Radiation Exposure Using Rampart vs Standard Lead Aprons and Shields During Invasive Cardiovascular Procedures

Radiation exposure during invasive cardiovascular procedures remains an important health care issue. Lead aprons and shields (LAS) are used to decrease radiation exposure but leave large portions of the body unshielded. The Rampart IC M1128 is a portable radiation shielding system that may significantly attenuate radiation exposure.

Catheterization laboratory teams were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to perform elective invasive cardiovascular procedures utilizing either traditional LAS or the Rampart IC M1128. Radiation exposure was measured using real-time dosimetry monitoring in prespecified anatomic locations on 3 operators (position 1: first operator/fellow; position 2: second operator/attending; and position 3: catheterization laboratory nurse/technologist). Radiation exposure was measured on a per-case basis.

In total, 100 consecutive cases were randomized in this study (47 Rampart; 53 LAS). There was no difference in fluoroscopy time (12.3 minutes for Rampart vs 15.4 minutes for LAS; P = .52), dose area product (288 Gy⋅cm² for Rampart vs 376.5 Gy⋅cm² for LAS; P = .52), or scatter radiation (38.8 mRem for Rampart vs 46.8 mRem for LAS; P = .61) between the groups. There was significantly lower total body radiation (in milliroentgen equivalent man) exposure using the Rampart than that using LAS for each team member: position 1-0.1 mRem for Rampart vs 2.2 mRem for LAS; P < .001; position 2-0.1 mRem Rampart vs 3.2 mRem LAS; P < .001; and position 3-0.0 mRem for Rampart vs 0.8 mRem for LAS; P < .001.

During routine clinical procedures, the Rampart system significantly decreases total body radiation exposure compared with traditional LAS.