INTRODUCTION - Computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided renal cryoablation and lung radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have received increasing attention as promising cancer therapies. Although radiation exposure of interventional radiologists during these procedures is an important concern, data on operator exposure are lacking.
MATERIALS AND METHODS - Radiation dose to interventional radiologists during CT fluoroscopy-guided renal cryoablation (n = 20) and lung RFA (n = 20) was measured prospectively in a clinical setting. Effective dose to the operator was calculated from the 1-cm dose equivalent measured on the neck outside the lead apron, and on the left chest inside the lead apron, using electronic dosimeters. Equivalent dose to the operator's finger skin was measured using thermoluminescent dosimeter rings.
RESULTS - The mean (median) effective dose to the operator per procedure was 6.05 (4.52) μSv during renal cryoablation and 0.74 (0.55) μSv during lung RFA. The mean (median) equivalent dose to the operator's finger skin per procedure was 2.1 (2.1) mSv during renal cryoablation, and 0.3 (0.3) mSv during lung RFA.
CONCLUSIONS - Radiation dose to interventional radiologists during renal cryoablation and lung RFA were at an acceptable level, and in line with recommended dose limits for occupational radiation exposure.
Cardiovascular and interventional radiology. 2016 Feb 24 [Epub ahead of print]
Yusuke Matsui, Takao Hiraki, Hideo Gobara, Toshihiro Iguchi, Hiroyasu Fujiwara, Takahiro Kawabata, Takatsugu Yamauchi, Takuya Yamaguchi, Susumu Kanazawa
Department of Radiology, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Department of Radiology, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Department of Radiology, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Department of Radiology, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Department of Radiology, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Department of Radiology, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Central Division of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Central Division of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. Department of Radiology, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.