Publications by authors named "Sotirios Economides"
The European as low as reasonably achievable(ALARA) network regularly organises workshops on topical issues in radiation protection (RP). The topic of the 20th workshop was: 'ALARA for interventional radiology (IR) and nuclear medicine (NM)'. The objective was to examine the challenges faced when applying the optimisation principle (ALARA) in IR and NM and to consider how ALARA could be better implemented for patient and staff exposures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe safe use of radiation sources presupposes the engagement of personnel adequately educated and trained on radiation protection and with the necessary safety culture. This is necessary in order to understand their responsibilities and perform their duties in the safest way for themselves, the public and the patients, where appropriate. The Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE) provides education and training on radiation protection to scientists, technical personnel and members of emergency response teams as well as the recognition of the related programs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEmbryo/fetus (E/F) irradiation as a result of medical exposure of the mother should be avoided, unless there are strong clinical indications. Medical practitioners are assigned the primary task and obligation of ensuring overall patient protection and safety in the prescription of and during the delivery of medical exposure. In cases of unintended exposure of embryo/fetus (E/F), the risk analysis and communication is conducted by or under the supervision of medical physicists at local level.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To present a national survey that was performed for the establishment of national reference levels (RLs) for interventional cardiology (IC) procedures and to estimate the effective dose (E) received by the patient during these procedures.
Methods: Data concerning the fluoroscopy time and air kerma-area product (P KA) during coronary angiography (CA), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), pacemaker implantation (PMI) and radiofrequency cardiac ablation (RFCA) from 26 centres were collected. Moreover, measurements concerning the performance of X-ray systems used in IC were performed in order to set system-related reference levels.
Article Synopsis
- - The study aimed to improve mammography practices by examining how simple corrective actions can enhance image quality across 54 mammography units in 17 countries, evaluating over 21,000 images.
- - Initially, 70% of images were deemed acceptable, with poor quality largely due to issues like film processing and lack of training; after implementing changes, quality improved significantly in some facilities.
- - The findings highlight that poor image quality not only increases unnecessary radiation exposure but also emphasize the importance of low-cost strategies for improving mammography, especially as more regions begin population-based screening programs.
Objective: The purpose of our study was to investigate the level of radiation protection of patients and staff during interventional procedures in 20 countries of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Subjects And Methods: In a multinational prospective study, information on radiation protection tools, peak skin dose (PSD), and kerma-area product (KAP) was provided by 55 hospitals in 20 mainly developing countries (nine mostly in Eastern Europe, five in Africa, and six in Asia).
Results: Nearly 40% of the interventional rooms had an annual workload of more than 2,000 patients.