Single-Center, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial on the Reduction of Scattered Radiation Exposure to the...

Area of Science:

• Interventional Cardiology
• Radiation Safety
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Catheterization laboratory procedures expose primary operators to significant occupational radiation hazards.
• Vascular access sites (radial, femoral, pectoral) influence scattered radiation levels for operators.
• Minimizing radiation exposure is crucial for the long-term health of interventional cardiologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate scattered radiation exposure to the primary operator at different vascular access sites.
• To assess the effectiveness of radiation protection drapes in reducing operator radiation dose.
• To compare radiation exposure across radial, femoral, and pectoral vascular access during catheterization.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, randomized controlled trial involving 216 patients undergoing catheterization.
• Patients were randomized to standard radiation protection or additional shielding with radiation protection drapes.
• Operator radiation dose was measured and normalized to air kerma (AK), dose area product (DAP), and cine-adjusted screen time (CAST).

Main Results:

• Pectoral access resulted in the highest operator radiation exposure (96.75 µSv) compared to femoral (45.72 µSv) and radial (49.06 µSv) access.
• Radiation protection drapes significantly reduced operator exposure across all access sites (P < 0.05).
• Reductions in exposure with drapes ranged from 48% to 82% depending on the access site and radiation parameter measured.

Conclusions:

• Radiation protection drapes are highly effective in minimizing primary operator radiation exposure during catheterization.
• Pectoral vascular access requires particular attention due to higher associated radiation doses.
• Routine use of radiation protection drapes is recommended to enhance safety for interventional cardiology staff.