Abstract
The number of medical examinations which use interventional radiology (IVR) has increased recently. Because of more advanced and complex procedures in IVR, a longer treatment time is frequently required. Therefore, it is important to determine an effective radiation dose to lessen exposure. This review describes radiation exposure of medical personnel, and ways to reduce radioactivity exposure doses are suggested.
Computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy is gaining a wider role in non-vascular IVR, and the over-couch X-ray tube system is being used for biliary IVR. These procedures are associated with higher exposure. Therefore, to reduce radiation exposure to the operator, it is essential to avoid direct exposure by the primary beam to the hands during the procedures. In vascular IVR, most of the exposure to the operators is caused by scatter radiation from the patient. Almost every benefit coming from a reduction in the patient dose will secondarily reduce scatter radiation to the device operator as well. Using appropriate shields help in reducing scatter radiation to the operator.
To reduce radiation exposure of medical personnel from IVR, it is imperative to observe the three vital principles of radiation exposure protection, namely, time, shield, and distance. Furthermore, any reduction in healthcare workers’ radiation exposure always leads to a reduction of exposure to the patient as well.
