J Korean Fract Soc.  2023 Oct;36(4):111-117. 10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.111.

The Efficiency of Radiation Shielding Sheet to Reduce Radiation Exposure during C-arm Fluoroscopy

• Jeon H
• Shin WC
• Seol HY
• Ki Y
• Kim KB
• Choo KS
• Lee SD
• Kang SW

• KMID: 2547294
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.111

Abstract

Purpose
This study evaluates the radiation shielding performance of a new lead-free tungsten-based sheet to reduce the radiation exposure of operators and patients under C-arm fluoroscopy.
Materials and Methods
A non-lead radiation shielding sheet (ROO201128; Pentas, Korea) was fabri-cated using tungsten and bismuth. The dose measurements were conducted using a C-arm fluoroscopy machine at 64 kVp and 1.5 mA, assuming two possible scenarios according to the position of the sheet. In each scenario, measurements were conducted at three distances (30, 60, and 90 cm) away from the beam center and in three directions (cephal, caudal, and operator’s direction).
Results
In the area within a radius of 60 cm from the beam center, the measured doses were reduced by 66.3% on mean, and the doses measured at distances more than 60 cm were less than 0.1 mSv/h in both scenarios. The most beneficial utilization of the lead-free shielding sheet was verified during C-arm fluoroscopy by placing the sheet on the X-ray tube. The operator’s radiation exposure was reduced by 56.6% when the sheet was placed under the phantom, and by 81.0% when the sheet was placed on the X-ray tube.
Conclusion
The use of lead-free radiation shielding sheets under C-arm fluoroscopy was effective in reducing radiation exposure, and the most beneficial scenario in which the sheet can be utilized was verified when the sheet was placed on the X-ray tube.

Keyword

Radiation exposure; Radiation protection; Radiation shied sheet; C-arm fluoroscopy