Peak Skin Radiation Dose for Common Interventional Cardiac Catheterization Procedures in Children

Background
The novel Dose Tracking System (DTS) (Cannon, Japan) provides real-time peak skin radiation dose (PSD) data during cardiac catheterization procedures. It provides a real-time pictorial display comprising of a color-coded representation of the peak skin dose distribution as well as the real-time peak skin dose and skin dose value.

Methods
PSD data from the DTS and the fluoroscopy systems were retrospectively extracted at a single institution for seven common interventional procedures for congenital heart diseases (CHD). Descriptive analysis was performed.

Results
Closure of atrial septal defects is associated with the least radiation exposure in all four measures. Interventions that required stent placement had a significantly greater amount of radiation exposure compared to the six other procedures. There was increasing radiation exposure with increased complexity of the procedure. Peak skin dose was the only measure that provided dose distribution displayed on a model.

Conclusions
This study helps to establish bench marks for PSD to add to the already set benchmarks for other radiation parameters. Inclusion of PSD may help reduce radiation exposure for common interventional/diagnostic procedures in children with CHD.