Radiation dose absorbed by operators during transradial percutaneous coronary procedures comparing different protective drapes: the RADIATION study.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare different radiation protection drapes in terms of radiation dose absorbed by operators during right or left transradial procedures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients who underwent transradial coronary procedures were randomised initially into four groups: Group 1 (no drapes), Group 2 (drape on patient's arm), Group 3 (pelvic drape), Group 4 (combined arm and pelvic drapes). Subsequently, each group was further randomised to right or left radial access. The primary endpoint was the operator radiation dose at the thorax. A total of 452 procedures were included. The use of drapes was associated with a lower radiation dose compared to no drapes (8.6 µSv [4.1-17.9] Group 1, 5.8 µSv [3.4-13] Group 2, 3.6 µSv [2.1-6.9] Group 3, 3.7 µSv [1.9-10.3] Group 4, p<0.001). Among radiation protection drapes groups the radiation dose was significantly lower in Groups 3 and 4 compared to Group 2 (p<0.008). Compared to Group 1, the dose in Group 2 was significantly lower only in right radial procedures (p<0.008) whereas in Groups 3 and 4 the dose was significantly lower in both radial accesses (p<0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of radiation protection drapes during transradial coronary procedures is associated with a significantly lower radiation dose to operators, with the pelvic drape more effective than the use of a single arm drape.