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1 Medical Physics Service
3 Cardiology Service, San Carlos University Hospital
2 Radiology Department, Medicine School, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Correspondence: Professor E Vano, Catedra de Fisica Medica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures performed in four different facilities were monitored in the present study by measuring maximum skin dose, dosearea product and other operational parameters. Radiographic slow film, thermoluminescent dosemeters and transmission ion chambers were used to measure dose related quantities. Values of 107711 mGy for maximum skin dose and 27.3370.6 Gy cm2 for dosearea product were found, together with cumulative skin dose estimates of 1103706 mGy. A discussion of the relationship of measured dosearea product and skin dose values is made using a field concentration factor defined as a way to interpret the findings. No general correlation was observed between dosearea product and maximum skin dose. Cumulative skin dose estimates throughout a procedure should be discarded as a realistic method for assessing deterministic risk in cardiology procedures. Slow film in addition to thermoluminescent dosemeters for measurement of maximum skin dose is a good alternative, especially for complex interventional procedures. For repeated procedures, combining film and dosearea product monitoring favours optimization of radiation protection for the patient.
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