Abstract
Aim: Interventional radiology is in the spectra of radiological procedures the most challenging from the radiation protection view. Among standard protective equipment, there are tools available for reducing dose impact on radiologists hands - sterile disposable pads to be placed on the patient to shield the scattered radiation comming from the patient or protective gloves for the interventionalist.
Published clinical trials promise significant dose savings (90%). The aim of our pilot study was to verify the true effectiveness of these types of protective equipment under clinical practice.
Methods: The initial study was carried out for three types of interventional procedures. Cumulative dose (physical quantity Hp (0.07)) for the whole procedure was subsequently normalized by total fluoroscopy time of the procedure.
For dose measurements direct dosimeter Unfors EDD 30 was used. Our study was included 20 patients for each type of procedure.
Obtained data were divided into subgroups according to the type of protective equipment used. Results: The results are provided for better clarity in graphs.
Data show that the most effective protective equipment for the monitored types of procedures is pad (reduction of up to 85-89%). Gloves have reduced the dose to radiologists hands by 44-68%.
Conclusion: Both types of protective devices have great potential for reducing radiation dose on fingers, but only when properly used. For this purpose, close cooperation among interventional radiologists and radiographers is essential.