Performance of a radiation protection cabin during extraction of cardiac devices

Operators who extract cardiac devices are exposed to considerable irradiation and excess risk of radiation-induced disorders. A dedicated radioprotection cabin was developed to offer complete protection against radiation. This randomized study was designed to ascertain the protection against radiation conferred by a radioprotection cabin and the safety during extraction of cardiac devices.

Thirty-seven consecutive patients who presented with an indication for extraction of a cardiac device were randomly assigned to a standard extraction technique (n = 19), vs extraction with the use of a radiation protection cabin (n = 18). Fluoroscopic exposure was compared using electronic dosimeters placed on the thorax, back, foot, and head of the operator.

The procedural times and total fluoroscopic exposure times and the complication rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The mean dose of radiation delivered to the thorax and back was similar in both groups (P = 0.3 and P = 0.8, respectively). In contrast, the mean doses of radiation delivered to the head and to the feet were respectively 68 and 390 times less in the cabin group than in the control group (P < 0.001).

The cabin offers nearly full body radioprotection and eliminates the need to wear a lead apron, without increasing procedural time or complication rate during cardiac device extraction.