A new US-wide poll announced today by Gore and Egg Medical sheds light on the growing concern for radiation exposure in operating rooms and Cath labs across the country.
The findings revealed that 100% of interventional cardiologists, 96% of interventional radiologists, 93% of vascular surgeons, and 71% of cardiac surgeons are concerned about their radiation exposure when performing image-guided procedures.
Nearly 80% of vascular surgeons said they are “extremely or very concerned” about the issue. However, just 27% of vascular surgeons reported using an enhanced or advanced radiation protection device or wearing live dosimetry, while just 13% of vascular surgeons reported wearing double lead.
The results also highlighted that 64% of interventional radiologists and interventional cardiologists use an enhanced or advanced radiation protection device, while more interventional cardiologists (60%) reported wearing live dosimetry compared to 36% of interventional radiologists. In addition, nearly 40% of interventional cardiologists reported wearing double lead compared to 12% of interventional radiologists.
Almost half (44%) of interventional radiologists reported limiting radiation exposure by performing fewer procedures, while less than 30% of all respondents reported feeling “very protected” from radiation exposure.
“These results highlight an urgent need to better protect those who make patient care possible,” said Jason Belzer, Americas commercial leader for Gore’s medical business. “Partnering with Egg Medical allows Gore to bring greater visibility and practical solutions to reduce radiation risk—reinforcing our shared commitment to keeping everyone safe in the operating room and the Cath lab.”
Gore and Egg Medical are collaborating to increase access and expand deployment of radiation protection solutions, leveraging Gore’s extensive clinical reach and Egg Medical’s proven expertise in radiation safety innovation.
“This data confirms what we’ve long understood—interventional physicians are deeply concerned about their radiation exposure and the limitations of traditional protection,” said Gavin Philipps, chief commercial officer for Egg Medical. “We’re proud to provide a solution with the EggNest system that delivers the comprehensive protection they’ve been asking for, and through our partnership with Gore, we’re excited to bring this technology to more clinicians and hospitals even faster.”
