Zero-cost Radiation Protection Method to Reduce Radiation... | NCT06931171

NCT06931171

Status Module

Oversight Module

Description Module

Detailed Description

Ionizing radiation refers to any type of radiation capable of interacting with matter. It plays a vital role in medical diagnostics and therapeutic applications. Imaging techniques allow for timely and accurate diagnosis, while advanced therapies contribute to longer life expectancy and improved quality of life. However, ionizing radiation carries inherent risks, making its controlled use essential. Radiation exposure is not immediately perceptible but can result in significant damage to the exposed organism. Common effects of high-dose exposure include ocular damage and skin injuries, while radiation is also associated with cellular-level damage, leading to an increased risk of malignancies. Exposure is proportional to time, inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source, and accumulates over time.

Despite technological advancements and improved X-ray systems, the increasing complexity and frequency of interventional cardiology procedures have led to higher radiation exposure in catheterization laboratories. This poses a major occupational hazard for medical staff, highlighting the need for effective methods to reduce radiation exposure and protect healthcare professionals. Operator radiation exposure varies depending on experience, procedure type, patient characteristics, X-ray system features, and protective measures used. These measures include disposable gloves, shields, lead aprons, and robotic systems.

This prospective, randomised trial evaluates the efficacy of a cost-effective (namely zero-cost) and very easily utilised radiation protection strategy for interventional cardiologists during transradial coronary procedures. By applying a triple-layer lead apron to the patient's pelvic region, the study aims to reduce operator radiation exposure while maintaining standard procedural outcomes. The randomized controlled trial will compare the intervention group utilizing the additional shielding with a control group employing standard radiation protection methods. Key measurements include direct operator radiation exposure and its relation to patient-specific and procedural factors. Findings may establish a practical method for reducing the specific radiation-related occupational hazard related to modern transracial interventional cardiology.

Design Module

Interventional Study Design

Biospecimen

No data available

No data is available for this block.

Arms/Interventions Module

Arm Groups

Label	Type	Description	Intervention Names
Use of conventional radiation protection measures.	No Intervention	This group will undergo transradial coronary procedures using only conventional radiation protection measures. These include standard operator lead aprons, fixed protective drapes, and other standard shielding equipment typically employed in the catheterization laboratory. No additional radiation protection devices or techniques will be applied to the patient. This arm serves as the baseline for comparison with the intervention group.
Additional patient-applied pelvic lead shielding	Experimental	This group will undergo transradial coronary procedures with the addition of a patient-applied pelvic lead shield. Alongside the conventional radiation protection measures used in the control group, a triple-layer lead apron will be placed over the patient's lower abdominal and pelvic region. This shield, composed of three 0.25 mm Pb-equivalent layers, is designed to reduce scatter radiation exposure to the operator. The intervention aims to assess the effectiveness of this additional protective measure in reducing operator radiation dose.	Radiation: Patient-Applied Pelvic Lead Shielding

Interventions

Name	Type	Description	Arm Group Labels	Other Names
Patient-Applied Pelvic Lead Shielding	Radiation	The intervention involves the application of a triple-layer lead apron to the patient's lower abdominal and pelvic region during transradial coronary procedures. The apron measures 75 cm × 45 cm and is composed of three layers of 0.25 mm Pb-equivalent material. This protective shield is placed on the patient in addition to standard operator radiation protection measures. The primary goal of this intervention is to reduce scatter radiation exposure to the operator, thereby improving occupational safety in the catheterization laboratory. This approach leverages existing radiation protection materials in a novel configuration.

Outcomes Module

Primary Outcomes

Measure	Description	Time Frame
Effectiveness of Patient-Applied Pelvic Shielding in Reducing Operator Radiation Exposure During Transradial Coronary Procedures	Primary Outcomes: Absolute Operator Radiation Exposure: Direct measurement of operator exposure (µSv) using a dosimeter placed outside the lead apron at chest level.	During the transradial coronary procedure, measured from the start to the completion of fluoroscopy.
Effectiveness of Patient-Applied Pelvic Shielding in Reducing Operator Radiation Exposure During Transradial Coronary Procedures	Primary Outcomes: Relative Operator Radiation Exposure: Measured as the ratio of operator exposure (µSv) to patient radiation dose area product (cGy·cm²).	During the transradial coronary procedure, measured from the start to the completion of fluoroscopy.

Eligibility Module

Facility	Status	City	State	ZIP	Country	Contacts
First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens		Athens	Attica	11527	Greece

References Module

Citations

PubMed Identifier	Type	Citation	Retractions
27037544	Result	Shah RM, Patel D, Abbate A, Cowley MJ, Jovin IS. Comparison of transradial coronary procedures via right radial versus left radial artery approach: A meta-analysis. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2016 Dec;88(7):1027-1033. doi: 10.1002/ccd.26519. Epub 2016 Apr 1.
17322516	Result	Vijayalakshmi K, Kelly D, Chapple CL, Williams D, Wright R, Stewart MJ, Hall JA, Sutton A, Davies A, Haywood J, de Belder MA. Cardiac catheterisation: radiation doses and lifetime risk of malignancy. Heart. 2007 Mar;93(3):370-1. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2006.098731. No abstract available.