Effectiveness of shields to minimize scattered radiation for bronchoscopist: a phantom study

<bold>Background:</bold> The adoption of interventional bronchoscopy under fluoroscopy is growing as peripheral lung disease increases. However, research on effective radiation shielding strategies for bronchoscopist is extremely rare. The purpose of this study was to assess the radiation attenuation capabilities of the shields for bronchoscopist in a phantom study. <bold>Methods:</bold> An anthropomorphic torso phantom was positioned on the fluoroscopic table between the C-arm X-ray tube and the image detector. Radiation exposure rates were assessed at the bronchoscopist location using real-time dosimeters before and after shielding. A ceiling suspended lead screen and a rollaway lead screen with an extension of flexible flaps were placed over the phantom's neck. The radiation protection flaps covering the side of the table were placed under the phantom. X-ray irradiation was set at 65 kVp and 4.2 mA. <bold>Results:</bold> the mean radiation exposure withous shieling were 266.34 ± 8.86 μSv/hr in the glabella (170 cm), 483.90 ± 8.01 μSv/hr in the upper thorax (130 cm), 143.97 ± 8.20 μSv/hr in the hypogastrium (80 cm), and 7.22 ± 0.28 μSv/hr in the ankle (20 cm) level, respectively. The radiation attenuation capabilities of the shields over the phantom were 87.4%, 92.2%, 12.6%, and -42.5% in the glabella, upper thorax, hypogastrium, and ankle levels, respectively; those located under the phantom were -5.8%, 2.5%, 18.3%, and 90.1%; and those located on both sides were 98.6%, 98.3%, 66.2%, and 79.9%. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The use of radiation shields over and under the phantom significantly reduces radiation exposure to the bronchoscopist’s location. Radiation exposure can be minimized with appropriate strategies.