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Sagehashi K, Haga Y, Takahira S, Tanabe M, Nakamura M, Sota M, Kaga Y, Abe M, Tada N, Chida K. Evaluation of radiation dose to the lens in interventional cardiology physicians before and after dose limit regulation changes. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2024; 44:031512. [PMID: 39142296 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad6f19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
In response to the International Commission on Radiological Protection, which lowered the lens equivalent dose limit, Japan lowered the lens dose limit from 150 mSv y-1to 100 mSv/5 years and 50 mSv y-1, with this new rule taking effect on 1 April 2021. DOSIRIS®is a dosimeter that can accurately measure lens dose. Herein, we investigated lens dose in interventional cardiology physicians 1 year before and after the reduction of the lens dose limit using a neck dosimeter and lens dosimeter measurements. With an increase in the number of cases, both personal dose equivalent at 0.07 mm depth [Hp(0.07), neck dosimeter] and personal dose equivalent at 3 mm depth [Hp(3), lens dosimeter] increased for most of the physicians. The Hp(3) of the lens considering the shielding effect of the Pb glasses using lens dosimeter exceeded 20 mSv y-1for two of the 14 physicians. Protection from radiation dose will become even more important in the future, as these two physicians may experience radiation dose exceeding 100 mSv/5 years. The average dose per procedure increased, but not significantly. There was a strong correlation between the neck dosimeter and lens dosimeter scores, although there was no significant change before and after the lens dose limit was lowered. This correlation was particularly strong for physicians who primarily treated patients. As such, it is possible to infer accurate lens doses from neck doses in physicians who primarily perform diagnostics. However, it is desirable to use a dosimeter that can directly measure Hp(3) because of the high lens dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodai Sagehashi
- Department of Radiological Examination and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Haga
- Department of Radiological Examination and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kosei Hospital, 4-15, Hirose-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0873, Japan
| | - Saki Takahira
- Department of Radiological Examination and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Mako Tanabe
- Department of Radiological Examination and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Disaster Medical Radiology, Division of Disaster Medical Science, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Mio Nakamura
- Department of Radiological Examination and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Disaster Medical Radiology, Division of Disaster Medical Science, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sota
- Department of Radiological Examination and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kosei Hospital, 4-15, Hirose-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0873, Japan
| | - Yuji Kaga
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kosei Hospital, 4-15, Hirose-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0873, Japan
| | - Mitsuya Abe
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kosei Hospital, 4-15, Hirose-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0873, Japan
| | - Norio Tada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kousei Hospital, 4-15 Hirose-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Koichi Chida
- Department of Radiological Examination and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Disaster Medical Radiology, Division of Disaster Medical Science, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
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Kellens PJ, De Hauwere A, Bayart S, Bacher K, Loeys T. Prediction Model for Defects in Lead and Lead-free Aprons. HEALTH PHYSICS 2024:00004032-990000000-00158. [PMID: 38884587 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE) is prone to defects in the attenuating layers, resulting in inadequate protection. Hence, quality control (QC) of PRPE is needed to assess its integrity. Unfortunately, QC of PRPE is laborious and time consuming. This study aimed to predict the QC outcome of PRPE without x-ray imaging based on readily available predictors. PRPE QC data of a general hospital from 2018 to 2023 was used for both prediction models based on logistic regression and random forests (RF). The data were divided into a training set containing all data from 2018 to 2022 and a holdout set containing the data from 2023. The predictors were brand, age, size, type, visual defects, and department. The prediction performances were compared using confusion matrices and visualized with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Prediction accuracies of at least 80% were achieved. Further model tuning especially improved the RF model to a precision up to 97% with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 86%. All predictors, except visual defects, significantly impacted the probability of passing. The predictor brand had the largest contribution to the predictive performance. The difference in pass probability between the best-performing and the worst-performing brand was 35.1%. The results highlight the potential of predicting PRPE QC outcome without x rays. The proposed prediction approach is a significant contribution to an effective QC strategy by reducing time consuming x-ray QC tests and focusing on garments with higher probability of being defective. Further research is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter-Jan Kellens
- Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Hauwere
- Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Bayart
- Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Klaus Bacher
- Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Loeys
- Department of Data Analysis, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Rahman MN, Javed M, Adnan G, Khan M, Nizar Z, Shah I. Differing radiation exposure in scrub technicians and rotating staff in Cardiac catheterization laboratory: occupation matters. Egypt Heart J 2024; 76:18. [PMID: 38334828 PMCID: PMC10858000 DOI: 10.1186/s43044-024-00448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiation exposure is a significant hazard associated with invasive Cardiology, with most studies based on primary operator exposure. This prospective, observational study aimed to find out over lead radiation exposure as effective dose acquired by non-physician staff comprising scrub technicians and rotating staff in the cath laboratory. Effective dose (ED) measured per procedure via Raysafe i2®dosimeter badges worn by both rotating staff and scrub technicians over lead aprons along with dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time (FT) and procedure time (PT) in minutes was collected prospectively over forty-six invasive Cardiology procedures. RESULTS This study shows that rotating staff acquire higher ED in comparison with their scrub technician colleagues in diagnostic, interventional and electrophysiology cases. However, a statistically significant difference in radiation exposure of both staff groups was demonstrated in diagnostic and interventional Cardiology procedures, with p values of 0.04 and 0.01, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight occupational role and mobility around fluoroscopic sources as major factors in radiation exposure, which should be addressed within current radiation protection practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nasir Rahman
- 1Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, National Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Maleeha Javed
- Aga Khan University Hospital, National Stadium road, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Ghufran Adnan
- Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology, Wazirabad, Pakistan
| | - Maria Khan
- Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology, Wazirabad, Pakistan
| | - Zeenat Nizar
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, National Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Izat Shah
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, National Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
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Crowhurst JA, Tse J, Mirjalili N, Savage ML, Raffel OC, Gaikwad N, Walters DL, Dautov R. Trial of a Novel Radiation Shielding Device to Protect Staff in the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory. Am J Cardiol 2023; 203:429-435. [PMID: 37536045 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Continuous exposure to low-level scattered radiation to staff performing cardiac angiography and intervention is of concern. A novel shielding solution (NSS) (Rampart IC M1128) has the potential to provide greater shielding for staff present at the table-side. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the NSS compared with a traditional shielding solution (TSS) in a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 100 patients who underwent cardiac angiography and/or intervention which were randomized to the NSS or TSS. Baseline patient characteristics and radiation dose data were collected. Staff who were scrubbed at the table-side wore 5 real-time dosimeters on the head, collar, waist, ankle, and under the apron. The median primary operator radiation dose was significantly lower (p <0.001) for all dosimeter locations with the NSS when compared with the TSS, being reduced by 86%, 80.0%, 100%, and 50.0% for the head, collar, waist, and leg respectively. Median under-apron dose was 0.0 µSv for both NSS and TSS. Median second operator dose was reduced by 100%, 100%, and 100% for the head, collar, and waist respectively (p <0.001). Median NSS and TSS dose at the ankle and under apron was 0.0 µSv. Median scrub nurse dose was reduced by 50% and 100% for the head and collar respectively (p <0.001). Median NSS and TSS dose at the waist, ankle, and under apron was 0.0 µSv. In conclusion, the NSS tested in this study demonstrates a significant decrease in radiation dose to operators and scrub nurses when compared with traditional radiation protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Crowhurst
- Cardiology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jason Tse
- Biomedical Technical Services, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
| | - Negar Mirjalili
- Biomedical Technical Services, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael L Savage
- Cardiology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Owen C Raffel
- Cardiology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Niranjan Gaikwad
- Cardiology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darren L Walters
- Cardiology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rustem Dautov
