SECONDARY IRRADIATION OF OPERATORS DURING CORONARY ARTERIOGRAPHY

Background: The activity over cellular genetic pattern of ionizing rad iation can produce stochastic and unspecific damages. Interventional c ardiology operators have increasing exposure times to ionizing radiati on and there is no information about the real protection conferred by simple radiological protection devices. Aim: To assess the magnitude o f secondary ionizing radiation exposure of operators during convention al coronary arteriography, evaluating the radiation exposure during di fferent beam projections and the usefulness of leaded aprons. Material and methods: Ionizing radiation received by operators during coronary arteriography was measured using a Geiger-Muller Victoreen model 490 counter. The device was placed in the ventral region, covered by the l eaded apron and in the unprotected dorsal region. Radiation was measur ed in right and left projections during fluoroscopy and shooting. Resu lts: In right projection, the intensity of ionizing radiation in ventr al 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 projectio n 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 rig ht projection that figures were 10.1 +/- 16 and 20.7 +/- 39.8 mR/h res pectively (p= 0.09). No correlation between radiation exposure and pat ients surface area was observed. Conclusions: Secondary radiation rece ived by operators is higher during shooting and in left projections. L eaded apron confers a partial protection for ventral region, and great fluctuations in the magnitude of radiation exposure were recorded. Un protected dorsal region receives a greater amount of radiation in left projections.