Estimation of cancer and hereditary effect risks in a patient and in a physician after cardiac catheterization procedure

Abstract

Cardiac catheterization is a common practice that uses X-rays to create images of structures necessary for the patient's diagnosis of certain diseases of the heart. During the procedure, patients and physicians are exposed to X-rays for long periods of time, which may be sufficient to cause skin lesions and even increase the risk of developing late effects of radiation, such as the development of cancer or onset of hereditary effects. The aim of this study was to estimate, for an examination of cardiac catheterization, using Monte Carlo method, the conversion coefficients of effective and equivalent doses and the probability of developing cancer or hereditary effects in both patient and physician. Considering only the performance of a procedure, the risks of developing cancer and hereditary effects appear, as expected, were higher for the patient. In addition, the results showed that increasing the potential difference across the tube, since it generates an increase in dose to organs and tissues, increases the risks associated with the procedure.