RAdiation Dose Attenuation using RADPAD in CATH lab for primary and secondary operators - RADAR-CATH STUDY

Area of Science:

• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Physics
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Radiation exposure is a significant occupational hazard for interventional cardiologists.
• The RADPAD drape is a known device for reducing radiation exposure for the primary operator.
• Data on radiation exposure for secondary operators and in Indian cath labs are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of RADPAD drapes in lowering radiation doses for both primary and secondary operators.
• To quantify radiation dose reduction during various cardiac catheterization procedures.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 160 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty (single, double, triple vessel disease) or balloon mitral valvuloplasty.
• Patients were assigned to procedures with or without RADPAD in a 1:1 ratio.

Main Results:

• RADPAD use resulted in significant reductions in radiation doses for the primary operator across all procedures (28-67%).
• Reductions in relative operator exposure for the primary operator ranged from 18% to 75%.
• RADPAD demonstrated even greater efficacy for the secondary operator, with dose reductions ranging from 33% to 80% and relative exposure reductions from 23% to 76%.

Conclusions:

• RADPAD drapes are highly effective in reducing radiation exposure for both primary and secondary operators.
• The use of RADPAD is recommended for complex percutaneous coronary interventions and balloon mitral valvuloplasty procedures to enhance operator safety.