MedStar Health Advances Radiation Protection System in Cardiac Catheterization Lab

First cath lab in state and system to acquire revolutionary shielding system; replaces wearing heavy lead.

BALTIMORE— As an interventional cardiologist, John Wang, MD, has for twenty-plus years, borne the weight of thirty pounds of lead-lined protective wear to perform life-saving cardiac catheterization procedures that depended on the use of fluoroscopy images, or moving x-rays. The occupational risks associated with the constant radiation exposure came with the territory. But not anymore.

Thanks to the development of a novel protection system called Rampart IC, the weight of the protection is transferred to a lead-infused, mobile, acrylic barrier that stands between the clinician and the radiation source. Used in conjunction with drapes below the operating table, the clinicians have total body protection from radiation scatter from head to shins, putting the exposure risk at zero.

By contrast, clinical personnel wearing the standard heavy apron, vest and thyroid shield, achieve only 60-percent body protection, because their heads and legs are still vulnerable. Their cumulative exposure over hours, days and years can result in long-term health effects.

Patients receive the smallest dose of ionizing radiation to still be effective, during a one time, life-saving intervention with benefits that far out-weigh the risks.

When Dr. Wang, who is the chief of the cardiac catheterization labs at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, learned of Rampart IC, he knew he had to have it. With the support of other physicians, he made a philanthropic donation to purchase Rampart IC for one of the labs at MedStar Union Memorial, where he has been the department chief for the past 18 years.

“I wish I had this equipment at the start of my career,” said Dr. Wang. “With all the advances in our field of interventional cardiology over the last half century, the one thing that has not advanced, has been our radiation safety measures. We are still wearing heavy aprons and vests, and although the materials have gotten a little bit lighter, this is an area that really needed to catch up.

“Now we actually have technology that is allowing for physicians to perform these lifesaving procedures without putting themselves at risk from increased radiation exposure and cancer, as well as orthopedic injuries from wearing lead all day.”

Indeed, Dr. D.J. Schamp, a retired cardiac electrophysiologist, who spent 45 years wearing heavy lead in the labs at MedStar Union Memorial, can attest. “After years of getting cortisone shots, wearing a back brace, I’m going in for spine surgery next week. I don’t believe it would be needed, if not for a career of wearing that weighted protective vest and apron for eight to ten hours a day, for years. It definitely took a toll.”

“To the interventional community, protection is a huge hot button topic,” Dr. Wang added. “Occupational safety, radiation safety, mitigating cancer and orthopedic injuries, preserving careers, et cetera. So, this is a wonderful advancement for us, and the next generation of interventional cardiologists. I’m proud to be the first hospital in Maryland and in the system to acquire this technology.”

For more information on interventional cardiology at MedStar Health, click HERE.