Novel lead-free drape applied to the X-ray detector protects against scatter radiation in the angiography suite

Purpose To evaluate a sterile, disposable lead-free drape for reducing scatter radiation exposure during fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Materials and Methods Computer-aided design software was used to model a procedure room with a thoracic anthropomorphic phantom on the angiography table. Using this model, measurements of scatter radiation were made from the phantom before and after the application of the drape using a collimated and full field of view in low-output conditions (70 kVp, 48 mA) and high-output conditions (125 kVp, 156 mA). Transmission of x-rays through the drape and entrance exposure rates were also measured. Statistical significance was measured using a Student t test. Results Scatter radiation was attenuated throughout the procedure room when the drape was applied. The highest level of scatter radiation was detected in the expected position of the operator, adjacent to the phantom. Radioprotection by the drape was the greatest in this position: 71.5% attenuation at waist level and 89% at neck level (P <.0001). The use of the drape did not result in an increase of backscatter radiation to the phantom. Conclusions The use of this drape significantly reduces scatter radiation in the procedure room; this effect is maximal in close proximity to the phantom.