- Cardiology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Harbron RW, Abdelhalim MA, Ainsbury EA, Eakins JS, Modarai B. Editor's Choice - Estimated Radiation Dose to the Operator During Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2023; 66:178-185. [PMID: 37011855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2023.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate operator organ doses from fluoroscopically guided infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures, using the detailed exposure information contained in radiation dose structured reports. METHODS Conversion factors relating kerma area product (PKA) to primary operator organ doses were calculated using Monte Carlo methods for 91 beam angles and seven x-ray spectra typical of clinical practice. A computer program was written, which selects the appropriate conversion factor for each exposure listed in a structured report and multiplies it by the respective PKA. This system was used to estimate operator doses for 81 EVAR procedures for which structured reports were available. The impact of different shielding scenarios and variations in operator position was also investigated. RESULTS Without any shielding, the median estimated effective dose was 113 μSv (interquartile range [IQR] 71, 252 μSv). The highest median organ doses were for the colon (154 μSv, IQR 81, 343) and stomach (133 μSv, IQR 76, 307). These dose estimates represent all exposures, including fluoroscopy and non-fluoroscopic digital acquisitions. With minimal shielding provided by 0.25 mm of Pb covering the torso and upper legs, the effective dose was reduced by a factor of around 6. With additional shielding from ceiling and table shields, a 25 to 50 fold reduction in dose is achievable. Estimated doses were highest where the primary beam was pointed directly away from the operator. CONCLUSION The models suggest that with optimal use of shielding, operator doses can be reduced to levels equivalent to one to two days of natural background exposure and well below statutory dose limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Harbron
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Mohamed A Abdelhalim
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, BHF Centre of Excellence at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Ainsbury
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Public Health England Centre for Radiation, Chaemical and Environmental Threats and Hazards, Chilton, UK
| | - Jonathan S Eakins
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Public Health England Centre for Radiation, Chaemical and Environmental Threats and Hazards, Chilton, UK
| | - Bijan Modarai
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, BHF Centre of Excellence at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Pierce KV, Scansen BA, Rao S. Radiation dose during interventional cardiology procedures: portable C-arm vs. a new generation fluoroscopy system. J Vet Cardiol 2023; 47:30-40. [PMID: 37150018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation poses health risks for veterinary interventionalists. There are limited veterinary studies evaluating radiation dose in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The purpose of this study was to report direct radiation dose exposure to patients during common interventional cardiology procedures and compare these doses between two fluoroscopy units. ANIMALS One hundred and fifty-four client-owned dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patient dose during procedures using a portable C-arm were retrospectively analyzed and compared to those performed in a contemporary interventional suite. Fluoroscopy equipment, procedure type, operator, patient weight, fluoroscopy time, dose area product, and air kerma were recorded and statistically modeled using univariable and multivariable linear regression to evaluate the effect of each factor. RESULTS Patient dose population (154 dogs), comprised 61 patent ductus arteriosus occlusions, 60 balloon pulmonary valvuloplasties, and 33 pacemaker implantations. Patient dose was significantly lower in the group utilizing a newer generation fluoroscopy unit vs. the group utilizing an older portable C-arm, positively correlated with patient weight, and highest during balloon pulmonary valvuloplasties compared to patent ductus arteriosus occlusions or pacemaker implantations (all p<0.010). DISCUSSION Newer fluoroscopy systems can be equipped with technologies that improve image quality while reducing patient dose and radiation exposure to interventional personnel. CONCLUSIONS We documented a significant reduction in patient radiation dose using a newer fluoroscopy system as compared to an older portable C-arm for interventional cardiology procedures in animals. Improved knowledge of patient radiation dose factors may promote better radiation safety protocols in veterinary interventional cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Pierce
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - B A Scansen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - S Rao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Cammann VL, Schweiger V, Cieslik M, Seifert B, Gilhofer T, Koleva I, Würdinger M, Candreva A, Gajic M, Michel J, Jakob P, Stehli J, Stähli B, Templin C, Gotschy A. Effectiveness of radiation protection systems in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: a comparative study. Clin Res Cardiol 2023; 112:605-613. [PMID: 36646858 PMCID: PMC10160176 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-022-02142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As numbers and complexity of percutaneous coronary interventions are constantly increasing, optimal radiation protection is required to ensure operator safety. Suspended radiation protection systems (SRPS) and protective scatter-radiation absorbing drapes (PAD) are novel methods to mitigate fluoroscopic scattered radiation exposure. