Language
English
Publication Date
2-1-2026
Journal
Structural Heart
DOI
10.1016/j.shj.2025.100785
PMID
41551568
PMCID
PMC12810533
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
12-15-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Background: With the rise of structural heart interventions (SHIs), interventional echocardiographers (IEs) face significant radiation exposure in catheterization laboratories. However, US-specific radiation safety practices remain understudied. This study aims to address radiation safety practices and concerns among US IEs, focusing on occupational risks and sex-specific challenges.
Methods: A 21-item online survey was conducted from March to June 2025, targeting US IEs through a multifaceted recruitment strategy. It assessed demographics, SHI frequency, radiation monitoring, shielding practices, and reproductive health concerns. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, with sex-specific analyses for female IEs.
Results: Of 69 respondents (64% [n = 44] men, 36% [n = 25] women), 88% (n = 61) worked in tertiary care settings and 46% (n = 32) guided SHIs several times weekly. Key gaps were identified, including 18% (n = 17) not using dosimeters, 64% (n = 44) never receiving exposure notifications, and 80% (n = 55) lacking awareness of their personal annual radiation dose. In addition, 30% (n = 21) had no radiation safety training, and 75% (n = 52) reported insufficient radiation protection in their catheterization laboratory. Reproductive health concerns affected 71% (n = 49) of IEs. Among female IEs, 56% (n = 14) reported an influence on pregnancy planning, 32% (n = 8) noted career concerns owing to maternity, and 63% of those who had had a pregnancy (n = 12/19) performed SHIs during pregnancy, with 7% taking no additional precautions.
Conclusions: US IEs face critical radiation safety gaps, including inadequate monitoring, training, and shielding, with pronounced reproductive and career concerns among female IEs. Tailored protocols, enhanced shielding, and pregnancy-specific precautions are urgently needed to ensure the safety and well-being of IEs.
Keywords
Interventional echocardiography, Occupational health, Radiation safety, Reproductive health, Shielding, Structural heart interventions
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Wessly, Priscilla; Garcia-Sayan, Enrique; Quader, Nishath; et al., "Radiation Realities: Radiation Safety Practices and Awareness Among Interventional Echocardiographers in the United States" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 6854.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/6854
Graphical Abstract