Ergonomic Evaluation of Augmented Reality-Based Visualization of Scattered Radiation Distribution During Partial-Angle CT

Computed tomography (CT)-guided procedures require close proximity to the CT gantry or patient, increasing occupational exposure to scattered radiation. Even though radiation-protective equipment is commonly used, the optimization of CT fluoroscopic techniques remains important. Partial-angle CT (PACT) employs a limited exposure angle, producing cumulative scattered radiation distributions that vary with the selected angle and are difficult to estimate in advance. I aimed to develop an augmented reality (AR)-based visualization method for cumulative scattered radiation distributions during PACT and to evaluate its ergonomic feasibility as a proof of concept for occupational exposure reduction. An AR display system was developed to overlay cumulative scattered radiation distributions onto physical space using AR glasses. Workload was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Compared with non-virtual conditions using radiation-protective glasses alone, AR-assisted visualization was associated with increased perceived workload, and usability scores were lower than those reported in previous AR studies. These findings indicate that, for AR display systems to support occupational exposure reduction, perceived task demands must be comparable to conventional protection strategies. Further improvements in visualization methods, user familiarity with AR environments, and ergonomic optimization are required to facilitate clinical implementation.