Radiation safety in IR (2025 – CME) – online course

Description

Authors: E. Efstathopoulos and T. Pereira

Reviewers: S. Aronhime, D. Filippiadis, R. Iezzi, C. Nice, B. Peynircioglu, C. M. Sommer

This course corresponds to chapter 2.1.3 Patient safety in the European Curriculum and Syllabus for Interventional Radiology.

Abstract

The advances in digital imaging and the improvement in interventional tools over the past 20 years have significantly increased the frequency of interventional procedures. In addition, interventional radiology procedures may deliver high radiation doses to patients and staff, raising serious concerns regarding the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Therefore, interventional radiologists need to have adequate knowledge and training to minimize radiation risks. The need for education in radiation protection is even more imperative considering the revised occupational dose limit for the lens of the eye and the new European Directive 2013/59 Euratom. The aim of the current e-learning course is to advance knowledge about radiation safety and its implementation in interventional radiology. It provides, concisely and comprehensibly, the basic physics of ionizing radiation, the components of the fluoroscopic imaging chain, and the biological effects of ionizing radiation. The course lays down the legal requirements for radiation protection and the main occupational and patient radiation dose management strategies. The goal is to provide practical information on avoiding excessive doses to patients and operators.

Learning objectives

• Explain the production of X-rays.
• Describe the interactions of X-rays with matter.
• List the basic components of the fluoroscopy imaging equipment.
• Explain the biological effects and risks of ionizing radiation.
• Define the basic principles of radiation protection.
• Describe the most important tools for radiation protection, including aprons, lead glass eyewear, and shields.
• Describe and apply dose reduction strategies in clinical practice for medical professionals, patients, and special population groups (children, pregnant women).
• To identify the parameters that affect patient and occupational radiation exposure.

Further information

This course covers a basic level of IR knowledge and is designed for trainees, students or young consultants aiming to acquire essential knowledge or prepare for the EBIR exam. Thereby, it is tailored to the European Curriculum and Syllabus for Interventional Radiology and corresponds to chapter 2.1.3 Patient safety.

The format of the course is interactive and easy to use, including texts, graphics, videos and a quiz to support your learning. The course duration is around one and a half hours and is accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) to award 1.5 European CME credits (ECMEC). Please note that this course will be taken offline on June 02, 2030.

The acquired CME Certificate will be available in the myCIRSE area under CIRSE Academy.

The enrolment period of this course is linked to the validity of the All-Access Pass.

Release date: June 2025