Evaluation of the Performance of Different Types of Radiation Protection Gloves: A Cross-sectional Study.

ABSTRACT: Radiation exposure of a practitioner's fingers is a problem in interventional radiology, and radiation protection gloves (protective gloves) can help reduce such exposure. Several types of protective gloves are commercially available from various manufacturers. In the present study, we compared the protective effects and usability of four types of protective gloves. To investigate the radiation protection effect, we placed normal surgical gloves and the four types of protective gloves on phantom hands with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) attached to the fingertips and the dorsum and palms of the hands. Next, they were irradiated with x rays, and the radiation dose was measured and compared using the TLDs. In terms of usability, 42 medical staff members completed a questionnaire that included seven items, such as finger movability, tactile sensation, grip, and overall satisfaction, which were scored on a 5-point scale. Consequently, the protective effects differed between the gloves, and radiation exposure was lower by 30% to 60% with these gloves compared with surgical gloves. In terms of usability, a difference of 2 to 4 points was noted between the gloves for each questionnaire item. These results suggest that radiation protective gloves can protect the surgeon's fingers from radiation exposure without reducing work efficiency by selecting gloves according to the surgical procedure.

[Examination of Optimization of Exposure Dose by IVR Procedure Based on DRLs 2020].

DRLs 2020 has been revised, and Ka,r and PKA for each procedure have been set for IVR along with the reference fluoroscopic dose rate. The total dose of IVR includes fluoroscopic and digital acquisition (DA) doses, but in actual clinical practice, the ratio varies greatly depending on the procedure (diagnosis/treatment purpose and procedure content), and there are not many detailed data on the ratio. Therefore, we evaluated previous efforts that optimized radiation protection through examining dose for each procedure and the ratio of fluoroscopic and DA doses to total dose, and reviewing protocols. Since the ratio of fluoroscopy and DA dose differs depending on the procedure, it was suggested that the radiation dose exposed to patients can be optimized by sharing the dose information with physicians and constructing a protocol while considering the image quality for each procedure.

[Relationship between Left Ventricle Myocardium Volume in Coronary Territories' Analysis and Fractional Flow Reserve].

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of estimating functional ischemia information from coronary artery computed tomography (CACT) data (i.e., morphological information). Fifty-five suspected ischemic heart disease patients were included in this study. To calculate the ischemic myocardium percentage (LV myocardial territories volume of distal portion the stenotic lesion/total LV myocardial volume) from CACT data with "coronary territories analysis, Ziostation2", and compared with the ischemic LV myocardium percentage and the functional flow reserve (FFR). The results showed that ischemic LV myocardium percentage was correlated with the FFR (r=-0.57). The median ischemic LV myocardium percentage of the FFR-positive group (n=33) was 37.1% (interquartile range [IQR] 33, 41.4%) and that of the FFR-negative group (n=22) was 24.8% (IQR 19.6, 30.6%). The ischemic LV myocardium percentage was significantly higher in the FFR-positive group (p<0.01) than in the FFR-negative group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the cutoff value for the ischemic LV myocardium percentage was 30%, with the sensitivity of 90.9% and the specificity of 77.3%. In conclusion, myocardial ischemia to diagnosis of FFR may occur when ischemic LV myocardium percentage is over than 30% and is unlikely to occur when it is less than 30%. This study suggests that the analysis of CACT data may contribute to the diagnosis of functional ischemia.

[Development of the Radiation Protective Curtain for the Dose Reduction of Caregivers during Computed Tomography Examinations].

PURPOSE: During computed tomography (CT) examinations, it may be necessary to assist the patient to maintain an appropriate body position. However, there is little protective equipment available for caregivers who approach the gantry. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel radiation protective curtains in reducing radiation exposure to caregivers while assisting patients, especially during CT examinations of the head. METHOD: The absorbed dose in air around the gantry during CT examinations of the head was measured using glass dosimeters. The measurement points from the center of the gantry were 40 to 120 cm in the front, 0 to 100 cm for each side in the right and left, and 60 to 180 cm from the floor. Measurements were performed at each 20-cm interval, and all points were accumulated 10 times. The absorbed dose in air in a CT room was compared with and without the protective curtains. Next, we assumed the height of the caregiver to be 170 cm, and measured the points for the crystalline lens, chest, and abdomen. Also, using the protective glasses and the protective apron, we measured the absorbed dose in air for the caregivers behind the protective curtains. RESULT: The absorbed exposure dose in air toward the crystalline lenses, chest, and abdomen was reduced more than 90% by using the protective curtains and more than 95% by using the protective apron and protective glasses in addition to them. CONCLUSION: This study showed the usefulness of protective curtains in reducing the absorbed exposure dose in air to caregivers.

