Using a Sterile Disposable Protective Surgical Drape for Reduction of Radiation Exposure to Interventionalists

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this paper is to show the effectiveness of a new radiation protection method designed to decrease the amount of scatter radiation received by practitioners performing procedures under fluoroscopic guidance.MATERIALS AND METHODS. A sterile, disposable, lead-free surgical drape containing radiation protection material composed primarily of bismuth was evaluated for effectiveness in reducing radiation doses to health care personnel. Measurements of phantom scatter, patient scatter, skin entrance, and the effects of collimation, together with comparative monthly thermoluminescent dosimeter recordings, were taken to determine the effectiveness of X-ray beam attenuation using the bismuth drapes.RESULTS. Scatter radiation to physicians, as measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters placed on each eye, the thyroid, and the wrist, was reduced by 12-fold for the eyes, 25-fold for the thyroid, and 29-fold for the hands when the radiation-attenuating surgical drape was used when compared with ...