Comprehensive radiation shield minimizes operator radiation exposure in coronary and structural heart procedures

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Physicians performing cardiac procedures face significant radiation exposure (RE).
• Traditional lead aprons are orthopedically burdensome.
• The Protego™ radiation shielding system offers comprehensive protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Protego™ radiation shielding system.
• To minimize physician radiation exposure during coronary and structural heart procedures.
• To compare the Protego™ system against standard radiation protection methods.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, two-group cohort study was conducted.
• The study included a large number of coronary and structural heart procedures.
• Operator RE was compared between the Protego™ system and standard protection (lead apparel, "drop down" shield).

Main Results:

• The Protego™ system reduced operator RE by 99% compared to standard protection.
• Thyroid and waist radiation doses were significantly lower with Protego™ (p < 0.001).
• Zero total RE was documented in 64% of TAVR and 73.2% of coronary cases with Protego™.

Conclusions:

• The Protego™ shield provides total body radiation protection for cardiac procedure operators.
• It eliminates the need for personal lead aprons.
• The system has the potential to reduce occupational health hazards in catheterization laboratories.