Evaluation of Correlation between DAP (Dose-Area Product) Values and Cardiologist Dose during Coronary Angiography Using Monte Carlo Simulation

The present study investigated the correlations between the patient’s dose-area product (DAP) values and cardiologist’s dose using Monte Carlo simulation. During angiography procedures, patients are exposed to the primary beam; however, the cardiologist is irradiated by the scattered radiation arising from the table and the surrounding equipment. Accordingly, the cardiologist’s dose is directly related to the patient’s dose.

This study investigated 25 cardiac angiography procedures. In each procedure, the DAP readings and the cardiologist dose as measured using an electronic personal dosimeter placed over the apron were recorded. Moreover, the DAP values and dose received by the cardiologist in the chest region were calculated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle extended code. For the validation of the simulated spectrum, dosimetric measurements were made using a Farmer ionization chamber and a phantom. 

The data obtained from 18 simulations showed that there was a strong linear relationship (R2=0.71) between the two variables of cardiologist’s dose and patient’s DAP. Likewise, the obtained results of dosimetry conducted on the patients in 25 cardiac angiography procedures revealed that there was a strong relationship (R2=0.78) between the two variables.  

The reported correlation rates show the appropriateness of the physician radiation exposure to total patient’s DAP. With respect to the strong correlation coefficient obtained from the simulation method, it is recommended that this method should be verified by dosimetry. The findings of this study showed a linear relationship between the cardiologist’s dose and the total dose of the patient.