title: Radiation safety and ergonomics in the electrophysiology laboratory: update on recent advances.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation in patients undergoing electrophysiology procedures and interventional cardiac electrophysiologists performing these procedures are a serious concern. Strategies to reduce radiation exposure are of obvious importance. In addition, interventional cardiac electrophysiologists have to perform procedures wearing heavy lead protection for prolonged periods, making them prone to cervical and lumbar spinal injuries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recently developed technologies, such as low-exposure radiographic imaging, novel radiographic imaging protection systems, nonfluoroscopic mapping systems using image integration, and remote catheter manipulation systems have been successful in reducing ionizing radiation exposure in the electrophysiology laboratory. The efficacy and safety of these technologies are being evaluated in clinical trials. In addition, economic analyses are being performed to evaluate these novel systems. The use of nonweight-bearing radiation protection devices and ergonomic design of the electrophysiology laboratory aim to reduce the incidence of occupational injuries in interventional cardiac electrophysiologists.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is need for ongoing development and evaluation of new technologies to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation during electrophysiologic procedures. In addition, ergonomic planning of the electrophysiology laboratory and training of interventional cardiac electrophysiologists are crucial to occupational injury prevention.
authors.affiliation: Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Girish M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: Pablo B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Nery
authors.forename: Calum J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Redpath
authors.forename: Mouhannad M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Sadek
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Birnie
mesh_terms: D022062:Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac / Q000379:methods*; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000592:standards*; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety