TL;DR: These results document that interventional cardiologists commonly suffer orthopedic disease, frequently leading to lost work days, as well as radiation‐associated problems (cataracts and cancers).
Abstract: Invasive cardiologists generally consider radiation to be the chief occupational hazard. Heavy leaded aprons worn to reduce this risk may be associated with orthopedic complications. This study was designed to characterize the prevalence of these occupational health problems. The Interventional Committee of the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) sent to its Internet-registered members a Web-based survey. Inquiries included age, years of invasive practice, and diagnostic/interventional cases/year. Questions (yes/no) focused on orthopedic (spine, hips, knees, and ankles) and radiation-associated problems (cataracts and cancers). The survey was sent to over 1,600 members with 424 responses. Responders were on average busy and experienced, performing catheterization > 10 years in 62% of cases and > 20 years in 24% others. Average annual diagnostic-only case load was > 200/year in 72%, > 300/year in 43%, and > 500/year in 18% of responders. Reported annual interventional caseload was > 100/year in 83%, > 200/year in 37%, and > 300/year in 15% of operators. Orthopedic problems included spine problems in 42% of responders (of these, 70% were lumbosacral and 30% cervical). Hip, knee, or ankle problems were noted in 28% of operators. Spine problems were related to the annual procedural caseload and the number of years in practice. Over one-third reported spine problems had caused them to miss work. The results of the radiation queries were inconclusive. These results document that interventional cardiologists commonly suffer orthopedic disease, frequently leading to lost work days.
TL;DR: During interlocking intramedullary nailing of twenty-five femoral and five tibial fractures, the primary surgeon wore both a universal film badge on the collar of the lead apron and a thermoluminescent dosimeter ring on the dominant hand to quantify the radiation that he or she received.
Abstract: During interlocking intramedullary nailing of twenty-five femoral and five tibial fractures, the primary surgeon wore both a universal film badge on the collar of the lead apron and a thermoluminescent dosimeter ring on the dominant hand to quantify the radiation that he or she received. When distal interlocking was performed, the first ring was removed and a second ring was used so that a separate recording could be made for this portion of the procedure. At the conclusion of the study, all of the recorded doses of radiation were averaged. The average amount of radiation to the head and neck during the entire procedure was 7.0 millirems of deep exposure and 8.0 millirems of shallow exposure. The average dose of radiation to the dominant hand during insertion of the intramedullary nail and the proximal interlocking screw was 13.0 millirems, while the average amount during insertion of the distal interlocking nail was 12.0 millirems. Both of these averages are well within the government guidelines for allowable exposure to radiation during one-quarter (three months) of a year. Precautions that are to be observed during this procedure are recommended.
TL;DR: In this study, the radiation protection effects of commercially available protective lead and non-lead aprons, when exposed to diagnostic X rays, are compared and the performance of these non- Lead aprons was similar for scattered X rays at tube voltages of 60-120 kV.
Abstract: At present, interventional radiology (IVR) tends to involve long procedures (long radiation duration), and physicians are near to the source of scattered radiation. Hence, shielding is critical in protecting physicians from radiation. Protective aprons and additional lead-shielding devices, such as tableside lead drapes, are important means of protecting the physician from scattered radiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether non-lead aprons are effective in protecting physicians from radiation during IVR procedures. In this study, the radiation protection effects of commercially available protective lead and non-lead aprons, when exposed to diagnostic X rays, are compared. The performance of these non-lead and lead aprons was similar for scattered X rays at tube voltages of 60-120 kV. Properly designed non-lead aprons are thus more suitable for physicians because they weigh approximately 20% less than the lead aprons, and are non-toxic.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared related-peripheral arterial route radiation exposure of interventional cardiologists and showed that the radial route showed higher radiation exposure compared with the femoral route.
Abstract: Aims Although underestimated by interventional cardiologists for a long time, radiation exposure of operators and patients is currently a major concern. The objective of the present operator-blinded registry was to compare related-peripheral arterial route radiation exposure of operators.
Methods and results During 420 consecutive coronary angiograms (CAs) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), four interventional cardiologists were blindly screened. Radiation exposures were assessed using electronic personal dosimeters. Protection of operator was ensured using a lead apron, low leaded flaps, and leaded glass. Radiation exposure of operators was significantly higher using the radial route when compared with the femoral route for both CAs and CAs followed by ad hoc PCIs: 29.0 [1.0–195.0] µSv vs. 13.0 [1.0–164.0] µSv; P < 0.0001 and 69.5 [4.0–531.0] µSv vs. 41.0 [2.0–360.0] µSv; P = 0.018, respectively. Similarly, radiation exposure of patients was significantly higher using the radial route when compared with the femoral route for both CAs and CAs followed by ad hoc PCIs. Moreover, procedural durations and fluoroscopy times were significantly higher throughout the radial route.
Conclusions Although the radial route decreases peripheral arterial complication rates, increased radiation exposure of operators despite extensive use of specific protection devices is currently a growing problem for the interventional cardiologist health. Radial route indication should be promptly reconsidered in the light of the present findings.
TL;DR: Spine surgeons should reduce their exposure to radiation to minimize risk of potential long-term complications and strategies include minimizing fluoroscopy use and dose, proper use of protective gear, and appropriate manipulation of fluoroscopic equipment.