A radiation protection cabin significantly reduced operator radiation exposure to the head compared to a lead apron (1.9 vs 102 microSv, P<0.001) during electrophysiological procedures.
Observational (n=135)
Yes
Does a radiation protection cabin reduce operator radiation exposure compared to a standard lead apron during invasive electrophysiological procedures?
A radiation protection cabin significantly reduces operator radiation exposure to background levels during electrophysiological procedures compared to standard lead aprons.
Absolute Event Rate: 1.9% vs 102%
p-value: p=<0.001
AIMS: Complex invasive electrophysiological procedures may result in high cumulative operator radiation exposure. Classical protection with lead aprons results in discomfort while radioprotection is still incomplete. This study evaluated the usefulness of a radiation protection cabin (RPC) that completely surrounds the operator. METHODS AND RESULTS: The evaluation was performed independently in two electrophysiology laboratories (E1-Leuven, Belgium; E2-Bordeaux, France), comparing operator radiation exposure using the RPC vs. a 0.5 mm lead-equivalent apron (total of 135 procedures). E1 used thermoluminiscent dosimeters (TLDs) placed at 16 positions in and out of the RPC and nine positions in and out of the apron. E2 used more sensitive electronic personal dosimeters (EPD), placed at waist and neck. The sensitivity thresholds of the TLDs and EPDs were 10-20 microSv and 1-1.5 microSv, respectively. All procedures could be performed unimpeded with the RPC. Median TLD dose values outside protected areas were in the range of 57-452 microSv, whereas doses under the apron or inside the RPC were all at the background radiation level, irrespective of procedure and fluoroscopy duration and of radiation energy delivered. In addition, the RPC was protecting the entire body (except the hands), whereas lead apron protection is incomplete. Also with the more sensitive EPDs, the radiation dose within the RPC was at the sensitivity threshold/background level (1.3+/-0.6 microSv). Again, radiation to the head was significantly lower within the RPC (1.9+/-1.2 microSv) than with the apron (102+/-23 microSv, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of the RPC allows performing catheter ablation procedures without compromising catheter manipulation, and with negligible radiation exposure for the operator.
Dragusin et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Invasive electrophysiological procedures (n=135). Radiation protection cabin (RPC) vs. 0.5 mm lead-equivalent apron was evaluated on Operator radiation exposure to the head (p=<0.001). A radiation protection cabin significantly reduced operator radiation exposure to the head compared to a lead apron (1.9 vs 102 microSv, P<0.001) during electrophysiological procedures.