AI Article Synopsis

  • The study explores young electrophysiology (EP) professionals’ concerns about radiation exposure and its effects on reproduction and pregnancy, showing a significant level of apprehension among participants.
  • A survey conducted with 252 EP personnel revealed that a large percentage were worried about radiation's impact on reproductive health and were mostly unaware of existing safety guidelines.
  • The findings indicate a need for better communication and adherence to safety measures, as many women in EP labs face restrictions during pregnancy, with zero-fluoroscopy being favored for safety.

Article Abstract

Aims: Electrophysiology (EP) is a growing field in cardiology, with an increasing involvement of young people. Nevertheless, concerns about radiation exposure and its impact on reproduction and pregnancy may discourage the choice of an EP career. The study is aimed at investigating the level of awareness and main sources of concern about the effects of radiation on reproductive potential and pregnancy, exploring the safety measures adopted in different EP labs, and verifying the adherence to the current guidelines.

Methods And Results: An online survey was conducted using the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) infrastructure from April to June 2022. A total of 252 EP personnel (42% women) participated, from 50 countries and different professional roles. Most participants expressed concerns regarding the effects of radiation on reproductive capacity (67.1%) and offspring diseases (68.2%). Only 37.9% of participants were aware of the EHRA 2017 consensus document about occupational radiation exposure. Most participants (80.9%) considered that occupational radiation during pregnancy is not safe. EP female staff were not allowed to work in the EP lab during pregnancy in 48.1% of cases. Zero-fluoroscopy was the preferred choice to continue working in the EP lab during pregnancy.

Conclusion: EP staff, including both men and women, have concerns about the effects of radiation on reproductive capacity. Despite the recommendations issued by international bodies, implementation of the policies regarding pregnancy and occupational radiation exposure is heterogeneous. Zero-fluoroscopy is the preferred approach to ensure safety during pregnancy in the EP lab.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10401324PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/europace/euad216DOI Listing

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