In plain language
In 505 cardiac catheterizations, radial access and chronic total occlusion work were linked to higher first-operator dose, while real-time dose monitoring and disposable radioabsorbent drapes were linked to lower operator dose, not lower patient dose.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Patients
- Size
- n = 505 procedures
- Topics
- Dosimetry and monitoringPersonal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesPatient doseDose reduction techniques
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Chronic total occlusion intervention was strongly associated with high (>10 μSv) first operator exposure.
Key figures: Odds ratio (OR) 12.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.42-43.60
Radial access was associated with high first operator exposure.
Key figures: OR 5.44, 95% CI 2.88-10.76
Real-time radiation monitoring was associated with lower odds of high operator exposure.
Key figures: OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.66
Use of a radioabsorbent drape was associated with lower odds of high operator exposure, but neither monitoring nor drape was associated with patient dose.
Key figures: OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.28-0.96
Median first operator exposure per procedure was 10 μSv, with median patient air kerma 0.908 Gy and fluoroscopy time 6.2 minutes.
Key figures: 10 (5-22) μSv; 0.908 (0.602-1.636) Gray; 6.2 (2.5-12.5) minutes
Limits to keep in mind
This is a secondary, observational analysis of a single randomized trial; drape use was not randomized, and dichotomizing exposure at the median limits interpretation. Country and setting details are not given in the abstract.
Related research summaries
- Obesity as a determinant of radiation burden in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (2026, Narrative review)
- Radiation protection practices in diagnostic and interventional cardiology: Position paper from Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (2025, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation Safety in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (2025, Narrative review)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Radiation-Induced Noncancer Risks in Interventional Cardiology: Optimisation of Procedures and Staff and Patient Dose Reduction (2013, 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.