Invisible Impact: The Risk of Ionizing Radiation on Cath Lab Staff

This video tells the story of one of the world’s most prominent cardiovascular surgeons, Dr. Edward Diethrich, and the career-altering health issues he has faced as a result of chronic, low-level exposure to ionizing radiation through his work.

Catheter-based technology has enabled the minimally invasive treatment of conditions that previously required invasive surgery. However, as the number of interventional procedures performed each day continues to rise, an unforeseen trade-off relates to the health of the medical professionals who perform these procedures and are exposed to procedure-related ionizing radiation. Existing scientific evidence points to an alarming incidence of cancer, cataracts and other serious adverse health effects among these professionals, including interventional cardiologists, endovascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and neurointerventionalists, as well as fluoroscopy lab employees.

The Organization for Occupational Radiation Safety in Interventional Fluoroscopy (ORSIF) was formed to raise awareness of the health risks of occupational ionizing radiation exposures and associated musculoskeletal risks occurring in interventional fluoroscopy laboratories. ORSIF develops support for medical professionals and hospitals for new and better ways to create the safest possible work environment for those dedicated to the wellness of others. The organization is comprised of members from industry and also includes physicians and staff from interventional fluoroscopy labs, and will partner with other physician associations, academic institutions, labor groups, and government bodies.

[wyorose]

Very, very good.  As a radiographer of 30 yrs experience, I have often thought of this thru my career.   GI docs are another group of physicians that need to heed this warning.  One of my favorite Radiologist died from an osteosarcoma from his tibia - that formed below the level of the lead apron.  The leg that is closest to the table during fluro.  Radiation is an amazing tool, must be treated with respect and utmost caution to ourselves and to our patients.

[VideoResourceLibrary]

I've watched this multiple times the last few years. So well done. A great example of disruptive medical technology coming full circle. So impactful to have a highly regarded surgeon be so vulnerable to benefit future generations.

[PerksterVermont]

Thanks for this short. I'm an interventional cardiologist/lab director in Burlington, Vermont, and have also taken up the issue of radiation exposure for our lab. I distributed this short to all of our staff right after I watched it.

[carollietzow]

Dr Dietrich that was a great story. Prior to working with you at AHI and AHH I went to college in Michigan and radiation was the utmost important in clinicals if we turned our back in flouro we asked to leave the room and not come back. It was drilled into the students. i cannot begin to tell you how many times Rn's Drs etc would ignore me about protection. I am glad you made that documentary. You are a great man, surgeon and working with you was a wonderful experience that I will always cherish. In all the years I have known you you always showed respect, concern and care for your staff and patients. I am so glad you you continue to care and improve the field of radiology. God Bless. Carol Lietzow RT(R)(M) CT

[robertlee]

Thanks for putting this problem in to proper perspective by being forthright with your own story, Dr. Deithtrich! Having seen several fellow contemporary vascular surgeons come down with thyroid CA, and seeing the general disregard in angiography suites for proper radiation safety, coupled with the fact that few hospitals where I have practiced been complaint about letting individuals know their acute and chronic levels of radiation exposure, I believe we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg at this point in time. Couple this with the fact that patients are being seduced by the allure of this minimally invasive technology, but never duly informed about the consequences of the extensive radiation exposure they may be subject to both acutely for the intervention, and for the chronic followup of their procedures and you have a significant public health issue. Thanks, Ted!

Dr. Robert Lee, MD, FACS

[DanielGennaro]

I wonder if I’m being a hypochondriac but I seriously am so mad at myself for being so stupid. I broke my pinky finger, the base of my proximal phalanx about a year and a half ago, and unfortunately it healed with a malunion, I should’ve just let it go, but I’m a guitar player and I was considering doing osteotomy for it. It still affects me everyday because it healed with a hyperextension and rotation at the base of the proximal phalanx. Which is the worst place to break your finger cause it’s right by the joint. I wish I would’ve had surgery but for whatever reason the one I went told me to just buddy tape it conservatively. I didn’t get a cast or splint. Not even advice on best position to keep it in. I went to several different surgeons since then and got probably maybe 7 to 8 different x-rays over the course of the year, I also got a CT scan recently on my hand as well, I have been reading a lot about how I can damage the DNA, I can’t really explain it, but before my hand felt stupid and now it feels retarded. I feel like my hand is so weak, I just tried playing the guitar and maybe it’s partly muscle memory but I feel like I basically nuked my hand and destroyed it. My hand CT was a high 4.18 mGy and 101 DLP. That’s over a year and half of background radiation blasted into my hand. I also got a MRI to even though they said that’s non ionizing. But I’m sure there is still risk. Which is according to research about a year and a half background radiation. The problem is they don’t tell crap about that as you’re going into appointment. Wish they did. Cause I read it can damage your dna and it’s not like after a year and a half it’s back to good. It stays with you forever. This is the most covered up conspiracy of our generation. Withholding the risks of radiation ☢️ in our lives

[chaitanya]

A big salute to Interventional Cardiologist who save lifes of many people without bothering the radiation and many problems they face.

[ORSIFAdmin]

I represent the new ORSIF team attempting to reclaim access to this channel, yet we do have access to the original email used to create this. Perhaps an email will be sent from this comment. Thank you!

[thomasmartin]

Okay, we have been made aware of the problem. My question is what does the staff working in the Cath Lab do to prevent radiation exposure?

[ionhunter]

I have a few ideas that I'm working on.

[mojoman]

Dr. Diethrich is a giant and a pioneer in medicine. This is unfortunately what happens when we place profits over people. For this to happen to Dr. Diethrich should awaken the entire medical and surgical community. I think it's clear that we need a paradigm shift in the way we practice medicine so as to minimize the risks to professionals and patients.