The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 30, 405-406, Copyright © 1980 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Scatter radiation to the hands from insertion of transvenous pacemakers
JG Antkowiak
Using ring film-badge dosimeters, scatter radiation to the hands of the
operating surgeon was measured during the transvenous insertion of nine
permanent pacemakers and one inferior vena cava umbrella. Average
fluoroscopy time was 12 minutes. The average dose of radiation was 25.5
mrems. The calculated yearly exposure of a surgeon inserting pacemakers at
this rate is approximately 3 R. This falls well within the "maximum
permissible dose" to the hands, which is currently 75 R per year.