Radiation Exposure During Interventional Procedures a Concern in Developing Countries

Interventional radiology procedures are on the rise in developing countries, and there is a significant need for the optimization of these procedures to ensure patient safety. Many facilities in these countries lack the concept of patient dose estimation and dose management, putting patients at a higher risk of developing complications due to overexposure from radiation during interventional procedures, according to new findings.

The study, performed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA; Vienna, Austria), included data from 55 hospitals in 20 countries--chiefly in Eastern Europe, and five in Africa and six in Asia. "We found that a substantial number of coronary angioplasty procedures performed in the developing countries in this study are above the currently known dose reference level,” said Madan M. Rehani, Ph.D., coordinator of the study. "We also found that kerma area product [KAP], a method to determine dose estimations, was available in almost half of the facilities, but none had experience in its use,” said Dr. Rehani.

The study's findings were published in the August 2009 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. "There is a significant lack of awareness about patient dose estimations and dose management among interventional radiologists and cardiologists in developing countries. Our goal is to introduce these concepts to them and achieve effective implementation,” continued Dr. Rehani. "Most training centers need to establish a culture of dose assessment and dose management--including programs for residents with radiation protection as an essential component--to improve patient safety. Dose monitoring devices for angiography equipment should also be considered.”

Related Links:
International Atomic Energy Agency