Randomized Controlled Trial on the Reduction of Scattered Radiation Exposure to Primary Operator, Secondary Operator, and Primary Technician by Radiation Protection Drape in Cath Lab Procedures

Scattered radiation during cath laboratory procedures poses occupational risks to medical staff, including primary operators, secondary operators, and technicians. It is associated with DNA damage, cataracts, and other complications. Although radiation protection drapes are recommended, their effectiveness across different personnel requires further evaluation. This study assessed the efficacy of radiation protection drapes in reducing scattered radiation exposure for cath laboratory staff. A single-center, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 216 patients undergoing cath laboratory procedures. Patients were randomized into two groups: one with radiation protection drapes and another with standard radiation protection. Personnel exposure was measured via personal dosimeters attached to chest pockets, evaluating air kerma (AK), dose area product (DAP), and cine-adjusted screen time (CAST). Radiation protection drapes significantly reduced exposure across all personnel during femoral and radial procedures. Primary operators saw reductions of 63.65% (dose/AK), 51.94% (dose/DAP), and 44.27% (dose/CAST). Secondary operators experienced reductions of 46.54, 36.42, and 35.93%, while technicians recorded reductions of 44.51, 34.26, and 35.61%, respectively. In pectoral procedures, primary and secondary operators benefited, with exposure reductions of up to 62% (dose/AK), 49% (dose/DAP), and 52% (dose/CAST), while no significant reduction was observed for technicians. Radiation protection drapes effectively reduced scattered radiation exposure for primary and secondary operators, with primary operators benefiting the most.