The Effect of a Suspended Radiation Protection System on Occupational Radiation Doses During Infrarenal EVAR...

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Interventional Radiology
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Radiation exposure is a significant concern for healthcare professionals during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
• Evaluating novel radiation protection methods is crucial for improving operator and assistant safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the radiation protective efficacy of the Zero Gravity (ZG) system against conventional radiation protection during EVAR.
• To assess the user experience and ergonomics of the ZG system.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, prospective, randomized trial involving 71 elective infrarenal EVAR procedures.
• Procedures were randomized into two groups: operator with ZG and assistant with conventional protection, versus both using conventional protection.
• Radiation doses (Hp(10) and Hp(3)) were measured using dosimeters on operators and assistants; user experience was surveyed.

Main Results:

• Conventional protection was superior for chest, abdomen, and lower leg radiation doses (p < .001).
• The ZG system offered better shielding for the operator's axilla and eyes.
• ZG use negatively impacted ancillary shield deployment, assistant protection, maneuverability, communication, and field of view.

Conclusions:

• Both ZG and conventional methods reduce radiation exposure during EVAR.
• Conventional protection offers better maneuverability but wider exposure of the upper arm and axilla.
• ZG indirectly compromises the assistant surgeon's radiation protection and presents ergonomic challenges.