Single-Center, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial on the Reduction of Scattered Radiation Exposure to the Primary Operator in Radial, Femoral, and Pectoral Cath Lab Procedures Using a Radiation Protection Drape.
Shodhan R Aithal, Hermohander Singh Isser, Zubair Farooq et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-center, open-label randomized controlled trial assessed operator scatter radiation during catheterization procedures using radial, femoral, or pectoral access, and whether an additional radiation protection drape reduced exposure. Among 216 patients, pectoral access had the highest reported operator exposure (96.75 µSv), compared with femoral (45.72 µSv) and radial access (49.06 µSv). Drapes significantly reduced exposure across all access groups: reductions ranged from 48% to 82% across the reported DAP-, AK-, and CAST-normalized measures (all P < 0.05). No adverse events were reported.
Key findings
- Pectoral access had the highest operator exposure (96.75 µSv), versus 45.72 µSv for femoral and 49.06 µSv for radial access.
- With radial access, drapes reduced exposure by 51% (DAP), 48% (AK), and 53% (CAST); all reductions were statistically significant.
- With femoral access, reductions were 82% (DAP), 74% (AK), and 63% (CAST); with pectoral access, they were 62%, 49%, and 52%, respectively (all P < 0.05).
- No adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
Catheterization exposes operators to scattered radiation, and exposure differed by vascular access route in this trial. The findings indicate that an added protection drape can reduce measured operator exposure across radial, femoral, and pectoral procedures. This is relevant to occupational radiation protection, particularly because pectoral access had the highest reported exposure despite lower air kerma values.
What to keep in mind
The trial was conducted at a single center and was open-label. The abstract reports exposure outcomes but does not describe longer-term occupational or health outcomes.