Occupational and patient exposure in interventional cardiology in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Monitoring of professionally exposed workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina started in 1960s. Doses received by patients and professionals in interventional cardiology are high in comparison with other practices in medicine. The purpose of this study is to present personal and patient dosimetry data. Results show increase in doses of personnel in interventional cardiology. Total collective dose for four cardiology centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina increased from 15 person mSv in 2007 to 52 person mSv in 2010. This increase mainly corresponds to higher number of personnel and increase in the number of procedures. Average monthly dose has increased from 0.40 to 0.72 mSv in the same period. The results of occupational and patient doses in interventional cardiology are similar to results reported in the literature. It is of great importance for professionals working in this field to be educated in radiation protection and proper use of X-ray equipment.