Is extremity monitoring recommended for interventional cardiologists?

Interventional Cardiology procedures are normally associated with long exposure times and high doses in patients and cardiologists. The aim of this study is to estimate the personal dose equivalent at several points on the staff's body to verify the places on the body that receive the highest doses and to evaluate the necessity of extremity additional monitoring. The dosimetric measurements have been carried out in a hemodynamic room during procedures of Coronary Angiography (CA) and Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA). The dosimetry was done using LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescent dosimeters at different points on the medical staff's body (left and right wrists and above and under the lead apron). To CA procedures, the highest doses measured were 0.52 mSv for the left wrist of main doctors and 0.38 mSv above the lead apron of assistant cardiologist. To PTCA procedures, the highest doses obtained were 1.19 mSv above the lead apron of main doctors and 2.81 mSv for the left wrist of assistant doctor. Doses at PTCA procedures were higher than CA procedures. For main cardiologists, the dose in the left wrist was higher than in the right one, which are sometimes higher than the dose on the chest above the lead apron. This indicates the recommendation of additional extremity monitoring of hemodynamic main doctor. To assistant cardiologists the use of only one individual monitor at this position is enough. Besides the measurement of doses, to apply the concepts of radiation protection is important to reduce the doses received by staff and patients. (author)