A novel comprehensive radiation shielding system eliminates need for personal lead aprons in the catheterization laboratory
Maher Rabah, Sorcha Allen, Amr E. Abbas, Simon Dixon
Abstract
Abstract Objectives This clinical study evaluated the efficacy of a novel radiation shielding system for the cardiac catheterization laboratory designed to provide comprehensive protection that obviates the need for personal lead aprons. Background Invasive Cardiologists are exposed to occupational health hazards related directly to radiation exposure (RE) and indirectly to the orthopedic burden of wearing only partially protective lead aprons. Innovations to reduce these risks are warranted. A novel comprehensive shielding system (Protego TM , Image Diagnostics Inc, Fitchburg, Ma) has been validated in pre‐clinical studies to provide excellent radiation protection, sufficient for the State of Michigan to certify it for use without need for personal lead aprons. Methods This clinical analysis measured RE to a single Physician operator utilizing the Protego TM shield (and not wearing personal lead apron) during routine cardiac catheterization procedures (diagnostic and interventional). RE was measured at both thyroid and waist level with a real‐time dosimetry system (Raysafe TM , Billdal, Sweden), calculated on a median per case basis (mrems). Additional parameters collected included procedure type, access site, per case fluoroscopy time, and patient factors including body mass index. Results In n=98 cases (25% diagnostic, 75% interventional including 22% chronic total occlusions), median/case RE was 0.4 mrems (thyroid) and 0.2 mrems (waist). RE=0 in 12 cases. In no case did radiation exposure exceed 3.2 mrems. Conclusion The Protego TM shield system provides excellent RE protection to the Physician operator, without the need for personal lead aprons and has the potential to reduce catheterization laboratory occupational health hazards.