Title:An In-depth Analysis of the Adverse Effects of Ionizing Radiation Exposure
on Cardiac Catheterization Staffs
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
Author(s): Maryam Alvandi, Roozbeh Narimani Javid, Zahra Shaghaghi*, Soghra Farzipour and Sahar Nosrati
Affiliation:
- Cancer Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Keywords:
Radiation exposure, fluoroscopy, adverse effects, cardiac catheterization staffs, CAD, PCI.
Abstract: Diagnostic and interventional angiograms are instrumental in the multidisciplinary
approach to CAD management, enabling accurate diagnosis and effective targeted treatments
that significantly enhance patient care and cardiovascular outcomes. However, cath lab staff,
including interventional cardiologists, is consistently exposed to ionizing radiation, which poses
inherent health risks. Radiation exposure in the cath lab primarily results from the use of fluoroscopy
and cineangiography during diagnostic and interventional procedures. Understanding
these risks and implementing effective radiation protection measurements are imperative to ensure
the well-being of healthcare professionals while delivering high-quality cardiac care. Prolonged
and repeated exposure can lead to both deterministic and stochastic effects. Deterministic
effects, such as skin erythema and tissue damage, are more likely to occur at high radiation
doses. Interventional cardiologists and staff may experience these effects when safety measures
are not rigorously followed. In fact, while ionizing radiation is essential in the practice of radiation
cardiology ward, cath lab staff faces inherent risks from radiation exposure. Stochastic effects,
on the other hand, are characterized by a probabilistic relationship between radiation exposure
and the likelihood of harm. These effects include the increased risk of cancer, particularly
for those with long-term exposure. Interventional cardiologists, due to their frequent presence
in the cath lab, face a higher lifetime cumulative radiation dose, potentially elevating their cancer
risk. Protective measures, including the use of lead aprons, thyroid shields, and radiation
monitoring devices, play a crucial role in reducing radiation exposure for cath lab personnel.
Adherence to strict dose optimization protocols, such as minimizing fluoroscopy time and maximizing
distance from the radiation source, is also essential in mitigating these risks. Ongoing
research and advancements in radiation safety technology are essential in further for minimizing
the adverse effects of ionizing radiation in the cath lab.