In plain language
Across 1,461 coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures at one centre, primary operators' measured collar dose was up to 43% lower (KAP-normalised) with a larger, pleated ceiling-suspended shield than a standard shield, despite similar procedural exposure.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Dosimetry measurement study
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists
- Size
- n = 1,461 procedures
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
During coronary angiography, median operator dose was lower in the lab with the larger, pleated ceiling-suspended shield than in the lab with the standard shield.
Key figures: 9 μSv vs 12 μSv (p < 0.001)
During PCI, median operator dose was lower with the larger, pleated shield than with the standard shield.
Key figures: 21 μSv vs 29 μSv (p < 0.001)
When operator dose was normalised to kerma-area product (KAP), the difference between labs grew, reaching 43% for PCI (30% for CA).
Key figures: 43% (PCI), 30% (CA), p < 0.001; PCI OD/KAP 5.2 vs 9.1
Procedural radiation (fluoroscopy time and KAP) did not differ significantly between the two labs, so the dose difference was not explained by procedural exposure.
Key figures: CA KAP 1092 vs 1140 cGycm2 (p = 0.404); PCI KAP 3434 vs 3205 cGycm2 (p = 0.149)
The study could not separate the effect of the larger shield size from the effect of the lead rubber pleats.
Limits to keep in mind
Single-centre observational comparison of two labs without randomisation, with optimal shield positioning assumed rather than documented. Shield size and pleats are confounded, and dose was measured only at the primary operator's collar, not eye, other staff, or health outcomes.
Related research summaries
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- Real-time evaluation of operator eye lens radiation dose in interventional radiology: Effects of protective shield position and X-ray beam angle (2026, Dosimetry measurement study)
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- Efficacy and User Experience of a Novel X-Ray Shield on Operator Radiation Exposure During Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2023, Randomized trial)
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.