2018 ACC/HRS/NASCI/SCAI/SCCT Expert Consensus Document on Optimal Use of Ionizing Radiation in Cardiovascular Imaging: Best Practices for Safety and Effectiveness

May 2, 2018—The stimulus to create this document was the recognition that ionizing radiation-based cardiovascular procedures are being performed with increasing frequency. Although the clinical benefit of these procedures is substantial, there is concern about the implications of medical radiation exposure both to patients and to medical personnel. This document’s purpose is to assist cardiovascular practitioners to provide optimal cardiovascular care when employing ionizing radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

The Heart Rhythm Society endorsed the document on January 10, 2018. 

This document is a more comprehensive treatment of the knowledge base covered in two documents published under this document’s title with subtitles “Part 1: Radiation Physics and Radiation Biology” and “Part 2: Radiological Equipment Operation, Dose-Sparing Methodologies, Patient and Medical Personnel Protection.”