In plain language
In a phantom study of coronary catheterization, adding a flexible lead curtain to the bottom of the ceiling shield cut ambient dose at the operator position by up to about 88%, and up to 91% with patient drapes. Clinical confirmation was pending.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Phantom or simulation study
- Who was studied
- Phantom or simulation (no people), Interventional cardiologists, Mixed lab staff
- Topics
- Room shielding and protective devicesEye lens and cataractsDose reduction techniquesDosimetry and monitoring
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
A flexible protective curtain attached to the bottom of the ceiling-suspended lead-acrylic shield, in contact with the patient, markedly reduced ambient dose rate at the operator position compared with the bare shield.
Key figures: up to (87.5% ± 7.1)
Combining the flexible curtain with radioprotective patient drapes gave the largest reduction.
Key figures: up to (90.8% ± 7)
Assisting personnel standing next to the operator had similar reductions.
An enlarged shield better protected the head region of tall operators.
Authors suggest the curtain may help protect unshielded body parts such as the head and eye lenses; clinical effect is still being evaluated.
Limits to keep in mind
Phantom and Monte Carlo study measuring ambient dose rather than personal dose in clinical practice; reductions are maximum ('up to') values and real-world effectiveness was not yet tested. Number of scenarios and country not reported in the abstract.
Related research summaries
- Operator Radiation and the Efficacy of Ceiling-Suspended Lead Screen Shielding during Coronary Angiography: An Anthropomorphic Phantom Study Using Real-Time Dosimeters (2017, Phantom or simulation study)
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- Radiation protection practices in diagnostic and interventional cardiology: Position paper from Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (2025, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Addressing the Occupational Risk of Radiation Exposure in the Evolving Field of Interventional Echocardiography (2024, Narrative review)
- Eye protection in interventional procedures (2021, Narrative review)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.