[The Effect of Radiation Protection Education for the Operators' Ocular Lens in Cardiac Catheterization].

The purpose of this study was to educate operators regarding cardiac catheterization using radiation protection slides prepared for this study and to consider whether or not this radiation protection education contributes to reducing the exposure of the operator's ocular lens. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) was installed at the outside left, inside left, outside right, and inside right of the X-ray protective eyewear of the operators performing the cardiac catheterization. The exposure dose rate before and after radiation protection education for 3 operators performing cardiac catheterization was compared. The exposure dose ratio was defined by dividing the TLD measurement value, which is the air kerma calculated by the X-ray diagnosis apparatus for the angiography. In other words, this can calculate the ratio of how much the operators are exposed to radiation from the dose of the patient per examination. When comparing the radiation dose ratio obtained from the dosimeter installed on the right outer side before and after education, p-value was <0.05 in the left anterior oblique-cranial and right anterior oblique- cranial, and a significant difference was recognized. The radiation protection education carried out in this study contributes to a reduction in the exposure dose of the operators.

Effect of protective glasses on radiation dose to eye lenses during whole breast irradiation.

OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of radiotherapy for breast cancer has greatly improved owing to better irradiation methods. Radiotherapy aims to deliver therapeutic doses to predetermined target volumes while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. However, there are few reports on radiation exposure to eye lenses, and the recommended exposure limits to ocular lens have been substantially reduced in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the amount of radiation exposure to eye lenses using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) and determine whether wearing special protective devices to protect the eyes, as an organ at risk, during whole breast irradiation, is necessary. METHODS: This experiment used OSLDs on water-equivalent phantom to measure the change in scattered radiation dose due to the difference of irradiation field while using 4- and 6-MV photons of TrueBeam linear accelerator. Using a total treatment dose of 50 Gy, a target was positioned to approximate the breast, and a plan was formulated to deliver 2 Gy per treatment by tangential irradiation. The mean (SD) irradiation dose at the lens position outside the irradiation field was reported. RESULTS: The scattered radiation dose outside the irradiation field was more affected by the irradiation field size than by the radiation energy. The out-of-field irradiation dose with a larger field of view was higher than that with a smaller field of view. The use of 0.07- and 0.83-mm-thick lead shield protective glasses reduced the radiation dose by 56.1% (P < .001) and 55.6% (P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model, the amount of radiation the eye was exposed to during whole breast irradiation was determined by the distance of the eye from the radiation field edge and by wearing protective glasses. In clinical practice, the protection offered by eyeglasses may reduce the risk of long-term side effects and allow the use of higher intensive radiotherapy.

Relationship Between Coronary Fractional Flow Reserve and Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis in Moderate Stenosis of the Coronary Artery.

Background: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is used to evaluate the need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in cases of moderate stenosis of the coronary artery. Recently, diagnostic imaging support with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has been garnering attention. This study defines the relationship between FFR conducted for cardiac catheterization and CFD analyses conducted using coronary computed tomography (CT) for moderate stenosis, in addition to considering whether wall pressure (WP) and wall shear stress (WSS) can be used to evaluate ischemia. Methods and Results: Cases in which FFR was measured via coronary CT and cardiac catheterization was performed within 3 months were collected retrospectively. In the CFD analysis, WP and WSS were calculated and compared with FFR. Three groups were created to compare results of CFD analysis and FFR values according to the location of the stenosis: the right coronary artery, the left anterior descending artery, and the left circumflex artery. There was a correlation between FFR and WSS according to CFD analysis for moderate stenosis of the coronary artery, with a cut-off value for treatment able to be calculated. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that ischemia can be evaluated by conducting CFD analysis (WSS) using coronary CT.

A more accurate and safer method for the measurement of scattered radiation in X-ray examination rooms.

Advancements in and increasing usage of complex diagnostic examinations with interventional procedures and surgeries has led to an increase in the occupational radiation doses received by physicians and other medical staff. Measuring the scattered radiation doses received by these staff is vital for the development-effective radiation protection programs. In this study, we measured scattered doses during angiography and digital breast tomosynthesis examinations with small-type dosimeters using our jungle gym (JG) method with measurement points at 50-cm intervals. The results were compared with measurements taken using the conventional ion chamber method. The JG method uses paper pipe tubes and a plastic joint structure and allows measurements at different points inside an examination room. The difference between measurements can be attributed to the radiation absorption characteristics of the components used in the JG method. A maximum radiation dose reduction of 20% was observed due to absorption by the JG components. This effect was smaller than the measurement error produced because of reproducibility issues and other limitations of the conventional method. The conventional measurement has disadvantages that are associated with the reproducibility of measurement points, equipment load, and the radiation exposure experienced by the measurer. The proposed JG method exhibits significant improvements in all these aspects. Furthermore, the measurer does not have to be present in the measurement room; therefore, the JG method is extremely safe and useful for radiation protection.

