Cerebral angiography: a device to reduce exposure to the eye lens.

Abstract

A simple inexpensive eyeshield, made of thin sheets of lead apron material laminated to a 5- X 15-cm sheet of x-ray film base, which is taped to the temple nearest the lateral x-ray tube prior to the completion of standard simultaneous biplane posteroanterior (PA) and lateral angiograms, results in a significant reduction in radiation exposure to the lens of the eye. The shield protects the eye lens without significantly imparing the quality of the radiographs. Compared with reported radiation exposure for standard cerebral vascular angiography, use of this device can produce a 20-fold drop in radiation exposure to the lens.

Fluoroscopic Cranial Radiation Exposure in Spine Surgery: A Prospective Single-Center Evaluation in Operating Room Personnel

“…Available literature on radiation exposure in fluoroscopy-guided spine surgery is focused on exposure to the surgeon's torso, neck, or hand, whereas studies on cranial exposure remain scarce. [4][5][6]8,12,13,17,28,30,31 We therefore sought to determine cranial radiation exposure to the patient, surgeon, and operating room personnel during spine surgeries requiring fluoroscopic guidance.…”

“…1,2 Within the general context of radiation exposure, most workers exposed to manmade radiation are now medical personnel. 3 Although scatter radiation exposure to the lens of the eye and regions below the neck have been quantified and minimized using a variety of personal protective equipment, [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] not much literature is available on exposure to the forehead and skull. [11][12][13] Cranial radiation exposure remains a major risk factor for the development of cataracts and brain tumors, including gliomas and meningiomas.…”