Rate of Problems Increases with Number of Years Worked

Interventionalists and their staff are exposed to high amounts of radiation every day due to the long, complicated procedures performed and their proximity to the radiation source. Exposure has increased six-fold in the last 30 years, and nearly 40% of the increased exposure is related to cardiovascular imaging and intervention.[1]

A 2016 study reveals that health conditions are more common in interventional cardiology/cardiac electrophysiology staff than in unexposed staff (see Figure 1) and that the rate of these problems increases with the number of years worked in this occupation[2] (see Figure 2). These conditions included cancer, skin lesions, cataract and orthopedic illnesses while secondary findings included increased risks of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and anxiety/depression.

The study was conducted in Europe where radiation dose guidelines are much more strict than federal and international dose guidelines. Even with exposure to lower radiation doses, interventional staff were five times more likely to develop orthopaedic illnesses, three times more likely to develop skin lesions and two times more likely to develop cancer than unexposed staff.

Although the exposure may not be felt for years to come, radiation-induced disease can have a biological latency of more than 10 years.[3]

THE SOLUTION

The study concludes there is a rising need to spread the culture of safety to these workers. Click here to download the study.

Medical imaging professionals can have long, safe careers when they monitor their exposure and employ the three principles of radiation protection: time, distance and shielding.

RADIATION SHIELDING

The RADPAD® is the only clinically-proven, non-lead and non-vinyl, lightweight and disposable shield that can guarantee a 95% reduction in x-ray scatter radiation. The RADPAD® shield works by creating a “shade zone” on the patient where radiation is absorbed into the shield. This allows the clinician to move freely within this zone with significantly reduced scatter radiation, all while protecting the patient.

RADPAD® 5000 series products are comprised of several procedure-specific radiation protection shields designed to provide maximum protection to the operator and cath lab personnel during fluoro-guided procedures.

RADPAD® 7000 series are comprised of several procedures specific sterile drape + RADPAD® Radiation Protection Shields, designed to protect operators and cath lab personnel during fluoro-guided procedures.

RADPAD® No Brainer® is an attenuation material-lined scrub cap worn by the cath lab personnel to protect their brain from scatter radiation during fluoro-guided procedures.

RADPAD® Thyroid Shield w/ Cover is a RADPAD® thyroid shield worn by the cath lab personnel to protect thyroid glands during fluoro-guided procedures.

To learn more about the RADPAD®, please contact your local MED Alliance sales representative, email us or call 888-891-1200.

References

[1] National Council on Radiation Protection & Measurements. Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of the United States. Bethesda, MD National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, (2009) 160.

[2] Andreassi, et al. 12 Apr 2016 https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS .115.003273 Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions. 2016

[3] Venneri, L, et al. Cancer risk from professional exposure in staff working in cardiac catheterization laboratory: Insights from the National Research Council’s Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII Report. American Heart Journal, (2009) 157: (1), 118-124