Evaluation of methods of displaying the real-time scattered radiation distribution during fluoroscopically guided interventions for staff dose reduction

2D and 3D scatter dose display options are evaluated for usefulness and ease of interpretation for real-time feedback to staff to facilitate changes in individual positioning for dose reduction purposes, as well as improving staff consciousness of radiation presence. Room-sized scatter dose 3D matrices are obtained utilizing Monte Carlo simulations in EGSnrc. These distributions are superimposed on either a ceiling-view 2D graphic of the patient and table for reference or a 3D augmented reality (AR) display featuring a real-time video feed of the interventional room. A slice of the scatter dose matrix, at a selectable distance above the floor, is color-coded and superimposed on the computer graphic or AR display. The 3D display obtains depth information from a ceiling mounted Microsoft Kinect camera, which is equipped with a 1080p visual camera, as well as an IR emitter/receiver to generate a depth map of the interventional suite and persons within it. The 3D depth information allows parts of objects above the 2D dose map to pass through the map without being colorized by it so the height perspective of the dose map can be maintained. The 2D and 3D displays incorporate network information from the imaging system to scale the scatter dose with exposure factors and adjust rotation of the distribution to match the gantry. Demonstration images were displayed to neurosurgery interventional staff and survey responses were collected. Results from the survey indicated that scatter distribution displays would be desirable and helpful in managing staff dose.