Estimation of organ doses and effective doses based on in-phantom dosimetry for infant diagnostic cardiac catheterizations with novel X-ray imaging technology

The present study evaluated the organ and effective doses in infant diagnostic cardiac catheterisation performed using a modern x-ray imaging unit by in-phantom dosimetry. In addition, conversion factors from dose-area product (DAP) to effective dose were determined. The organ and effective doses in 1-year old during diagnostic cardiac catheterizations were measured using radiophotoluminescence glass dosemeters implanted into an infant anthropomorphic phantom. The mean effective doses, evaluated according to the International Commission on Radiologic Protection Publication 103, were 4.0 mSv (range: 1.5-8.7 mSv). The conversion factors from DAP to effective dose were 2 and 3.5 mSv (Gy cm²)^-1 for posteroanterior and lateral fluoroscopy, respectively, and 1.8 and 3.3 mSv (Gy cm²)^-1 for posteroanterior and lateral cine-angiography, respectively. The dose data and conversion factors evaluated in the present study may be useful for estimating radiation exposure in infants during diagnostic cardiac catheterisation. (authors)