SCAI Survey Indicates a Rise in Work-Related Injuries Among Interventional Cardiologists

April 7, 2015—The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) announced that approximately half of interventional cardiologists responding to a survey conducted by SCAI reported at least one work-related orthopedic injury. The findings indicate that occupational health issues are on the rise among interventional cardiologists. Lloyd W. Klein, MD, et al published the document, “Occupational Health Hazards of Interventional Cardiologists in the Current Decade,” online ahead of print in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. 

According to SCAI, 314 interventional cardiologists responded to the email survey that was fielded in the fall of 2014. The survey focused on orthopedic injuries to the spine, hips, knees, and ankles, as well radiation-associated problems including cataracts and cancer. The survey found that at least one orthopedic injury was reported by 49% of practicing interventional cardiologist respondents, a finding that significantly correlated with age and was associated with annual case volume. 

A total of 6.9% of operators indicated they have had to limit the number of procedures they perform due to radiation exposure, and 9.3% have taken a health-related period of absence. The incidence of radiation-related conditions, including skin injuries, cataracts, and hematologic and cancerous diseases, was within the 5% range.

The survey also suggested that use of a personal dosimeter was not optimal, with 18.5% of respondents reporting that they occasionally fail to wear a badge and 28.6% who said they never wear one. Also, little has been accomplished to protect interventional cardiologists from work-related orthopedic issues associated with wearing protective attire.

Additionally, work-related absences have decreased since 2004, suggesting that interventional cardiologists continue working despite injuries.

Dr. Klein commented in the SCAI press release, “The results of the SCAI survey highlight the unique health risks that interventional cardiologists and cath lab staff face as they diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. Most concerning is the fact that these risks have increased since interventional cardiologists were last surveyed in 2004. The health and safety of our patients is always our top priority, but these findings point to a very real need to address workplace safety for interventional cardiologists and cath lab staff.” Dr. Klein is Professor of Medicine at Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Klein added, “Interventional practice has changed over the last decade. Case volume and complexity, as well as procedural time and radiation exposure, have increased. While technologies to safeguard operators from radiation exposure have emerged, their adoption has been limited to lightweight lead aprons and low-dose imaging systems.”

In the announcement, SCAI President Charles Chambers stated, “While awareness of cath lab safety is increasing, there is still a sizable opportunity to reduce the risks associated with delivering interventional therapies. The keys to success will include continuing to develop safer equipment and shields and educating operators and their staff to consistently practice occupational safety.”