A New Device to Markedly Reduce Personnel Radiation Exposure in the Cardiac Cath Lab

Background: Radiation exposure (RE) of cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) staff is a significant health risk. We evaluated the effectiveness of a new, passive protection system (the EggNest) to reduce personnel exposure. The system is composed of a carbon fiber sled that replaces the x-ray table patient mattress.

Methods: RE measurements were taken at five positions around an anthropomorphic human shape phantom (US DOE) with 70keV, 15 f/s fluoroscopy from 10 cm to 200 cm above the floor with typical shielding (table skirt and hanging shield), with and without the EggNest.

Results: Without any shielding, 64% of the radiation dose to personnel emanated below the top of the patient mattress. RE varied with position (Table 1) around the table. Standard shielding reduced RE for the operator at the radial/femoral access position, but not for other positions. EggNest markedly reduced RE in all positions and angles (Table 2).

Conclusion: The EggNest system markedly reduces RE around the CCL table, including femoral/radial, subclavian/jugular, and echocardiographic access positions. Importantly, exposure was also significantly reduced for the angled views typically used for cardiac applications.