Abstract

Background: The efficacy of radiation-attenuating lead-acrylic face masks used in interventional cardiology has been little studied. Objective: To determine the efficacy of lead acrylic face masks in a simulated environment. Method: An experimen-tal study was performed to compare the secondary ionizing radiation doses received by a manikin simulating the interven-tional cardiologist at the surface of the left eye orbit, the mouth, and the surface of the left temporo-parietal lobe using dosimeters placed in front of and behind the radiation-attenuating lead acrylic face mask. The projections were 50° LAO and 60°/40° LAO.The voltage was 73.8 ± 24.7 kV, the current was 582 ± 145 mA, and the dose-area product was 50.4 ± 37.9 Gy/m2. Results: The median radiation doses with and without masks were 0.21 mSv (0.00-0.83) and 0.43 mSv (0.37-0.64), respec-tively, corresponding to a radiation attenuation of 52%, and when the mask was supplemented with the ceiling-suspended plumed acrylic shield, undetectable radiation levels were observed. Conclusions: The radiation-attenuating lead acrylic face mask provide moderate attenuation, which, when supplemented with the acrylic shield, achieves optimal attenuation.