Development of a dynamic blood vessel phantom for evaluation of moving images.

In coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), it is important for radiological technologists to optimize the balance between radiation dose and image quality for physicians to be able to perform CAG and PCI most effectively. Evaluation of image processing is necessary to ensure that technologists can optimally adjust image quality for clinical use to the extent that physicians require. However, few phantoms are available for evaluating fluoroscopic image processing, and this makes it necessary to adjust image quality in clinical settings while utilizing the image processing according to the manufacturer's recommendations. In this study, we developed a dynamic phantom that mimics a pulsating coronary artery for use in image quality analysis of moving images. We also examined whether processed images (image lag) can be physically analyzed. Two issues require special attention in creating a new phantom: establishing the exact position of the simulated blood vessel in the phantom, and providing good reproducibility. The study used the rotational motion of a disk to generate images, with a circular simulated blood vessel on the rotating acrylic disk, with the center of the simulated blood vessel shifted from the center of the acrylic disk. This enabled the reproduction of translational motion of the simulated blood vessel. As a result, because this phantom has signals and afterimages at the same position (of a simulated blood vessel), a quantitative evaluation of the afterimages became possible. In the evaluation of the image processing with the angiograph, it was shown that evaluations of image lag which are typically performed in clinical settings can be performed with the dynamic blood vessel phantom.

A study on fluoroscopic images in exposure reduction techniques - Focusing on the image quality of fluoroscopic images and exposure images.

The quality of the present day fluoroscopic images is sufficiently high for use as exposure images depending on the environment where the fluoroscopic images are recorded. In some facilities which use fluoroscopic images as exposure images they are recorded with a radiological x-ray diagnostic device equipped with a fluoroscopic storage function. There are, however, cases where fluoroscopic images cannot be used as exposure images because the quality of the fluoroscopic image cannot be assured in the environment where the fluoroscopic images are recorded. This poses problems when stored fluoroscopic images are used in place of exposure images without any clearly established standard. In the present study, we establish that stored fluoroscopic images can be used as exposure images by using gray values obtained from profile curves. This study finds that replacement of stored fluoroscopic images with exposure images requires 20.1 or higher gray scale value differences between the background and signal, using a 20 cm thick acrylic phantom (here an adult abdomen as representing the human body) as the specific geometry. This suggests the conclusion that the gray value can be considered a useful index when using stored fluoroscopic images as exposure images.

[Standardization of Analysis Conditions and Prediction of Increase Prediction Using Blood Flow Analysis Software for Cerebral Aneurysms: Phantom Study and Clinical Study].

In recent years, reports have been made that predict the state of aneurysm by performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using cerebral aneurysm blood flow analysis software. However, analysis results are not constant and there are various opinions, and it is conceivable that the image quality and analysis conditions of medical images used for CFD analysis are not standardized. In this study, CFD analysis of cerebral aneurysm phantom was performed, and image quality and analysis conditions were standardized. Then, we investigated whether increase of cerebral aneurysm and prediction of rupture are possible. From this study, stable results of wall shear stress analysis were obtained under slice thickness 1.0 mm or less, CT value 400 HU or more, reconstruction function as soft part function, image SD under 10 HU. In addition, as the size of the cerebral aneurysm became larger, wall shear stress tended to be lower, and the same tendency was shown also in clinical cases. Although CFD analysis using software dedicated to blood flow analysis did not reach the prediction of rupture, it can be evaluated based on the quantitative values for the aneurysm increase at the preceding stage and plays an important role in prediction there is a possibility.

[Evaluation of the Image Registration Program for Portal Images Using CR and DRR Images in Radiation Therapy].

