Potential Fetal Radiation Exposure Among Invasive Cardiologists

Publication Title

American College of Cardiology (ACC) Meeting, April 2024, Atlanta, GA

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

4-2024

Keywords

oregon; cards; cards abstract

Abstract

Background

Women remain underrepresented in interventional cardiology (IC) and electrophysiology (EP). The impact of potential radiation exposure on childbearing has been cited as a deterrent. We measured potential fetal exposure in contemporary cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology laboratories.

Methods

High-volume IC and EP operators wore radiation dosimetry badges at waist level under standard lead aprons for 2-3 months. Estimated patient exposures were collected, including fluoroscopy time (FT), Fractional Air Kerma (FAK), and dose area product (DAP) as well as procedure volume.

Results

Mean monthly fetal dosimetry was 0.007mSv (0mSv-0.03mSv) for IC and 0.01mSv (0mSv-0.06mSv) for EP operators. IC and EP operators performed an average of 41.7 and 18.3 monthly procedures respectively, with mean estimated patient exposure of 885.6 and 180.7 minutes FT, respectively, and 21,077.7 and 2,593.4 mGy FAK, respectively. Mean monthly doses and case types are summarized in Figure 1. Extrapolation of dosimetry data collected during the study period to a 40-week pregnancy would result in a fetal radiation dose well below the limit recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (1 mSv) in all operators studied.

Conclusion

High volume IC and EP operators incurred trivial under-the-apron potential fetal radiation exposure while using radiation safety best practices.

Download FigureDownload PowerPoint

Footnotes

Moderated Poster Contributions

Moderated Poster Theater 04

Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:15 a.m.-9:25 a.m.

Session Title: Promoting Quality and Safety in the Catheterization Laboratory

Abstract Category: 19. Interventional and Structural: Special Populations

Presentation Number: 1100-05

Area of Special Interest

Cardiovascular (Heart)

Area of Special Interest

Women & Children

Specialty/Research Institute

Cardiology

Specialty/Research Institute

Perinatology/Neonatology

DOI

10.1016/S0735-1097(24)02873-0


Share

COinS