In plain language
In a single-center randomized trial of operators during vascular interventions, lighter bismuth-barium composite thyroid collars blocked more measured radiation than standard lead collars (about 91% vs 72%) and were rated more comfortable. Dose was measured, not thyroid disease.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Interventional radiologists
- Size
- n = 256 thyroid collar measurements (144 procedures)
- Topics
- ThyroidPersonal protective equipmentDosimetry and monitoringMusculoskeletal injury and ergonomics
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Bilayer barium sulfate-bismuth oxide (XPF) thyroid collars reduced operator thyroid-region dose more than standard 0.5-mm lead-equivalent collars.
Key figures: 90.7% vs 72.4%; adjusted mean difference 17.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.7%, 28.1%; P < .001)
XPF collars were almost half the weight of standard collars.
Key figures: 47.6% lighter; 133 g ± 14 vs 254 g ± 44; P < .001
Operators wearing XPF collars were much more likely to report high comfort.
Key figures: Odds ratio (OR) 7.6 (95% CI: 3.0, 19.2; P < .001) for VAS >90
Patient and procedure characteristics, including fluoroscopy time and dose-area product, did not differ between groups.
Limits to keep in mind
Single-center trial of vascular interventions with dose analysis available in only 117 of 256 data sets; outcome is dosimeter dose rather than health effects, and comfort was self-rated by unblinded operators.
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 Protection in Interventional Radiology (2022, Narrative review)
- Estimating effective dose using non-lead protective aprons and a single dosimeter method (2026, Modeling or economic study)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Lead Aprons and Thyroid Shields in Interventional Pain Management (2018, 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.