136-12: Comparison of the Relative Radiation Reduction Assessed by Dosimetry of Radiation Pads and Collimation Used in the Electrophysiology Lab

Abstract

Introduction: Use of x-ray is still prevalent although there is recognition that any radiation may be associated with cancer risk. Recent new technology allows real-time assessment of radiation dose exposure at a given location. The purpose of this study was to assess the relative value of two different radiation reduction methods in the EP lab (collimation and radiation pads) compared to an open configuration using real- time radiation dose monitoring. Methods: A phantom acrylic model was used in order to allow serial measurements using the same parameters with the x-ray system. Radiation real-time detectors (RaySafe™) were used to measure radiation dose around the phantom in three different configurations (open, collimation, and radiation pads) with three different camera angulations. The open configuration consisted of x-ray exposures without radiation reduction methods. Collimation tests were conducted by moving collimators to the border of the saline/contrast phantom. The radiation pad configuration used radiation pads placed along the operator side of the table extending from the acrylic block at the heart level to the block at groin level. Results: The parameters analyzed for radiation dose were measured in millirem by real-time radiation detectors. The parameters obtained from the x-ray system labeled patient measurements were total mGy and cGy-cm2. Collimation resulted in this phantom simulation in a significant decrease (p < 0.01) of approximately 50% in radiation exposure for the operator compared to the open configuration for all locations. A non-significant radiation reduction (6–11%) was observed for radiation pads compared to the open configuration. Collimation resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of 23–31% in the exit dose of radiation from the phantom, but a significant increase (p < 0.01) of 54% of the air kerma (AK) measured in mGy for all locations compared to the open configuration. Conclusion: This study showed a significant benefit of collimation compared to an open configuration or radiation pads to reduce radiation exposure. Despite the fact the AK measurement increases significantly with collimation compared to an open configuration, the radiation dose actually decreases as assessed by the dosimetry exit dose from the phantom.