Radiation exposure to eye lens and operator hands during endovascular procedures in hybrid operating rooms

At a glance

Type of study

Original research, Dosimetry measurement study

Who was studied

Vascular surgeons, Patients

Size

n = 171 procedures (consecutive patients)

Topics

Eye lens and cataractsDosimetry and monitoringPatient dose

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Both lens and finger doses to the operator correlated significantly with the patient dose-area product.

  Key figures: lens P < .01; r = 0.55; finger P < .01; r = 0.56

• Estimated fluoroscopy time needed to reach the 20 mSv/y eye lens threshold was about 1404 minutes.

  Key figures: 1404.10 minutes (90% confidence limit, 1160, 1650 minutes)

• A cumulative dose-area product (DAP) of about 932,000 would be critical for reaching the 20 mSv/y eye threshold.

  Key figures: 932,000 mGy/m(2) (90% confidence limit, 822,000, 1,039,000)

• Most complex endovascular procedures delivered measurable radiation to vascular surgeons' eyes.

Limits to keep in mind

Nonrandomized two-center dosimetry study with single-use dosimeters at one eye-level and one finger position; the abstract does not report absolute dose values, use of protective eyewear, or the country.

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• AAPM Medical Physics Practice Guideline 12.a - Fluoroscopy Dose Management (2022, Guideline or consensus statement)
• IU Health Handbook of Fluoroscopy Safety (Guideline or consensus statement)
• Assessment of Radiation Dose in Neurointerventional Procedures Using a Modern Digital Fluoroscopy System (2026, Dosimetry measurement study)