The Radiation ProtEction for Dose RedUction in the Cardiac CathEter Lab Study: The REDUCE Trial

Doctors and nurses who perform heart procedures using X-ray guidance are exposed to radiation, which can be harmful over time. This exposure increases the risk of certain health problems, including cancers, eye damage (cataracts), and DNA damage. Although protective lead clothing is used to reduce exposure, it is heavy, uncomfortable, and can cause muscle and joint problems for those who wear it daily. A new radiation protection device, called RAMPART, may help reduce radiation exposure for heart specialists and their teams. It could also allow them to wear lighter protective gear-or none at all-making their work safer and more comfortable. This study will compare the radiation levels received by doctors and nurses during heart procedures when using RAMPART versus standard protection. By doing so, we hope to find out if this new device can better protect medical teams from radiation, improving both their safety and well-being.