In plain language
In a randomized trial of 390 coronary procedures by three interventional cardiologists, left radial access gave lower wrist dose than right radial access, with similar thorax, thyroid and shoulder doses; dose under the lead apron was undetectable.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists
- Size
- n = 390 patients (procedures by 3 operators)
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Operator wrist dose was significantly higher with the right radial approach than the left radial approach.
Key figures: 2.44±1.12 mSv vs 1±0.8 mSv, P=0.002
No significant difference in monthly thorax dose between approaches.
Key figures: 0.85±0.46 mSv right radial access (RRA) vs 1.12±0.78 mSv left radial access (LRA), P=0.33
Thyroid and shoulder doses were similar between approaches.
Key figures: thyroid 0.36±0.2 vs 0.34±0.3 mSv, P=0.87; shoulder 0.73±0.44 vs 0.94±0.42 mSv, P=0.27
Thoracic dose under the lead apron was undetectable with both approaches.
Fluoroscopy time did not differ between groups.
Key figures: 369 s vs 362 s, P=0.58
Limits to keep in mind
Only three operators with monthly pooled dosimeter readings, limiting statistical power and generalisability; randomisation was of patients, not operators, and the country and centre are not stated in the abstract.
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 Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Radiation exposure to equine surgeons during simulated digital radiography and fluoroscopy-guided fracture fixation of the distal limb (2026, Phantom or simulation study)
- Radiation in the Orthopedic Operating Room: What We Know, What We Do, and What Needs Attention (2025, Narrative review)
- Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology (2022, 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.