In plain language
In a global survey of 1336 electrophysiology (EP) physicians, nurses, technologists and allied staff, 41% reported orthopedic injuries, half of women who had been pregnant reported complications, and 7.8% reported cancers. These are self-reported figures from a low response rate, without a comparison group.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Survey report, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Electrophysiologists, Nurses, Radiologic technologists, Mixed lab staff
- Size
- n = 1,336 survey respondents
- Topics
- Cancer riskThyroidBreast cancerPregnancy and reproductive healthEye lens and cataractsMusculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsWomen in the fieldSafety culture and compliance
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Orthopedic injuries were reported by 41% of respondents; about two-thirds needed physical therapy or exercise and nearly a quarter had surgery.
Key figures: 481 (41%); 325 (67.6%) physical therapy; 109 (22.7%) surgery
Half of women who had been pregnant reported pregnancy complications, including miscarriage in 27.1%.
Key figures: 121 of 242 (50%); miscarriage 64 (27.1%)
Malignancies were reported by 7.8% of respondents, including thyroid and breast cancers.
Key figures: 97 (7.8%); thyroid 15 (15.5%); breast 11 (11.3%)
Premature cataracts before age 50 were reported by 3.7% of respondents.
Key figures: 46 (3.7%)
The response rate was low, with 1336 of 30,663 contacted members responding.
Key figures: 1336 (4.4 %)
Limits to keep in mind
Self-reported cross-sectional survey with a 4.4% response rate, so results are prone to response and recall bias. There is no comparison group or dose data, so prevalence cannot be linked causally to occupational exposure.
Related research summaries
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: Working to Eliminate Lead and Complications of Radiation in Cardiovascular Team Study (2026, Cross-sectional survey)
- 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)
- Radiation in the Orthopedic Operating Room: What We Know, What We Do, and What Needs Attention (2025, 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.