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Objectives: Radiation from cardiac angiography procedures is harmful to patients and the staff performing them. This study sought to investigate operator radiation dose for a range of procedures and different operators in order to investigate trends and optimise dose. Methods: Real-time dosemeters (RTDs) were worn by operators for angiography procedures for 3 years. Dose–area product (DAP) and RTD were collected. RTD was normalised to DAP (RTD/DAP) to compare radiation dose and radiation protection measures. Comparisons were made across procedure categories and individual operators. Results: In 7626 procedures, median and 75th percentile levels were established for operator dose for 8 procedure categories. There was a significant difference in all operator dose measures and DAP across procedure categories (pConclusion: DAP was significantly different across procedure categories and a higher RTD was seen with higher DAP. RTD/DAP can demonstrate radiation protection effectiveness and identified differences between procedures and individual operators with this measure. Procedures and individuals were identified where further optimisation of radiation protection measures may be beneficial. A reference level for operator dose can be created and audited against on a regular basis. Advances in knowledge: This study demonstrates that operator dose can be easily and routinely measured on a case by case basis to investigate dose trends for different procedures. Normalising the operator dose to DAP demonstrates radiation protection effectiveness for the individual operator which can then be optimised as part of an ongoing audit program.

Introduction Diagnostic coronary angiography (CA) uses ionising radiation with relatively high doses, which impact on both patients and staff. This study sought to identify which patient and procedural factors impact patient and operator dose the most during CA. Methods Patient and procedure related variables impacting on Kerma area product (PKA) and operator dose (OD) were collected for 16 months. Procedures were separated into 10 different procedure categories. PKA was used for patient dose and OD was measured with an instantly downloadable dosimeter (IDD) – downloaded at the end of each procedure. High and low radiation dose was defined by binary variables based on the 75th percentile of the continuous measures. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to identify predictors. Results Of 3860 patients included, the IDD was worn for 2591 (61.7%). Obesity (BMI > 30 compared to BMI

Transesophageal echocardiography operators (TEEOP) provide critical imaging support for percutaneous structural cardiac intervention procedures. They stand close to the patient and the associated scattered radiation.This study sought to investigate TEEOP radiation dose during percutaneous structural cardiac intervention.Key personnel (TEEOP, anesthetist, primary operator [OP1], and secondary operator) wore instantly downloadable personal dosimeters during procedures requiring TEE support. TEEOP effective dose (E) and E per unit Kerma area product (E/KAP) were calculated. E/KAP was compared with C-arm projections. Additional shielding for TEEOP was implemented, and doses were measured for a further 50 procedures. Multivariate linear regression was performed to investigate independent predictors of radiation dose reduction.In the initial 98 procedures, median TEEOP E was 2.62 μSv (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.95 to 4.76 μSv), similar to OP1 E: 1.91 μSv (IQR: 0.48 to 3.81 μSv) (p = 0.101), but significantly higher than secondary operator E: 0.48 μSv (IQR: 0.00 to 1.91 μSv) (p 0.001) and anesthetist E: 0.48 μSv (IQR: 0.00 to 1.43 μSv) (p 0.001). Procedures using predominantly right anterior oblique (RAO) and steep RAO projections were associated with high TEEOP E/KAP (p = 0.041). In a further 50 procedures, with additional TEEOP shielding, TEEOP E was reduced by 82% (2.62 μSv [IQR: 0.95 to 4.76] to 0.48 μSv [IQR: 0.00 to 1.43 μSv] [p 0.001]). Multivariate regression demonstrated shielding, procedure type, and KAP as independent predictors of TEEOP dose.TEE operators are exposed to a radiation dose that is at least as high as that of OP1 during percutaneous cardiac intervention. Doses were higher with procedures using predominantly RAO projections. Radiation doses can be significantly reduced with the use of an additional ceiling-suspended lead shield.

Electrophysiology procedures require fluoroscopic guidance, with the associated potentially adverse effects of ionizing radiation. Newer fluoroscopy systems have more features that enable dose-reduction strategies. This study aimed to investigate any reduction in radiation dose between an older fluoroscopy system (Philips Integris H5000, Philips Healthcare, Einhoven, Netherlands) and one of the latest systems (Siemens Artis Q, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany), optimized with dose-reduction strategies. Radiation dose measures were collected over a 2-year period in a single electrophysiology laboratory. Procedures were separated into seven groups: devices, biventricular devices, electrophysiology studies, standard radiofrequency ablation, complex atrial ablation, ablation for ventricular arrhythmias, and pulmonary vein isolation. In the first year, an older fluoroscopy system was used, and in the second year, a new system, with dose reduction strategies. Comparisons were also made to the literature with regard to radiation dose levels. Patient characteristics, fluoroscopy times, number of digital acquisitions, procedural times, and procedural success were largely similar between the old and new system across procedure groups. Overall dose area product (DAP) was reduced by 91% (5.0 [2.0-17.0] to 0.45 [0.16-2.61] Gycm [P > 0.001]) with the new system and was lower across all groups. DAP readings with the new system are some of the lowest published in the literature in all groups. An optimized contemporary digital fluoroscopy system, with low radiation dose configuration and continued good procedural practice, can result in ultra-low radiation levels for all electrophysiology procedures, without compromising procedural time or procedural success.

