Method to reduce radiation exposure for interventional cardiologists

Zero-cost Radiation Protection Method to Reduce Radiation Exposure of Interventional Cardiologists During Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Procedures (FREEPADRAD Trial)

Not applicable Interventional National and Kapodistrian University of Athens · NCT06931171

This study tests a new way to protect interventional cardiologists from radiation during heart procedures by using special lead aprons to shield patients, to see if it makes their work safer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Athens, Attiki and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06931171 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates a novel approach to reduce radiation exposure for interventional cardiologists by using medical lead aprons to shield the patient's lower abdomen during transradial coronary procedures. It is a prospective, randomized trial that measures the effectiveness of this additional radiation protection method. The study will assess operator radiation exposure and analyze various clinical and procedural factors that may influence the results. The goal is to enhance safety for healthcare professionals while maintaining the efficacy of interventional cardiology procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing transradial diagnostic coronary angiography or angioplasty.

Not a fit: Patients with acute STEMI requiring primary PCI or those undergoing structural heart interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could significantly lower radiation exposure for interventional cardiologists, improving their long-term health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to radiation protection in interventional cardiology, this specific method of patient-applied pelvic shielding is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing transradial diagnostic coronary angiography or angioplasty.
* Adults aged 18 years and older.
* Informed consent provided.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute STEMI requiring primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
* Patients undergoing structural heart interventions.
* Initially femoral access or crossover to femoral access procedures.
* Patients unable to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Athens, Attiki and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Occupational Radiation Exposure in Interventional CardiologyOccupational Radiation ExposureInterventional CardiologyRadiation ProtectionTransradial AccessRadiation SafetyOperator Radiation DoseRadiation Hazard Reduction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.