Use of a Sterile, Disposable, Radiation‐Absorbing Shield Reduces Occupational Exposure to Scatter Radiation During Pectoral Device Implantation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a radiation-absorbing shield in reducing physicians' occupational radiation exposure during pectoral device implantation. A sterile, disposable, lead-free radiation-absorbing surgical drape containing x-ray attenuation material was evaluated. Twenty procedures used the radiation absorbing drape, and 20 were performed without the shielding. Radiation exposure was measured using thermoluminescent dosimetry collar badges. Use of the protective shield was associated with a time adjusted 80% reduction in radiation dose (0.009 mrem/s with shielding vs 0.047 mrem/s without shielding, P < 0.05) to the physician performing the procedures. The radiation-absorbing surgical drape did not interfere with technical performance nor add procedural time, and all procedures were successfully completed. This study demonstrates that a sterile, disposable, radiation-absorbing drape provides a convenient means of augmenting conventional radiation shielding. Use of this protective shielding greatly reduces operators' occupational exposure to scatter radiation during pectoral device implantation without compromising sterility or procedural technique.

Radiation-Induced Cataractogenesis: A Critical Literature Review for the Interventional Radiologist

“…Research has explored disposable, leadfree drapes containing bismuth and barium that block scatter radiation from the patient [64]. Studies across a variety of interventional procedures have demonstrated that drapes reduce operator lens dose in a statistically significant manner [60,[64][65][66][67] (Table 3). In one study, the drapes provided significant protection despite the use of a ceilingsuspended shield, suggesting the attenuation of radiation not blocked by shielding [67].…”

“…A potential disadvantage of the drapes is additional per-procedure cost, although this expense is relatively trivial at $39 US/drape [69]. In addition, there is theoretical concern that in some positions the drapes may obstruct the primary beam and cause increased lens dose via automatic brightness control feedback [66].…”

Effective Use of Radiation Shields to Minimize Operator Dose During Invasive Cardiology Procedures

“…The vertical extension to the lower body shield tends to impede patient access and, therefore, is generally not useful. For both the jugular vein and anterior thoracic access locations, a disposable pad could be used to provide at least some upper body protection (18).…”

A novel radiation protection device based on tungsten functional paper for application in interventional radiology

“…Tungsten functional paper (TFP: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), which is the paper with thickness of 0.3 mm and containing 80% tungsten powder by weight, has been developed as a lead free radiation shielding alternative, that has the advantages of paper in that it is easy to cut, fold, and stick onto other materials. These characteristics make it particularly flexible for many radiation‐protection applications, such as in radiation‐shielding surgical drapes, which have been reported based on bismuth and barium …”