Radiation Realities: Radiation Safety Practices and Awareness Among Interventional Echocardiographers in the United States.

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 =

SUBMITTER: Wessly P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12810533 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature