In plain language
This review argues that interventional echocardiographers in structural heart procedures may receive radiation doses equal to or higher than the operator, and recommends full-coverage aprons, thyroid collars, lead glasses, ceiling and floor shields, and dose monitoring for imagers and sonographers.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Narrative review
- Who was studied
- Other physicians, Trainees, Mixed lab staff, Interventional cardiologists
- Topics
- Personal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesDosimetry and monitoringDose reduction techniquesTraining and educationEye lens and cataractsBrain tumorsCancer riskDNA and cellular effectsRegulation and policySafety culture and compliance
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Interventional echocardiographers may receive as much or more radiation than the operator performing the structural heart intervention.
A single-center study found IE specialists received significantly higher doses than interventional cardiologists during left atrial appendage (LAA) closure and mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), with sonographers receiving the least.
Good shielding practices are reported to substantially lower imager dose.
Key figures: as much as 82%
Lead cap or headband use was low in a small German survey of radiation-exposed physicians.
Key figures: 27.9% (29/104)
Authors recommend fitted aprons with front, back and side protection, thyroid collar, lead glasses, lead gloves for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (not in the primary field), ceiling or mobile acrylic shields, and table-side shielding to the floor; lead cabins judged impractical.
Key figures: minimum 0.5 mm lead equivalency aprons; glasses 0.35 to 0.5 mm
Limits to keep in mind
Narrative review without systematic search or new data; cited dose comparisons come from limited, often single-center studies, and the 82% shielding figure is reported without detail.
Related research summaries
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation protection practices in diagnostic and interventional cardiology: Position paper from Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (2025, Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the full text 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.