In this study, computer simulations and experiments were used to verify the accuracy of a two-dimensional image registration program (program) for portal images that we previously developed. The program used a computed radiography cassette system and digitally reconstructed radiography images as planning images for external beam radiation therapy. Using this program, we also investigated the reason two-dimensional automatic image registration images experienced large misregistration in clinical practice using commercial image registration systems. Mutual information and normalized mutual information were used as the registration criteria. To investigate the influence of image background with or without a region of interest (ROI), results of image registrations were compared. Parameters of image registration were defined as translation in the horizontal and vertical directions (x and y, respectively) and rotation (θ) around the axis perpendicular to the x-y plane. There was no significant difference in image registration arising from the difference between mutual information and normalized mutual information. Image registration was improved with a ROI. Regardless of the registration criteria, errors in image registration with a ROI in the experimental study were ≤1.2 mm in directions x and y and ≤1.0 degree in rotation θ. We found that image registration required setting up as close to the planned position as possible.

Evaluation of image lag in a flat-panel, detector-equipped cardiovascular X-ray machine using a newly developed dynamic phantom.

We developed a dynamic phantom for use in routine checks. This phantom can be used to physically evaluate image lag that occurs in dynamic images. It has a unique measurement method. ROIs on the target are chosen, and, with the position of ROIs fixed on the image, changes in pixel value are detected physically when the target passes through the ROIs over time and perceived as image lag. Thus, it was possible to physically detect different intensities of image lag lasting less than one second while maintaining the same intensity trends. The checking technique we propose with the dynamic phantom that we developed could be effective for routine checking of fluoroscopy X-ray machines, and could become an established method.

Validation of a Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm Using 1D Linear Interpolation for Cone Beam CT after Endovascular Coiling Therapy for Cerebral Aneurysms.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm using 1D linear interpolation on cone-beam CT (CBCT). We performed phantom and clinical qualitative studies with and without MAR application using 1D linear interpolation. In the phantom study, the standard deviation (SD) was estimated from the images obtained from the water phantom in which a metal coil was placed at the center, and observed the changes in the SDs before and after MAR application. In the clinical qualitative study, the clinical images after endovascular treatment (EVT) for cerebral aneurysms were visually evaluated before and after MAR application. In the phantom study, the SDs after MAR application decreased by 56 to 35% compared with that before MAR application. In the clinical qualitative study, the artifacts from the metal coil decreased or increased depending on locations, and the contrasts of gray matter and white matter were attenuated when MAR was applied. In conclusion, the metal artifact decreases when MAR using 1D linear interpolation is applied to cerebral CBCT. However, another artifacts increase or soft tissue contrast is changed in some cases. MAR largely contributes to the reduction of streaking artifacts, whereas it may induce cerebral parenchyma at distant metal body or quality deterioration of the image not including the metal body. This should be taken into account in the diagnosis of secondary hemorrhage or infarction.

[Usefulness of virtual vessel images in ppi for treatment of complete obstruction of leg arteries].

Following recent rapid advances in devices and treatment technology, indications for percutaneous peripheral intervention (PPI) have been expanded to include complex lesions (long-segment lesions, completely obstructed chronic lesions, etc.) and even lesions of the superficial femoral artery and arteries distal to the popliteal artery. However, when PPI is used for treatment of complete obstruction, treatment can take a long time or its outcome can be less satisfactory for reasons such as difficulty in assessing the vascular distribution/arrangement or the direction of calcification in the obstructed area or excessively long lesions. In the present study, we conducted three-dimensional image processing of CT data from leg arteries conventionally used for preoperative diagnosis. Using this processing technique, we created virtual images of the blood vessels of the completely obstructed area and mapped these virtual vessel images onto the fluoroscopic monitor image during catheter treatment. The usefulness of this technique for PPI was then evaluated. We succeeded in creating virtual vessel images of the completely obstructed parts of leg arteries with the use of preoperative CT images of leg arteries that we then mapped onto the fluoroscopic monitor images during treatment. We were successful in mapping virtual images onto the abdominal aorta in 96.8% of cases and in 95.7% with the common iliac artery. This technique is thus able to supply reliable information on vascular distribution/arrangement, suggesting that it can enable the surgeon to advance the treatment device precisely along the vessels, making it useful for treatment with PPI. The study additionally showed that differences in the angle of imaging affect the manual mapping of the CT images onto angiograms.

[Study of heart region of interest setting method in the hepatic functional reserve index of (99m)tc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic Acid-galactosyl human serum albumin].

