Comparative Effectiveness of 2 Next-Generation Scatter Radiation Shielding Systems

Scatter radiation is a health risk for personnel in x-ray-guided procedure rooms. This study compared the effectiveness of scatter radiation reduction from 2 next-generation radiation shielding systems.

Vertical poles with mounted radiation survey meters were positioned at 6 points around a catheterization laboratory imaging table where procedural staff typically stand. Meters were mounted on vertical tracks where the sensor could be raised on the track with stops every 20 cm (up to 200 cm). Fluoroscopy (15 frames per second) was then performed on an anthropomorphic phantom with a cardiac silhouette in PA and 4 quadrant angulations using a Philips Allura C-arm with a 9-inch detector and ClarityIQ dose reduction software (both Philips). Scatter radiation measurements were reported in μSv/h under 3 radiation shielding conditions: no shielding, using the Rampart IC shielding system, and using the EggNest Complete shielding system (Egg Medical Inc).

Scatter radiation was not evenly distributed around the table, with higher doses noted at the head of the bed compared to the feet and on the left side of the table compared to the right. Positions correlating with the primary operator and assistant had similarly significant average reductions in scatter radiation for both novel protection systems (EggNest Complete 3 ± 7 μSv/h vs Rampart IC 10 ± 40 μSv/h; P = .18). However, the EggNest Complete system showed substantial reductions in scatter radiation measurements compared to the Rampart IC for positions at the head of the bed and the nursing position (26 ± 56 vs 131 ± 157 μSv/h; P < .01). These results were similar in all standard x-ray angulations.

Compared to no shielding, both the EggNest Complete and the Rampart IC systems significantly lowered radiation measurements for the operator and assistant positions. However, the EggNest Complete system provided additional significant protection for the head of the bed and the nurse positions, which was not seen with the Rampart IC system.