Radiation Exposure Among Scrub Technologists and Nurse Circulators During Cardiac Catheterization

Abstract

The relatively simple approach of using accessory lead shields to protect staff members during cardiac catheterization was associated with a nearly two-thirds reduction in radiation exposure among nurses and technologists.

SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards of the Catheterization Laboratory: Shifting the Paradigm for Healthcare Workers' Protection

“…The use of leaded caps has been proposed with mixed results regarding reduction in exposure. 43,44 Simple accessory mobile shields afford significant protection to both nurses and technologists 45 as well as to the interventional imaging team. 30 More expansive and encompassing lead shielding systems are commercially available, 46 and there is a need for more clinical research data supporting their capabilities to reduce exposure.…”

“…Protection for these workers also needs to be incorporated and mandated. 30,45,46 Professional societies should develop programs to assist hospitals and health systems to address occupational safety. It is in everyone's interest to assure the health of medical caregivers.…”

SCAI multi‐society position statement on occupational health hazards of the catheterization laboratory: Shifting the paradigm for Healthcare Workers' Protection

“…The use of leaded caps has been proposed with mixed results regarding reduction in exposure . Simple accessory mobile shields afford significant protection to both nurses and technologists as well as to the interventional imaging team . More expansive and encompassing lead shielding systems are commercially available, and there is a need for more clinical research data supporting their capabilities to reduce exposure.…”

Shading operators from the Gray: Are novel radiation barriers or changing physician behaviors the best next step?

“…Building on previous catheterization laboratory investigations showing that additional lead shielding can significantly reduce staff radiation exposure, Panetta and colleagues present initial investigations of a novel vertical radiation shield (VRS) designed to further reduce operator radiation exposure. Using two phantom models, simulations evaluated potential operator radiation exposure at different fluoroscopy projection angles, degrees of magnification, and distances from access site.…”

“…Each of these variables can be manipulated by the operator and can result in significantly lower radiation exposure. When success has been demonstrated with additional physical barriers for reduction in catheterization laboratory radiation exposure, the use of such devices has also required provider's behavioral change . Given previous research showing that operator education and specific training on this topic can lead to such behavioral change, it may be that simple operator behavioral adjustments will be more effective in large‐scale reduction in radiation exposure rather than—or in combination with—adoption of additional novel lead barrier devices .…”