Virtual reality: better radiation protection for healthcare professionals

In the VR application, ionising radiation becomes visible

A new VR application is intended to better train medical staff in how to deal with radiation. Particularly during interventional procedures, doctors and radiological specialists are often exposed to high levels of radiation. However, they are not always adequately prepared for this. As part of the departmental research of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has developed an application that can be used to practise in a virtual intervention room. This means that users and patients will be better protected.

Trade visitors obtained comprehensive information at the German X-ray congress, which took place in Wiesbaden from 8 to 10 May 2024.

Interventional procedures in radiology are minimally invasive diagnostic examinations or therapeutic interventions performed under image guidance. Both medical staff and patients are exposed to high levels of radiation. However, this can be reduced by taking appropriate protective measures.

VR helps makes radiation visible

The newly developed application with virtual reality (VR) visualises ionising, high-energy radiation as it occurs under real conditions (e.g. in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory). For example, scattered radiation and the shielding effect of patient protection products are also visible.

Users can use a lead apron, thyroid protection, goggles, and a cap to simulate radiation protection during the examination. In addition, under-table shields and mobile shields can be used, and the angle of incidence of the radiation can be modified by rotating the X-ray unit. The application estimates in real time how the effective dose to people present in the room can be reduced by using the individual protective measures. Also the influence of different parameters on the radiation dose can be tested and simulated in the virtual intervention room without endangering oneself or others.

Employees of the BfS and medical professionals supported the development of the application

German X-ray congress in Wiesbaden

The application was presented at the X-ray congress in Wiesbaden, which took place on 8 May 2024. Visitors had the opportunity to have the application explained to them:

• Wednesday, 8 May 2024, 3:30–4:00 p.m.: Terrace Hall C:
  Session "Radiology and physics – everything by remote", lecture "Radiation protection in the intervention room: Optimisation through practice in virtual reality"
• Wednesday, 8 May 2024, 4:00–4:20 p.m.: Forum Career 1 (South Hall): Radiation protection VR: interactive training in the virtual intervention room
• Thursday, 9 May 2024, 10:15–10:35 a.m.: Forum Career 1 (South Hall): Radiation protection VR: interactive training in the virtual intervention room

Visitors also had the opportunity to try out the goggles at the stand at the entrance to the industry exhibition.

The VR environment was developed by the Northdocks GmbH under the expert supervision of the BfS. The application can be downloaded free of charge by anyone interested.