Head and Neck Radiation Dose and Radiation Safety for Interventional Physicians

At a glance

Type of study

Original research, Phantom or simulation study

Who was studied

Phantom or simulation (no people), Interventional cardiologists, Interventional radiologists

Topics

Eye lens and cataractsBrain tumorsPersonal protective equipmentDosimetry and monitoring

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Unprotected brain, carotid artery and ocular lens doses were a fraction of the left collar dosimeter reading, allowing estimation of head and neck dose from personal dosimeters.

  Key figures: 8.4%, 17%, and 50% of collar dose

• Leaded glasses reduced lens dose on the side facing the scatter source but did not protect the opposite eye.

  Key figures: 27% to 62% reduction

• A radioabsorbent surgical cap gave minimal brain dose reduction.

  Key figures: 3.3%

Limits to keep in mind

Phantom study using a single representative geometry with radiochromic film; results may not generalize to other projections, operator positions or real clinical conditions, and no health outcomes were measured.

Related research summaries

• Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
• SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
• Cancer and non-cancer brain and eye effects of chronic low-dose ionizing radiation exposure (2012, Narrative review)
• Spatial distribution of X-ray attenuation in a full-face shield: a multipoint in vivo study in interventional cardiology (2026, Dosimetry measurement study)
• The influence of operator position, height and body orientation on eye lens dose in interventional radiology and cardiology: Monte Carlo simulations versus realistic clinical measurements (2016, Phantom or simulation study)