The rapid development of new techniques and devices in image-guided surgery has led to an increased frequency and complexity in interventional procedures. The dosage of ionizing radiation among interventional cardiologists is the greatest registered by any medical staff members using X-rays. To mitigate the risk of radiation exposure, the use of leaded aprons, thyroid gland protection and glasses are mandatory. A previous study performed by an ergonomic researcher at the Centre for Health Technology Halland (HCH) at Halmstad University, Sweden, verified that >90% of the users perceive today´s protective garments as hot, heavy and uncomfortable.

In order to develop user-friendly products, the HCH has now further investigated how external load may affect head and work posture. The project resulted in a list of requirements regarding biomechanical and ergonomic aspects, anthropometric recommendations and the physiological impact when wearing a radiation protective garment during interventional radiological procedures.

”The information in this report will be used as input in user-based studies with the objective of further evaluating the increased comfort when using radiation protective garments based on TeXray,” says Mrs Erica Delersjö, Product Developer at 10MD (Ten Medical Design AB).

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* TeXray is a trademark of Ten Medical Design AB.