In plain language
In a 2023 survey of 296 mostly interventional cardiologists, 60% self-reported an orthopedic injury and 6% a cancer diagnosis, many women reported pregnancy-related discouragement, and few used reduced-lead protection systems, mainly citing cost.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Survey report, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Trainees, Other physicians
- Size
- n = 296 respondents
- Where
- United States, India
- Topics
- Musculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsCancer riskEye lens and cataractsBrain tumorsPregnancy and reproductive healthWomen in the fieldPersonal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesRobotic and remote systemsDosimetry and monitoringWorkforce and careersSafety culture and complianceTraining and education
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Orthopedic injuries and lifetime cancer were reported more often in 2023 than in 2014, though the bivariate comparison found no significant change in orthopedic injury types.
Key figures: 59.8% and 6.1% (2023) vs 49.4% and 4.5% (2014)
Two-thirds reported musculoskeletal pain related to wearing lead or working in the CCL; lumbar spine injury was the most common.
Key figures: 66% MSK pain; 34% lumbar spine; 25% cervical spine
Older age was associated with orthopedic injury after adjustment for caseload and gender.
Key figures: 61-70 years: AOR 3.93 [1.67-9.27]; P = .002
Among women, many reported being discouraged from working in the CCL due to pregnancy and most wanted the option to step away.
Key figures: 28% discouraged; 71% wanted option to step away
Adoption of lead-free or reduced-lead protection systems was low, with cost and administrative buy-in as main barriers; 17% admitted not wearing badges to avoid exposure thresholds.
Key figures: <15% adoption; cost 83%, administrative buy-in 71%
Limits to keep in mind
Self-reported cross-sectional survey with an 8% response rate, unverified procedure volumes, and possible survivorship and reporting bias; the 2014 and 2023 samples differ in composition, limiting trend comparisons.
Related research summaries
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, 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/ASE/HRS/SIR/SVS Expert Consensus Statement on Enhanced Radiation Protection: Time for Mandatory and Urgent Action (2026, 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.