Real-time colour pictorial radiation monitoring during coronary angiography: effect on patient peak skin and total dose during coronary angiography.

AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a real-time (RT) colour pictorial radiation dose monitoring system reduces patient skin and total radiation dose during coronary angiography and intervention. METHODS AND RESULTS Patient demographics, procedural variables and radiation parameters were recorded before and after institution of the RT skin dose recording system. Peak skin dose as well as traditionally available measures of procedural radiation dose were compared. A total of 1,077 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography, of whom 460 also had PCI. Institution of the RT skin dose recording system resulted in a 22% reduction in peak skin dose after accounting for confounding variables. Radiation dose reduction was most pronounced in those having PCI but was also seen over a range of subgroups including those with prior coronary artery bypass surgery, high BMI, and with radial arterial access. This was associated with a significant reduction in the number of patients placed at risk of skin damage. Similar reductions in parameters reflective of total radiation dose were also demonstrated after institution of RT radiation monitoring. CONCLUSIONS Institution of an RT skin dose recording reduced patient peak skin and total radiation dose during coronary angiography and intervention. Consideration should be given to widespread adoption of this technology.