Many interventionalists face physical challenges almost daily for years or decades.
The burden of assuming awkward positions while carrying extra weight can take its
toll on the musculoskeletal system to such an extent that the career is ended or modified
to exclude procedural aspects. The proliferation of lighter aprons has unfortunately
resulted in reduced protection with poor correlation of protection to labeling due
to the inadequacies of testing methods for nonlead materials. The protective quality
of the non-leads is not superior to lead-containing composites on a weight basis,
and the user no longer knows how well they are protected unless buying aprons containing
lead. Various useful methods and shields that may reduce radiation exposure are supported
by the floor, ceiling, table, or patient. The suspended personal radiation protection
system is a recent development which provides substantially greater radiation protection
than conventional lead aprons combined with other shields, while also taking all of
the weight off of the operator. It is composed of an expansive and thick (1 mm Pb equiv) apron with a large face-shield to protect the neck, head, and eyes, and
is suspended overhead to provide motion in the x, y, and z planes. Exposures may also
be substantially reduced by leaving the area during acquisition sequences and use
of power injectors.
Keywords
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Publication history
Published online: February 02, 2018
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© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