In this study we analyzed the influence of region of interest (ROI) selection on the uptake ratio of the liver to the liver plus heart at 15 min (LHL15) during (99m)Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) scintigraphy and determined the optimal ROI by evaluating the individual effects of different ROIs in the heart on LHL15. Twenty patients were randomly selected from those who had undergone (99m)Tc-GSA scintigraphy GSA between April 2008 and June 2009. The liver body (L/B) ratio, liver uptake 15 min (LU15), and LHL15 were analyzed and compared among the following ROIs: entire heart, both ventricles, right ventricle, and left ventricle. There were significant differences in the L/B ratio and LU15 values among the different ROIs. However, LHL15 showed a tendency to shift toward a normal value when the size of the ROI was small (only the right or left ventricle), resulting in a lack of distinction between normal and abnormal LHL15 values. Furthermore, setting the entire heart as the ROI was difficult and reproducibility was low. Our results suggest that the use of both ventricles as the ROI provides optimal LHL15 values during (99m)Tc-GSA scintigraphy.

[Examination of the shoulder joint using true anterior-posterior photography, employing a body surface index].

Radiographic examination of the anterior part of the shoulder includes routine anterior-posterior imaging that enables easy visualization of traumatic injuries and true anterior-posterior imaging that enables the visualization of intra-articular injuries. The X-ray incident angle of true anterior-posterior imaging is affected by physique and posture. However, in many reports, the angle is uniformly determined on the basis of the antero-posterior axis and the horizontal plane. We previously reported that the glenohumeral joint can be visualized with good reproducibility by establishing a reference line on the basis of three points on the body as indicators, namely the posterior view of the under-surface of the acromion, the coracoid process, and the inferior angle of the scapula. However, visualizing the undersurface of the acromion using physical indicators to set the angle for imaging remains problematic. In previous reports, the angle was consistently set at 20° to the horizontal plane, regardless of physique or posture, which resulted in poor reproducibility. After examining the imaging techniques described in previous reports, we describe here an imaging technique using a reference line based on indicators on the surface of the scapula that enables the glenohumeral joint and the undersurface of the acromion to be visualized with good reproducibility.

[A review of the position adopted by patients when acquiring images of the base of the hamate hook].

The hamate bone, one of the carpal (wrist) bones, has a large uncinate process protruding from the palm side. In sports such as golf and tennis, the hamate bone can break if is subjected to a high external force, such as from the handle of a racquet or club. At our hospital we take X-ray images of the hamate bone from two directions: an axial image through the carpal tunnel and an image at the base of the hamate hook (conventional method). While the conventional method makes it easy to create images of the base of the hamate hook, the patient may suffer pain during image-taking because the hamate bone is pulled to cause radial flexion. We therefore investigated a method of imaging that would create three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) images of the base of the hamate hook in which the patient would only have to only rotate the wrist externally and elevate the fore-arm without any radial flexion. Our results suggest that it is possible to obtain images of the base of the hamate hook as clear as those acquired using the conventional method with the patient in a comfortable and painless position taking images at an external rotation angle of 50.3° and a forearm elevation angle of 20.3°.

[Effect of Kiken-Yochi training (KYT) induction on patient safety at the department of radiological technology].

PURPOSE: In this report, we evaluated whether radiological technologists' (RTs') awareness of patient safety would improve and what kind of effects would be seen at the department of radiological technology by introducing KYT [K: kiken (hazard), Y: yochi (prediction), T: (training)]. METHODS: KYT was carried out by ten RTs based on a KYT sheet for the department of radiological technology. To evaluate the effects of KYT, we asked nine questions each to ten participants before and after KYT enforcement with regard to their attitude to patient safety and to operating procedures for working safely. RESULTS: Significant improvements after KYT enforcement were obtained in two items concerning medical safety: It is important for any risk to be considered by more than one person; The interest in preventive measures against medical accident degree conducted now) and one concerning operating procedures (It is necessary to have a nurse assist during testing with the mobile X-ray apparatus) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Performing KYT resulted in improved awareness of the importance of patient safety. KYT also enabled medical staffers to evaluate objectively whether the medical safety measures currently performed would be effective for patients.

A new reference point for patient dose estimation in neurovascular interventional radiology.

In interventional radiology, dose estimation using the interventional reference point (IRP) is a practical method for obtaining the real-time skin dose of a patient. However, the IRP is defined in terms of adult cardiovascular radiology and is not suitable for dosimetry of the head. In the present study, we defined a new reference point (neuro-IRP) for neuro-interventional procedures. The neuro-IRP was located on the central ray of the X-ray beam, 9 cm from the isocenter, toward the focal spot. To verify whether the neuro-IRP was accurate in dose estimation, we compared calculated doses at the neuro-IRP and actual measured doses at the surface of the head phantom for various directions of the X-ray projection. The resulting calculated doses were fairly consistent with actual measured doses, with the error in this estimation within approximately 15%. These data suggest that dose estimation using the neuro-IRP for the head is valid.