Abstract

Radiation dose in interventional cardiology

Author(s): Virginia Tsapaki

Interventional procedures are becoming routine around the world, owing to their successful clinical outcome and improved patient safety. However, they can be difficult and demanding, since the physician must simultaneously consider many technical and clinical aspects. Although the patient’s condition carries a more substantial risk compared with radiation dose, the increasing number of reports of adult radiation injuries has highlighted various issues of patient radiation safety. Unfortunately, most operators are unaware of the high doses delivered and possible radiation injuries. This article summarizes current, available information regarding benefits and risks of radiation exposure during interventional cardiology procedures, clarifies dose descriptors and presents current levels of patient radiation doses for various interventional cardiology procedures.