Radiation hazards for the patient in cardiological procedures

The radiation dose to both staV and patients in interventional cardiology and radiology procedures is high compared to diagnostic procedures, particularly in the cardiological techniques of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and radiofrequency ablation as well as developing techniques such as direct myocardial revascularisation. In considering the potential harmful eVects of radiation it is necessary to consider eVects on the patients themselves as well as the staV performing the procedure. There is considerable experience relating to the exposure of staV and increasing awareness of the importance of radiation protection for the staV and patients. Regulations covering both groups have been in place for 10-15 years. The aim of this article is to review the radiation hazards to the patient and the radiation protection measures taken to ensure that the risk to the patient is kept as low as reasonably practicable. In addition it will review the newly implemented Ionising Radiation Regulations.