Radiation distribution in a private neurological theatre during invasive back pain management procedures

Thesis (M. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2008The aim of the study was to determine radiation dose levels around the theatre table, on either side of the C-Arm, in order to establish if the radiation dose received by staff during back pain procedures fell within the limits set by the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP). The question that arose from this goal was whether the stance of staff, in relation to the x-ray tube side of the C-Arm, influenced radiation dose levels. In order to apply the ALARA principle, the possibility of lowering the radiation dose in the neurological theatre was explored. The measurement methodology of the study was twofold: measurements were executed by means of TLD meters, as well as with an ionisation chamber. TLD meters were placed on the patient, the neurosurgeon and the radiographer during back pain procedures, and, more specifically, during fluoroscopy, to record the doses with the Image Intensifier (II) above the table as well as with the x-ray tube above the table, at the pelvis and the chest height of the staff. Ionisation chamber measurements were recorded in 25cm intervals around the theatre table with a phantom and the C-Arm positioned in the PA, oblique and lateral positions at 110cm and 133cm heights from the floor. The TLD results indicated that, when compared to the Image Intensifier side, the radiation dose was higher on the x-ray tube side of the C-Arm. The radiation dose was higher at the height closest to the x-ray source. The radiation dose received by the patient was higher with the x-ray tube positioned above the table (PA). The radiation dose to the surgeon’s hand and body was higher with the x-ray tube positioned above the table (PA). Radiation dose levels with the x-ray tube above the table during back pain procedures in the current theatre exceeded the occupational annual recommendation of 500mSv to the neurosurgeons hands, as recommended by the ICRP. The opposite is true with the II positioned above the table. The research question was answered positively in that the x-ray tube under couch orientation has the potential to limit dose levels during back pain procedures. The measurement values resulted in a proposed protocol in terms of positioning of staff and orientation of the C-Arm in order to apply the ALARA principle during back pain procedures. Constant revision of protocols is the responsibility of the radiographer in order to guarantee that the ALARA principle is implemented in every unique situation

Awareness and knowledge of radiation protection in interventional laboratory: a comparative study between Australian and Saudi Arabian hospitals

This research project aims to investigate the attitudes and practices of medical staff engaged in interventional procedures regarding personal radiation protection, as well as the relationship between their uses of protective devices and training in radiation protection. Research findings of this study show the necessity and efficacy of radiation protection training for providing a safer environment when utilising the fluoroscopic image-guided machines in clinical practice

Editor's Choice – European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines on Radiation Safety

Funding Information: On behalf of the Public and Community Oversight Group (PCOG) of the Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards: Ian Wright; John Phipps; Colette Kelly; Robert Goundry; Eve Smyth; Andrew Wood; Paul Dale (also of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency). On behalf of the Society and College of Radiographers Patient Advisory Group: Lynda Johnson; Philip Plant; Michelle Carmichael – Specialist Senior Staff Nurse Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation trust.Peer reviewe

Monitoring methods for skin dose in interventional radiology

Interventional radiology makes an increasing use of X-ray for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The dose received by the patient sometime exceeds the threshold value of deterministic effects, and this requires monitoring of the dose delivered to the patients. Delivered dose could be assessed through either direct or indirect methods. The direct methods use dosimeters that are placed on the skin during the procedure, whereas, the indirect methods are based on measured quantities derived from the equipment itself. Each method has its own limitations; however, the main concern is the ability to measure the dose more accurately due to complexity of the anatomical structures of the patient and the variable course of each procedure. This review article summarizes the principle and main advantages and disadvantages of each method. A comparison of the performances of each method for interventional fluoroscopy and radiography in its ability to monitor the patient’s skin dose is provided.

Editor's Choice – European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines on Radiation Safety

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Monitoring methods for skin dose in interventional radiology

Interventional radiology makes an increasing use of X-ray for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The dose received by the patient sometime exceeds the threshold value of deterministic effects, and this requires monitoring of the dose delivered to the patients. Delivered dose could be assessed through either direct or indirect methods. The direct methods use dosimeters that are placed on the skin during the procedure, whereas, the indirect methods are based on measured quantities derived from the equipment itself. Each method has its own limitations; however, the main concern is the ability to measure the dose more accurately due to complexity of the anatomical structures of the patient and the variable course of each procedure. This review article summarizes the principle and main advantages and disadvantages of each method. A comparison of the performances of each method for interventional fluoroscopy and radiography in its ability to monitor the patient’s skin dose is provided. </p