Radiologists demand 'urgent' radiation-protection measures for interventional staffers
A group of prominent medical societies is calling for an overhaul of what they describe as outdated radiation protection practices.
Six organizations, including the Society of Interventional Radiology, today released a consensus statement calling for updated radiation protection practices. The organizations represent medical professionals who frequently are involved in interventional procedures conducted under fluoroscopic guidance. The groups contend it is time for “urgent and mandatory action” with respect to radiation safety for medical staff.
The statement emphasizes the strain lead aprons put on staff and how radiation exposure affects women in particular. It cites recent data detailing the frequency of orthopedic injuries sustained by cath lab employees who must wear the heavy protective gear during procedures. The recent study suggested that nearly 60% of interventional cardiologists surveyed have endured orthopedic injuries due to lead aprons. Another 17% cited reduced time in the cath lab due to concerns about radiation exposure. Women in particular expressed significant concern over being exposed to radiation in the cath lab during pregnancy, with 71% saying they would prefer to step away from the exposure entirely while pregnant.
The consensus statement is calling for the integration of modern protective technology, such as enhanced radiation protection devices, updated safety standards and stronger monitoring and reporting practices. Such devices are special shields that are engineered to attach to fluoro equipment. They offer greater protection from scatter radiation, which reduces the need for heavy lead aprons known to cause physical strain, which can progress into various orthopedic issues over time.
The groups assert that these technologies are available now and pose no risk to ALARA principles that protect patients.
“Patients depend on interventional radiologists and their teams for timely access to image-guided treatments that can relieve pain, restore function and save lives,” Saher S. Sabri, MD, president of the Society of Interventional Radiology, said in a statement July 14. “Protecting access to that care means protecting the teams who deliver it. Enhanced radiation protection in the angiosuite is not an optional workplace upgrade but a key component of ensuring patient access to interventional radiology teams who can safely deliver these critical minimally invasive procedures. These guidelines set a clear expectation: Safer technology exists, and it should be adopted now.”
Alongside SIR, the consensus statement is endorsed by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the American College of Cardiology, the American Society of Echocardiography, the Heart Rhythm Society, and the Society for Vascular Surgery.
Read more about changes the organizations are calling for here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.