Stefan Zangos MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Boris Schell MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Katrin Eichler MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ralf Heidenreich, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Monika Heidenreich, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Josef Vogl MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Martin Georg Mack MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tatjana Gruber-Rouh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the dose equivalent for the interventional radiologist for the use of different examination protocols with C-arm computer tomography.

Examinations of the liver region were performed using an Alderson-phantom with different examination protocols with C-arm computed tomography (Zeego Artis, Siemens, Erlangen). A dosimeter was positioned at the following heights: level of eyes (172cm), thyroid gland (153cm) and breast 125cm), gonad height (85cm) and knee level (50cm). Radiation dose was recorded 3 times for every region and protocol. Additional mesurements were repeated with lead glass in front of physician’s head. The examination protocol includes innovative 3D procedures such as tomograms with DynaCT (8 sec/rotation), DynaCT (20 sec/rotation), DynaCT large volume (16 sec/2 rotaions), DSA 3D-rotation and standard liver DSA (10 sec).  

Our measurments showed highest radiation load at eye, thyroid and breast level of the physician. This results in an 7- to 20-fold increase of the radiation load for 3D protocols in comparison to a standard DSA (3.9 μSv). Highest radiation values (79.4 μSv) were recorded for the use of DynaCT (20 sec/rotation). With the use of lead glass radiation load of the eyes was reduced 18-fold for a standard DSA (0.2 μSv) and 7.5-fold (10.6 μSv) for the DynaCT (20 sec/rotation).  

The results show that the physican should leave the examination room during 3D examinations using a C-arm computed tomography. The use of these procedures should be limited to particular applications. Additionally we recommend the use of radiation protection for all applications.

Physican should leave the examination room during 3D examinations using a C-arm computed tomography. Additionally we recommend the use of radiation protection for all applications.

Zangos, S, Schell, B, Eichler, K, Heidenreich, R, Heidenreich, M, Vogl, T, Mack, M, Gruber-Rouh, T, C-arm Computed Tomography: Assessment of the Dose Equivalent for the Interventional Radiologist with Different Examination Programs.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11034398.html