Efficacy of MAVIG X-Ray Protective Drapes in Reducing Operator Radiation Dose in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Background

Interventional cardiologists are occupationally exposed to high doses of ionising radiation. The MAVIG X-ray Protective Drape (MXPD) is a commercially available light-weight, lead-free shield placed over the pelvic area of patients in order to minimize operator radiation dose. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of the MXPD during routine cardiac catheterization including percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomized-controlled study comparing operator radiation dose during cardiac catheterization and PCI (n=632) with or without pelvic MXPD. We measured operator radiation dose at four sites: left eye, chest, left ring finger and right ring finger. The primary outcomes were the difference in first operator radiation dose (µSv) and relative dose of the first operator (radiation dose normalized for dose area product) at the level of the chest in the two groups.

Results

The use of the MXPD was associated with a 50% reduction in operator radiation dose (median dose 30.5 (IQR 23.0-39.7) µSv in No Drape group, versus 15.3 (IQR 11.1-20.0) µSv in the Drape group; P<0.001), and a 57% reduction in relative operator dose (P<0.001). The largest absolute reduction in dose was observed at the left finger (median left finger dose for the No Drape group was 104.9 (75.7-137.4) µSv versus 41.9 (32.6-70.6) µSv in the Drape group; P<0.001).

Conclusions

The pelvic MXPD significantly reduces first operator radiation dose during routine cardiac catheterization and PCI.