Comparative effectiveness of the EggNest complete shielding system to standard shielding in the Cath lab.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the effectiveness of scatter radiation reduction with the EggNest Complete shielding system compared to standard catheterization laboratory shielding.

METHODS

Vertical poles with mounted radiation survey meters were positioned at six points around a catheterization laboratory imaging table where procedural staff usually stand. Meters were mounted on vertical tracks where the sensor could be raised on the track with stops every 20 cm (up to 200 cm). Fluoroscopy (15 frames per second) was then performed on an anthropomorphic phantom with a cardiac silhouette in PA and four quadrant angulations using a Toshiba Infinx fixed C-arm X-ray system with a 12″ detector. Scatter radiation measurements were reported in μSv/h under three radiation shielding conditions: no shielding, standard catheterization laboratory lead shielding, and the EggNest Complete system.

RESULTS

Average scatter radiation levels in all angulations were significantly higher below the x-ray table and at the positions near the head of the table (1862 ± 340 μSv/h at the head vs. 605 ± 316 μSv/h below the phantom waist, p < 0.05). Using the EggNest Complete system compared to standard shielding, average radiation exposure in all x-ray angulations and positions was reduced by 92.5 ± 3.9 % (83 ± 103 compared to 1087 ± 898 μS/h, p < 0.01). At the Operator and Assistant positions, scatter radiation averaged 9 ± 4 μSv/h using the EggNest Complete (98 ± 1 % reduction compared to no shielding, p < 0.01), 147 ± 101 μSv/h using Standard Shielding (75 ± 8 % reduction compared to no shielding, p < 0.01), and 605 ± 316 μSv/h without shielding.

CONCLUSION

Compared to standard shielding, the EggNest Complete system significantly reduced radiation levels at all positions around the x-ray table. At the operator and Assistant positions, EggNest complete provided 98 % reduction in scatter radiation dose.