In plain language
This editorial highlights that interventional echocardiographers in structural heart procedures, especially transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), can receive high radiation doses, and it calls for dedicated shields, fewer right anterior oblique views and formal radiation safety guidance for these staff.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Editorial or commentary
- Who was studied
- Other physicians
- Topics
- Personal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesDosimetry and monitoringDose reduction techniquesWomen in the fieldWorkforce and careersMusculoskeletal injury and ergonomics
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
In the study discussed (Kataoka et al), TEER exposed interventional echocardiographers to more radiation than transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Key figures: median 0.334 vs 0.053 μSv/mGy; P < 0.001
The right half of the echocardiographer's body, especially the waist and lower body, received higher exposure.
A cited cross-sectional study reported interventional echocardiographer doses about 10-fold higher than interventional cardiologists'.
Key figures: up to 20 μSv; about 10-fold higher
The authors call for dedicated lead shields for echocardiographers, minimal right anterior oblique views, and a radiation safety consensus document.
Radiation and musculoskeletal burden may deter women of childbearing age from this subspecialty.
Limits to keep in mind
Editorial opinion summarizing one study that used Monte Carlo simulation without modelling the aprons, thyroid collars and goggles worn in practice. The underlying study did not examine sex differences.
Related research summaries
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Occupational Pelvic and Chest-Level Radiation Exposure Among Interventional Echocardiographers During Percutaneous Structural Heart Interventions (2026, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Occupational Health Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Results of the 2023 SCAI Survey (2025, Cross-sectional survey)
- Radiation Realities: Radiation Safety Practices and Awareness Among Interventional Echocardiographers in the United States (2025, Cross-sectional survey)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, 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.