Optimizing Radiation Safety in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Abstract

Reducing radiation exposure during cardiovascular catheterization is of paramount importance for both patient and staff safety. Over the years, advances in equipment and application of radiation safety protocols have significantly reduced patient dose and operator exposure. This review examines the current status of radiation protection in the cardiac and vascular catheterization laboratory and summarizes best practices for minimizing radiation exposure.

Minimizing exposure to radiation in invasive cardiology using modern dose‐reduction technology: Evaluation of the real‐life effects

“…Our findings should prompt invasive cardiology teams to modernize their equipment, particularly since the reduction in the dose received in the patient is likely also accompanied by a reduction of the dose of radiation received by the medical and paramedical staff. Indeed, the main source of exposure to radiation for invasive cardiologists is reportedly the patient . However, confirmation of this hypothesis would require a specifically designed, larger study using dosimeters to measure the dose of radiation received by staff members during invasive cardiology procedures.…”

Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Evidence and Controversies

“…In part because of an increase in popularity of CTO PCI and increasing emphasis on procedural safety, there have been significant reductions in patient radiation dose over time, by using low fluoroscopy rates (6–7.5 frames per second), newer x‐ray systems that administer a lower radiation dose,58 and better radiation safety techniques 59. Werner et al60 examined 984 CTO PCIs performed in 863 patients between 2010 and 2015.…”

2018 ACC/HRS/NASCI/SCAI/SCCT Expert Consensus Document on Optimal Use of Ionizing Radiation in Cardiovascular Imaging: Best Practices for Safety and Effectiveness

“…Circulating personnel should be positioned remotely from the x‐ray source and, as a result of that distance, should receive negligible exposure. When circulating personnel need to approach close to the patient, the physician operator has a responsibility to not operate the x‐ray system until the circulating person has finished and is no longer in close proximity to the x‐ray source .…”