Cathlab department diagnostic reference levels and trigger values analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aims to assess the examination dose values in interventional cardiology procedures to establish diagnostic reference levels and analyse number of procedures that exceed trigger values. Methods Data about the procedure type, operator identification, procedure access, patient characteristics (gender, age and weight), fluoroscopy time (min), Kerma Area Product - PKA (Gy.cm2), was retrospectively collected, for a period of 12 months. Patients were categorised in three weight groups: low ( < 65 kg), standard (65–75kg) and high ( > 75 kg). Results he majority of the 2540 examinations were diagnostic procedures (65%) and the more common access was via the right radial artery (92%). Significant differences (P < 0.05) in fluoroscopy time and PKA values, between procedure access, patient weight group and type of procedure were found. The trigger level of PKA ( > 300Gy.cm2) value was exceeded in 0.5% of the procedures, lower than the incidence found in the literature. The local DRL values for diagnostic and therapeutical procedures were respectively 39 and 111 Gy.cm2, in line with values published in the literature. Conclusions The dose distribution is in line with the ones found in the literature. The percentage of patients that exceed one of trigger levels is lower when compared with the literature, however a patient follow-up plan should be established.