeter was attached to the back of the left hand, below the sterile glove, and was worn throughout the examination. If the limit values set on the dosimeter were exceeded, an acoustic signal sounded. At the end of the examination, the mean dose and the mean dose rate could be read off directly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exposure is clearly dependent on the experience of the examiner. The highest mean dose rate was found for the beginner, followed by the intermediate examiner. The lowest dose rate was shown by the experienced examiner, even though he mostly performed complex interventions. Over the course of 3 months, an improvement in the average dose rate can be shown in the third month for the intermediate examiner.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a direct dosimeter with an acoustic warning signal is a practicable tool for sensitizing interventional radiologists to unavoidable radiation exposure, with the aim of reducing the dose. "Real-time" dosimetry represents a sensible extension of indirect protection of the radiation-exposed examiner in angiography.
authors: Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie/Neuroradiologie, Westküstenklinikum Heide - Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universitäten Kiel, Lübeck und Hamburg. pkamusella@wkk-hei.de
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Kamusella
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Wissgott
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Wiggermann
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Scheer
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Andresen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017130:Angioplasty / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D056902:Clinical Alarms; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation*