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Current State of Radiation Protection in Electrophysiology Laboratory


Invasive cardiology procedures have increased in complexity over the last decade, likely due to an aging population, higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, and newer technologies in the cardiovascular laboratory requiring high levels of technical understanding. While radiation reduction techniques have improved, there is still a real risk of potentially significant radiation exposure if methods for radiation protection are not utilized. Radiation protection is essentially divided into two components: personal protection and external protection. Personal protective equipment, consisting of a lead apron, eye glasses, and thyroid shield is the cornerstone of radiation safety. Federal advisory committees such as The International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) provide recommendations regarding minimum lead thickness for these essential elements. External protective equipment including hanging shields, table skirts, radiation drapes, rolling shields, sound radiation-proof lab architecture, and radiation protection units all comprise the remaining tools for radiation protection in the laboratory. While there are certain limitations to all forms of radiation protection, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. And in the case of radiation exposure, risks such as biologic side effects can have permanent implications. Recent literature has specifically highlighted cataract and brain tumor formation in operators. This review is thus meant to afford the reader a rather comprehensive review of the currently available radiation protection tools and provide evidence-based, practical tips on their incorporation into daily use.

Credits: Ryan Maybrook, Madhu Reddy, Ajay Vallakati, Pramod Janga, Sudharani Bommana, Andrea Natale, Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy

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