Avishag Laish-Farkash1, MD, PhD; Emanuel Harari1, MD; Ariel Finkelstein2, MD; Guy Sheinman1, MD; Michael Rahkovich1, MD; Yonatan Kogan1, MD; Eli Israel Lev1, MD
1. Cardiology Department, Assuta Ashdod University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ashdod, Israel; 2. Cardiology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
Introduction
Fluoroscopy-guided interventional procedures are the leading source of occupational ionising radiation exposure for medical personnel1. The prevailing radiation protection measures for interventional personnel include: reduced radiation imaging systems, personal protective clothing, ceiling-mounted shields and table-skirts. However, interventional personnel continue to be exposed to high cumulative doses of X-ray radiation, which may increase the risk for malignancies1, early development of cataracts2, and orthopaedic problems due to the heavy weight of lead aprons3.
Newer dedicated solutions, such as suspended radiation protection systems4 and a remote-controlled robotic system56, provide protection only to the main operator, limit free movement (zero-gravity) and require ...