Lead Caps: Radiation Protection for the Brain

Lead Caps
Lead Caps

Physicians who perform interventional procedures are most likely protecting most of their body with a lead apron, thyroid collar, and radiation glasses. However, their head is exposed to harmful radiation

A series of articles have been published profiling physicians working in the catheterization laboratory who have had brain and neck tumors.1,2 The trials have shown that the brain’s left side was exposed to a higher radiation dose than the right side. Operator’s standard working position places their left side of the head closest to the scatter radiation coming from the patient. These findings suggest a possible relationship to occupational radiation exposure.

Based on these studies, head protection is recommended to be a good practice to reduce the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation among personnel working in the cath lab and other imaging environments.

When lead caps were first introduced, they were bulky, uncomfortable, and made with heavy lead material. INFAB improved the design to be lightweight, flexible, and comfortable to wear.

INFAB Lead Caps are available with KIARMOR lead-free core material, providing 40% greater protection against absorbed dose than other lead-free and low-lead composite materials and 20% more protection than standard lead-based equivalents.

KIARMOR lead-free core material passes all three universally recognized testing procedures: ASTM F3094-14, IEC 61331-1:2014, and DIN 6857-1.

Choose between three types of comfortable, durable fabric options: Revolution Fabric, Classic Nylon, and Disposable Scatter Armor.

INFAB lead caps also come in optional closures: elastic back, hook & loop, or tieback, fitting all sizes, adjustable from 21” to 25” circumferences.

Reusable INFAB lead caps feature an inner lining of Cool Wear moisture-wicking material to keep your head cool through multiple procedures.

 

  1. Finkelstein MM. Is brain cancer an occupational disease of cardiologists? Can J Cardiol. 1998;14:1385-1388.
  2. Roguin A, Goldstein J, Bar O. Brain tumours among interventional cardiologists: a cause for alarm? Report of four new cases from two cities and a review of the literature. EuroIntervention. 2012;7:1081-1086.
  3. https://evtoday.com/articles/2016-aug/radiation-and-your-brain
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