Improved radiation protection for physicians performing cardiac catheterization

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Safety
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Diagnostic angiography, particularly with hemiaxial projections, increases physician radiation exposure.
• The eyes and thyroid are particularly vulnerable to scattered radiation during these procedures.
• Existing protective measures may be insufficient for high-risk projections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a novel ceiling-suspended shield to reduce operator radiation exposure during diagnostic angiography.
• To quantify the effectiveness of the shield in mitigating scattered radiation.
• To evaluate the shield's impact on procedural workflow and visibility.

Main Methods:

• A lead-equivalent (19.5 kg/m2) ceiling-suspended shield was designed and implemented.
• Scattered radiation levels were measured near the operator with and without the shield.
• Measurements were taken during various hemiaxial projections (RAO, LAO, LAO-cranial).

Main Results:

• The shield reduced scattered radiation levels by 85% or greater at eye and thyroid levels across all tested angulations.
• Radiation reduction was consistent in 30° RAO, 5° LAO, 35° LAO, and 50° LAO-15° cranial projections.
• The shield did not impede the physician's ability to observe the patient or manipulate catheters.

Conclusions:

• The developed ceiling-suspended shield effectively reduces physician radiation exposure during diagnostic angiography.
• This protective device offers significant safety benefits for operators performing procedures with hemiaxial projections.
• The shield provides substantial radiation protection without compromising procedural efficacy or workflow.