Monte Carlo simulation of interventional cardiac scenarios using a newborn hybrid phantom and MCNPX code

Abstract

We developed exposure scenarios of pediatric interventional cardiology using a newborn hybrid phantom and the radiation transport code MCNPX. Six angiographic projections (AP, PA, LAO45, RAO45, LAO90 and RAO90) were simulated considering three X-ray energy spectra (60, 70 and 80 kVp), focus-skin distance (FSD) not less than 45 cm and a 7 x 7 cm² field size. The equivalent and effective doses were computed and normalized by the kerma-area product (KAP) resulting the conversion coefficients HT/KAP and E/KAP. The results showed highest H _T /KAP values in AP projection (80 kVp). Increasing photon energy, average E/KAP values presented relative differences of 18% (60 to 70 kVp) and 15% (70 to 80 kVp). E/KAP values were compared with those published for mathematical newborn phantom. Results showed relative differences of 14% for AP projection (70 kVp) and 60% for lateral projections (60 kVp).