Avaliação dos coeficientes de conversão de dose em um procedimento intervencionista de angiografia cerebral por simulação Monte Carlo

Abstract

Interventional radiology comprises minimally invasive procedures guided by fluoroscopy, with cerebral angiography being essential for mapping the vascularization of the head and neck region, enabling the detection of anomalies such as aneurysms and malformations. However, due to the close proximity of the medical professional to the patient and the X-ray equipment, as well as the duration of the procedure, the medical team is frequently exposed to high doses of radiation. The use of collective protective equipment (CPE) is one of the ways to reduce exposure and ensure occupational safety. Thus, this study analyzed, through Monte Carlo simulation, the conversion coefficients for equivalent and effective dose received by the primary physician during a cerebral angiography, assessing the impact of using CPE. Six scenarios were modeled in Blender software, considering right lateral (RL) and posteroanterior (PA) projections, and the isolated or combined use of a lead curtain and lead glass. Radiographic parameters were obtained from literature. The results showed that, for the RL projection, the isolated use of lead glass reduced the conversion coefficient values for the effective dose (CC[E]) by 92%, while the combination of both achieved a 94% reduction, with the brain, salivary glands, and skin being particularly benefited. In the PA projection, the isolated curtain reduced CC[E] values by 8%, but the addition of lead glass increased the reduction to 70%. These results reinforce the importance of using collective protective equipment, as well as optimizing practices to ensure radiological safety.