Radiation safety of personnel during catheter-based Ir-192 coronary brachytherapy
Jani, S.K.; Steuterman, S.; Huppe, G.B.; Chu, G.L.
Journal of Invasive Cardiology 12(5): 286-290
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1042-3931 PMID: 10825771 Document Number: 516785
Catheter-based brachytherapy using Ir-192 seed sources has shown significant reduction in the rate of restenosis among patients with coronary in-stent restenosis. High-energy gamma rays from Ir-192 raise some radiation safety issues of personnel. The aim of this study was to fully analyze the radiation safety issues associated with Ir-192 brachytherapy in the cardiac cath lab environment. Measurements were made to assess the penetrating ability of Ir-192 gamma rays through tissues, concrete and lead. Radiation exposure levels were measured around a large number of patients undergoing Ir-192 brachytherapy. Personnel were carefully monitored for any additional dose received from brachytherapy for the last five years covering > 500 cases. Our results showed that with a proper radiation safety program in place, the dose to cath lab staff was negligible. It was concluded that radiation safety of personnel was easy to maintain during catheter-based coronary brachytherapy using Ir-192 seed sources.