Doctors and nurses who perform heart procedures using X-ray guidance are exposed to radiation, which can be harmful over time. This exposure increases the risk of certain health problems, including cancers, eye damage (cataracts), and DNA damage. Although protective lead clothing is used to reduce exposure, it is heavy, uncomfortable, and can cause muscle and joint problems for those who wear it daily.
A new radiation protection device, called RAMPART, may help reduce radiation exposure for heart specialists and their teams. It could also allow them to wear lighter protective gear-or none at all-making their work safer and more comfortable.
This study will compare the radiation levels received by doctors and nurses during heart procedures when using RAMPART versus standard protection. By doing so, we hope to find out if this new device can better protect medical teams from radiation, improving both their safety and well-being.
All procedures involving adult patients (>18 year of age)
Male or female patients
Planned to undergo either an elective or urgent coronary intervention procedure involving ionising radiation in the cardiac catheter lab, via the right and or left radial arteries.
Procedures involving patients less than 18 years of age
Patients unable to give valid consent
Pregnancy
Femoral approach procedure
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Lead sponsor
Rampart Health, L.L.C.
Collaborator