Radiation exposure of operator performing interventional procedures using a flat panel angiography system: evaluation with photoluminescence glass dosimeters

Purpose Using glass rod dosimeters we investigated the radiation dose to the operator performing interventional procedures in 43 patients with the aid of a monoplane flat detector-based angiography system. Materials and methods During the procedures we recorded the number of radiographic frames and the radiographic conditions. After treatment we recorded the fluoroscopy time and the fluoroscopic, radiographic, and total air kerma. To obtain the total operator exposure dose we took measurements at five sites: left orbital fossa, thyroid, left hand, left chest, and pubic symphysis. Results The mean operator exposure dose to the left hand was higher than at the other sites we measured; it was 387.0, 209.6, 174.3, and 237.1 μGy for the stentgraft, percutaneous transluminal arteriography, transarterial chemoembolization, and hepatic infusion port placement procedures. There was a positive correlation between the fluoroscopic and radiographic air kerma value and the operator exposure dose at the left orbital fossa, thyroid, and left hand. Conclusion The operator exposure dose correlated with the radiographic and fluoroscopic air kerma. Exposure of the operator’s left hand was higher than at the other sites studied.