Adequate vascular access for femoral trans-catheter aortic valve replacement is fundamental to the success of the procedure. Assessment of vascular calibre, tortuosity and calcification is performed by angiography and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). Can DynaCT provide the same information as MSCT? 15 Patients underwent MSCT, angiography and DynaCT. Vessel diameter measurements were taken in three positions of the left and right ilio-femoral arteries. Tortuosity was assessed using an index of the direct distance and the distance taken by the artery between two points. Calcification was assessed in MSCT and DynaCT using a simple scoring system. Concordance correlation coefficient of arterial calibre between angiography and MSCT was 0.96 (95 % CI 0.94-0.97). DynaCT and angiography was 0.94 (95 % CI 0.91-0.96) and Dyna CT and MSCT, 0.95 (95 % CI 0.92-0.97). Bland-Altman tests demonstrate a mean difference between the angiogram and the MSCT of 0.06 mm (+0.97, -1.42), angiogram and DynaCT, 0.13 mm, (+1.00, -0.87), DynaCT and MSCT, 0.2 mm, (+1.15, -0.76). Tortuosity comparisons gave a median tortuosity index for MSCT 1.29 and DynaCT 1.23 (p = 0.472). Calcification comparisons of MSCT and DynaCT using correlation coefficients demonstrate a correlation of 0.245 (p = 0.378). Effective radiation doses were: DynaCT; 3.63 ± 0.65 mSv and angiography; 0.57 ± 0.72 mSv, MSCT; 7.15 ± 2.58 mSv. DynaCT is equal to MSCT and angiography in assessing femoral artery calibre. Like MSCT, it can assess tortuosity and can produce 3D images but is inferior in the assessment of calcification.

A patient with a medial and posterior dislocation of the right sterno-clavicular (SC) joint and displacement of the trachea and brachiocephalic artery by the medial head of the clavicle underwent general anaesthetic in the operating theatre for an open reduction procedure. The surgeon initially attempted a closed reduction, but this required imaging to check SC alignment. The patient was transferred to an adjacent hybrid operating theatre for imaging. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed, which successfully demonstrated a significant reduction in the dislocation of the SC joint. The trachea and brachiocephalic artery were no longer compressed or displaced. This case study demonstrates an alternative to the patient being transferred to the medical imaging department for multi-slice CT. It also describes a novel use of the hybrid operating theatre and its CBCT capabilities.

Background and aim Methodologies for dispensing radiopharmaceuticals have been studied in six UK radiopharmacies. The aims of the study were to compare the dose per unit activity handled using the different dispensing techniques, determine the main factors influencing the dose, and identify the area of the hand likely to receive the highest exposure. Method Finger doses were measured using an electronic finger dosemeter while dispensing procedures were observed. Three different techniques were used to withdraw radioactivity from a vial, involving a fully inverted vial, a non-inverted vial angled at 45°, and a V technique in which vial and syringe are tilted at small angles in opposite directions. Results Provided the operators are skilled in carrying out the manipulations, the most important factor affecting the radiation doses to the hands is the extent to which syringe shields are deployed. However, the influence of technique on the dose to the dominant hand was much less than that from use of a syringe shield, although the technique involving an inverted vial gave a greater dose to the non-dominant hand. Conclusion Results suggest that the tip of the index finger is likely to receive the highest dose and this position is recommended for routine dose monitoring.

New ICE president Mark Whitby believes ICE members should be more passionate about their Institution if they want to raise their status in society. He sets out six ways to make this happen.

Results:Within 30 days of discharge, 91 patients (28%) died orwere readmitted. Common clinical and non-clinical factors (HF class, life-threatening arrhythmia, blood urea nitrogen, heart rate, livingaloneanddischargeduringwinter)hadgood discriminatory power in predicting 30-day HF readmission or death (C-statistic=0.78 [0.71, 0.85]). MOCA score (relative riskRR=0.93p

EDI is becoming a reality, through both de facto and open standards (CIS/2.0, IFC's). This presentation reviews the business environment required for integrating the supply chain, how the business process is changing, and the tangible benefits that have been realised. What are the next steps for our industry, what is the challenge — a radical change in our business environment?