Practicable value of DAP (dose-area product) database in occupational radiation protection in cardiovascular interventional procedures

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the DAP database in reducing radiation hazards during cardiovascular intervention. Methods: The study conducted a retrospective analysis of all consecutive cardiovascular cases in the database from April 1^st, 2016 to June 30^th, 2016. Based on the imaging systems, an image intensifier (II) and a flat panel detector (FPD),the cases of patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) were collected to observe Body Mass Index (BMI), fluoroscopy time (FT) and dose area product (DAP). Results: The FT and DAP values in CAG were (3.26 ± 2.59) min and (1938 ± 1296)μGy·m² for the II system and (3.00 ± 2.89) min and (3718 ± 2859)μGy·m² for the FPD system, respectively, whereas, the FT and DAP values in PCI were (17.81 ± 12.71) min and (8899 ± 7032)μGy·m² for the II system and (21.99 ± 15.91) min and (19526 ± 14134)μGy·m² for the FPD system, respectively. The differences in DAP values (x ± s) for CAG and PCI between the angiography systems were significant (t = -10.664, 11.239, P < 0.05). The DAP and total DAP values during PCI for fluoroscopy from the FPD system were 3596755.60 and 4881484.50 μGy·m², respectively. Conclusions: The DAP values in CAG and PCI using FPD system are much higher than the relevant data. The use of an FPD system resulted in higher DAP values compared to the II system in cardiovascular interventional procedures. Reduction in fluoroscopy time may decrease radiation hazards during PCI. The DAP database allows for a fast, convenient and enough objective data to discovery timely difference and variation in dose in cardiovascular interventional procedures. (authors)