Chest Exposure to X-Rays of Female Interventional Electrophysiologist

Abstract

Interventional Female Cardiologists (WIC) operating in high case mix laboratories are exposed to a significant chest X-Ray scattered dose from the patient. In this setting stochastic effect may be highly detrimental because of breast radiation sensitivity. Aim of this study is to measure and optimize WICs’ chest radiation exposure in a high case mix electrophysiology laboratory, in order to validate and implement the use of personal protective equipment and lead equivalent glass viewing window, and to evaluate chest X-Ray exposure behind the protective equipment.