Dosimetry of portable image intensifiers in pacemaker insertions.

With the increased utilization of portable image intensifiers for pacemaker insertions, an investigation of the radiation hazards to operative personnel was undertaken. The personnel were tested first utilizing a Rando phantom and later during actual pacemaker insertions. Studies of medical personnel show the critical organs to be the thyroid (approximately 15mR per procedure) and the lens of the eye (approximately 13mR per procedure). While the MPD/week was not exceeded, the radiation dosage was substantial and could increase under operating conditions other than those measured. Recommendations to insure safer operation of this equipment are presented.