RADPAD Protective Drape Reduces Radiation Exposure in Cardiac Cath Labs, Study Finds

M. Chadi Alraies, Cardiology, Wayne State University Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, USA, and colleagues evaluated data from six independent studies involving 892 patients, analyzing radiation exposure levels among operators using the RADPAD protection drape compared to those without it. Ionizing radiation, a known occupational hazard in interventional cardiology, has been linked to various adverse health effects, including cataracts, skin damage, and an increased risk of malignancies. The RADPAD, a sterile, lead-free, disposable radiation shield, is designed to deflect scatter radiation away from operators, reducing their overall exposure during procedures.

Key Findings

Reduction in Radiation Exposure

• The use of the RADPAD drape significantly lowered radiation exposure for primary operators.
• Operators using RADPAD experienced a notably lower exposure dose (OR: -0.9).

Comparable Dose Area Product (DAP) and Screening Time

• There was no significant difference in the dose area product (DAP) between the RADPAD and No-RADPAD groups (OR: 0.008).
• Screening time remained similar between both groups (OR: 0.13).

Relative Exposure Consistency

• The relative exposure (E/DAP) showed no significant variation between the groups (OR: -0.47).

Protective Benefits of RADPAD

• Despite no significant changes in DAP, screening time, or relative exposure, the substantial reduction in direct operator exposure underscores the protective advantage of the RADPAD drape.

Despite these promising results, the study acknowledges certain limitations, including small sample sizes in four of the six studies analyzed. Additionally, variability in case complexity and fluoroscopy usage could have influenced the results. Another potential factor is increased operator awareness of radiation safety when using the RADPAD, which may have contributed to reduced exposure.

The study concludes that incorporating the RADPAD protection drape into catheterization laboratories can significantly lower scatter radiation exposure for both primary and secondary operators, regardless of procedure complexity. By reducing the risk of long-term radiation-related complications, such as cancer and cataracts, the RADPAD drape presents a practical and effective solution for enhancing radiation safety in interventional cardiology.

"Given the strong evidence supporting its efficacy, researchers recommend the routine use of RADPAD protective drapes in all catheterization labs. Future research with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols may further validate these findings and refine radiation protection strategies for healthcare professionals," the authors concluded.

Reference:

Bahar A, Khanal R, Hamza M, et al. (April 28, 2024) Assessing the Efficacy of RADPAD Protection Drape in Reducing Radiation Exposure to Operators in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 16(4): e59215. doi:10.7759/cureus.59215