Efficacy of the SEPARPROCATH? radiation drape to reduce radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization: A pilot comparative study

摘要

Abstract Background Interventional cardiologists are exposed to radiation‐induced diseases, partly due to patient's scatter radiation. Objectives We sought to compare the radiation exposure (RE) of the cardiac catheterization room staff using SEPARPROCATH?, a novel radio‐protective drape versus standard shielding equipment. Methods This was a two‐step prospective, randomized pilot trial: first, in experimental conditions using a phantom model, and second, during cardiac catheterization. Primary end‐point was operator RE corresponding to the ratio between operator cumulative dose (CD) and dose area product (DAP). Secondary end‐points were nurse RE, operator and nurse CD, DAP, and fluoroscopy time. Results A total of 51 patients were included. SEPARPROCATH? was associated with a lower operator RE (0.07 [0–0.19] vs. 0.37 [0.23–0.81] μSv/Gy.cm 2 without SEPARPROCATH?, p value 0.0001) and lower nurse RE (0 [0–0.05] vs. 0.13 [0.03–0.28] μSv/Gy.cm 2 , p value 0.0001) corresponding to an RE relative risk reduction of 81% and 99%, respectively. Similar reductions were observed for operator and nurse CDs. No difference was found in DAP (19 [11–29] vs. 14 [10–32] Gy.cm 2 without SEPARPROCATH?, p value 0.81). Conclusion SEPARPROCATH? offers significant additional radioprotection to the operator and nurse during cardiac catheterization without affecting patient safety.