Assessment of Patient's Peak Skin Dose Using Gafchromic Films During Interventional Cardiology Procedures: Routine Experience Feedback

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2017 Apr 28;174(3):395-405. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncw191.

Abstract

To assess the interest of Gafchromic films in detection of patient's peak skin dose (PSD) in interventional cardiology. A prospective study of 112 patients was conducted (July-December 2015). Three diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were evaluated: coronary angiography (CA), coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty for one or two vessels disease (CA-PTCA) and coronary angioplasty of complex chronic total occlusion (CTO). Dosimetric indicators (DIs) were collected and PSD were measured with Gafchromic films. Dose distribution was evaluated within 10 'Thorax Body-zone' defined by the system. Correlations between PSD and DI or dose distribution were computed. Delivered dose increased in complex procedures. The PSD were 0.121 ± 0.063 Gy for CA, 0.256 ± 0.142 Gy for CA-PTCA and 1.116 ± 0.721 Gy for CTO. High correlations were observed for PSD and DI as well for dose distribution within the 'Thorax Body-zone'. Film dosimetry is suggested for CTO procedures since the threshold of 2 Gy for skin injuries is likely to be exceeded.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiology
  • Coronary Angiography*
  • Film Dosimetry
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiation Dosage*
  • Radiography, Interventional
  • Skin