Occupational Health Risks in the Interventional Lab

The orthopedic burden from wearing lead aprons is high among physicians and allied health personnel.

A higher incidence of orthopedic injuries related to wearing lead protection in physicians has been documented previously. To compare work-related musculoskeletal pain, cancer, and other medical conditions between healthcare employees working in interventional laboratories and similar employees in noninterventional settings, researchers surveyed 2682 clinical employees at six Mayo facilities. Of these, 57% (1543 employees) responded (mean age, 43; 33% male); there were 1042 employees who reported participation in procedures involving radiation and lead-apron use, and 499 who did not.

The two groups did not differ in mean age, body-mass index, years in current profession, or pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions. Employees in the exposure g…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)