[Evaluation of a leaden radiation protection barrier for dose reduction for the physician during CT fluoroscopy-guided interventions].

PURPOSE

The use of a moveable leaden radiation protection barrier for additional dose reduction for the physician during CT-fluoroscopy-guided intervention was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Monte-Carlo simulation was first performed to evaluate the chance of dose reduction by a leaden barrier qualitatively. Dose measurements with an Alderson phantom and an ionization chamber were then made to detect the dose rates with and without a lead plate at the patient to reduce the scattered radiation. Later, dose measurements with and without the radiation protection barrier were performed.

RESULTS

A lead plate at the patient to reduce the scattered radiation caused dose reduction (mean shielding coefficient 3.3; median 3.3; standard deviation 1.1 / mean dose reduction 67 %, median 69 %, standard deviation 10 %). In addition to this, the use of a leaden radiation protection barrier caused an even greater dose reduction (mean shielding coefficient 10.9; median 7.7; standard deviation 8.7 / mean dose reduction 84 %, median 86 %, standard deviation 11 %).

CONCLUSION

Besides already known possibilities of dose reduction (X-ray protective clothing, lead plate, instrument settings, computer-controlled navigation systems, needle holder etc.), the installation of a leaden radiation protection barrier can reduce the radiation exposure of person during CT-fluoroscopy-guided interventions.