[Radiation burden in heart catheter studies--significance of measures for reducing scatter radiation].

: During diagnostic and, more particularly, therapeutic intervention, such as transluminal coronary angioplasty, the operator may be exposed to a considerable degree of scatter radiation. In our study, we measured the level of radiation exposure of the head, unprotected knees and lower legs. A flexible lead screen, attached to the catheterization table (0.5 mm Pb) reduced scatter radiation of the lower legs by 95%. In addition, scatter radiation exposure of the head decreased by 54% by covering the patient with a rubber leaden blanket (0.25 mm Pb). Finally, the use of these supplementary yet simple measures did not hinder or interfere with the examination procedure in any way.