Performing angiographic intervention with a femoral entry shield: Element analysis microscopy and hand dose reduction for interventional radiologist

Abstract

To unveil and delineate the elements applicable to the radiation protection of a femoral entry shield, calculate its mass attenuation coefficient, and demonstrate its dose reduction efficacy for interventional radiologist performing transarterial embolization (TAE) of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC). The lead equivalency of the shield was firstly validated. Electron microscopy was used to confirm the femoral entry shield being lead-free and to analyze the elemental content, with which the mass attenuation coefficient of the shield was calculated. An adult phantom, irradiated at the upper abdomen to simulate the TAE of rHCC, was used together with a dosimeter attached to the palm of a hand phantom. The dose rates at the hand phantom were measured, with the rHCC clinical protocol, without and with the femoral entry shield placed over the right femoral access site of the adult phantom. Without using the shield, the average hand dose rate was measured to be 0.325 μSv/sec. While using the shield, it was determined to be 0.110 μSv/sec. There was significant 66% dose reduction to the hand dose of IRs performing angiographic intervention with the femoral entry shield.