In plain language
In a randomised trial among interventional cardiology operators, lightweight XPF caps cut measured radiation reaching the head by about 92-97%, versus 12% with fabric caps, with similar comfort. This is a dosimeter result, not a measure of brain health outcomes.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists
- Size
- n = 197 procedures (cap measurements)
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
XPF caps of 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm lead equivalence attenuated most of the radiation reaching the head, compared with minimal attenuation by standard fabric caps.
Key figures: 12.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.9-19.1%) standard; 91.5% (95% CI 87.4-95.6%) XPF 0.3 mm; 97.1% (95% CI 92.5-100%) XPF 0.5 mm; p≤0.001
Cumulative dose under XPF caps was about one tenth of the dose outside them.
Key figures: 272 procedures; 22,310 μSv outside vs 2,770 μSv inside
Comfort ratings did not differ significantly between XPF and standard caps despite greater weight.
Key figures: p=0.272
XPF caps were roughly ten times heavier than fabric caps.
Key figures: 12.5 g, 118.4 g, 123.7 g
Limits to keep in mind
Dosimeter-based measurements at the cap rather than brain dose or health outcomes; analysed subsets for protection (n=35-45 per group) were smaller than randomised groups, and country and number of operators are not reported in the abstract.
Related research summaries
- Spatial distribution of X-ray attenuation in a full-face shield: a multipoint in vivo study in interventional cardiology (2026, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Two Central Nervous System Tumors in One Catheter Lab: Time to Rethink Radiation Protection (2026, Retrospective cohort study)
- Head and Neck Radiation Dose and Radiation Safety for Interventional Physicians (2017, Phantom or simulation study)
- Invasive Cardiologists Are Exposed to Greater Left Sided Cranial Radiation: The BRAIN Study (Brain Radiation Exposure and Attenuation During Invasive Cardiology Procedures (2015, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Effectiveness of a lead cap in radiation protection of the head in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory (2013, Dosimetry measurement study)
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.