Comparison of radiation dose to patient and staff for two interventional cardiology units: A phantom study

The purpose of this investigation was to measure the patient and staff dose during routine interventional cardiology procedures for an image intensifier-based (II) and a flat detector (FD) system using a water phantom. The Integris BH3000 II-based (Philips) and Axiom Artis FD-based (Siemens) angiography units were used in this study. The accuracy of tubes potential and irradiation timers and also internal dosemeters were verified and confirmed. A water phantom with thickness of 18 cm used for patient and staff dose measurements. For Philips system, patient dose rates were 2.77 and 38.97 μGym2/s during fluoroscopy and cine angiography. The respective dose rates for Siemens were decreased to 1.98 and 13.46 μGym2/s. patient dose rate was 28.5% and 65% higher for Philips during fluoroscopy and cineangiography respectively. Comparing the scattered dose rates at the operator location shows that FD-based Siemens delivers 5 times lower dose to the operator in comparison to II-based Philips unit. Our results suggest that the decrease in received dose of the patient and staff is achievable using the FD system. Additionally, application of lead curtain and glass is recommended to lower the cardiologist dose especially for II-based Philips system.