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness regarding radiation protection of a SRPS and a PAD in comparison with conventional protection. METHODS A total of 229 cardiac catheterization procedures with SRPS (N = 73), PAD (N = 82) and standard radiation protection (N = 74) were prospectively included. Real-time dosimeter data were collected from the first operator and the assistant. Endpoints were the cumulative operator exposure relative to the dose area product [standardized operator exposure (SOE)] for the first operator and the assistant. RESULTS For the first operator, the SRPS and the PAD significantly decreased the overall SOE compared to conventional shielding by 93.9% and 66.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). The protective effect of the SRPS was significantly higher compared to the PAD (P < 0.001). For the assistant, the SRPS and the PAD provided a not statistically significant reduction compared to conventional shielding in the overall SOE by 38.0% and 30.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The SRPS and the PAD enhance radiation protection significantly compared to conventional protection. In most clinical scenarios, the protective effect of SRPS is significantly higher than the additional protection provided by the PAD. Comparison of the additional radiation protection provided by protective scatter-radiation absorbing drapes (PAD) and the suspended radiation protection system (SRPS) system over standard protection with lead aprons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Cammann
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Victor Schweiger
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maciej Cieslik
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhardt Seifert
- Division of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Gilhofer
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Iva Koleva
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Würdinger
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Candreva
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,PolitoBIO Med Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marko Gajic
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Michel
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Jakob
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Stehli
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Stähli
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Templin
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. .,University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Alexander Gotschy
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kellens PJ, De Hauwere A, Gossye T, Peire S, Tournicourt I, Strubbe L, De Pooter J, Bacher K. Integrity of personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE): a 4-year longitudinal follow-up study. Insights Imaging 2022; 13:183. [PMID: 36471171 PMCID: PMC9723036 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-022-01323-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE) such as lead aprons minimises radiation exposure of operators using X-ray systems. However, PRPE might be prone to cracks in the attenuating layer resulting in inadequate radiation protection. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, qualification and quantification of PRPE integrity during a longitudinal follow-up study. METHODS All PRPE of a large, general hospital was evaluated yearly in the period 2018-2021. The equipment was inspected on a tele-operated X-ray table, and tears were qualified and quantified using an X-ray opaque ruler. Rejection criteria of Lambert & McKeon, with an extra rejection criterion of 15 mm2 for individual tears, were applied to accept or reject further use of the PRPE. RESULTS Over the 4-year follow-up period, a total of 1011 pieces of PRPE were evaluated. In total, 47.3% of the PRPE showed tears of which 31% exceeded the mentioned rejection criteria. Remarkably, of the 287 newly registered pieces of PRPE, 6.0% showed tears in the first year of use of which 88.2% needed to be rejected. Also, 48% of the repaired PRPE was rejected again in the consecutive year. CONCLUSIONS PRPE is prone to cracks. Up to 50% of PRPE showed tears and cracks resulting in 31% rejections. Newly purchased PRPE is not guaranteed to remain free of cracks and tears in the first year of use. Repair does not guarantee a long-term solution for prolonging the lifespan. Regular X-ray-based integrity analysis of PRPE is needed to ensure adequate radioprotection for operators using X-ray systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter-Jan Kellens
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Medical Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Hauwere
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Medical Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Gossye
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Medical Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Peire
- grid.420036.30000 0004 0626 3792AZ Sint-Jan Brugge - Oostende AV, Brugge, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Tournicourt
- grid.420036.30000 0004 0626 3792AZ Sint-Jan Brugge - Oostende AV, Brugge, Belgium
| | - Luc Strubbe
- grid.420036.30000 0004 0626 3792AZ Sint-Jan Brugge - Oostende AV, Brugge, Belgium
| | - Jan De Pooter
- grid.410566.00000 0004 0626 3303Heart Centre, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Klaus Bacher
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Medical Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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