Protego FAQs
HOW DID THE PROTEGO SYSTEM COME TO BE DEVELOPED?
The creation and subsequent evolution of the Protego design began nearly 20 years ago as an effort by a leading Michigan cardiologist to reduce and eventually eliminate physician and staff exposure to x-ray scatter during procedures.
The initial concept resulted in a design that was essentially a tall leaded vinyl wall separating the patient from the cardiologist. Not only was it intimidating to the patient, but it also limited the C-Arm angulation required for common views and was challenging to drape. From a proof-of-concept standpoint, it did provide protection for the entire team.
After many more iterations over the years and a great deal of design work and testing, the current Protego design came to life. Today’s Protego design resolves the early deployment and operative issues with a smaller and easy-to-deploy shield, allowing for extreme angulation while maintaining the doctor-patient connection.
IS PROTEGO AVAILABLE FOR MY CATH LAB SYSTEM?
Protego is currently available for Philips and Siemens Cath lab systems. Call (978) 829-0009 with questions or request a quote online.
HOW MUCH RADIATION SHIELDING PROTECTION CAN I EXPECT FROM PROTEGO?
RESULTS OF PRE-CLINICAL TESTING
“Use of the shielding system was associated with greater than 94.2% reduction in scatter radiation across all reference points in the PA and LAO projections with fluoroscopy and cine. With the shielding system, dose reductions at the location of the primary operator ranged from 97.8% to 99.8%. At locations of maximum scatter radiation, use of the shielding system resulted in dose reductions ranging from 97.8% to 99.8% with fluoroscopy and from 97.9% to 99.8% with cine.”
ABSTRACT: “A novel catheterization laboratory radiation shielding system: Results of pre-clinical testing”
DO I NEED TO WEAR A LEAD APRON OR OTHER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE FEAR DURING A CASE WITH PROTEGO?
Image Diagnostics has Protego installations where team members are Apron-free. We suggest that until all member of the Team are well versed and proficient in the draping process and installation and that Team members wear some form of real time (Ray Safe) dosimetry (thyroid and waist) to confirm that the system has been draped properly.
The Protego Shielding system is built upon overlapping layers of scatter absorbent materials which must all be in place at all times to prevent shielding leakage. The Protego Shielding system provides comprehensive superior radiation protection when deployed, draped and configured as defined within our manual and demonstrated throughout our in-service and training process. This high level protection has been demonstrated through testing by independent radiation physicists and supported within the approval from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The protection afforded by Protego is predicated on correct positioning and use. In order to ensure comprehensive Team protection at all times, it is critical that the draping and shield deployment process be followed.
Elimination of personal protection devices and apparel during the use of Protego is at the discretion and approval of the hospital Radiation physicist and subject to each hospital’s radiation safety policy and protocols.
WHAT KIND OF DOSE REDUCTION SHOULD I EXPECT FROM USING THE PROTEGO?
IDI is constantly monitoring Protego’s clinical performance Recent testing shows reductions of 97.8% to 99.8% while using cine or fluoroscopy modes. The range of coverage of the system is approximately one half of the room providing coverage for all the Team and clinical staff.
The State of Michigan testing indicates that the Protego system “should be accepted in lieu of the requirements for lead aprons” and is “at least .5 mm lead equivalence.
“The level of protection provided by Protego has been demonstrated to equal or exceed 0.5 mm of lead apparel. Unlike conventional lead aprons, the entire body is afforded this protection. The State of Michigan has now certified that this shielding system provides a level of protection such that operators using it do not need to wear personal leaded protective apparel”
MICHIGAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION – MIOSHA RSS-0037
Dixon Pre-clinical Testing
State of Michigan
CAN I PAN THE TABLE WITH THE PROTEGO ATTACHED?
Yes, the cross shield is mounted onto a spring arm that keeps it floating above the table. The shield is is lightly connected to the table via flexible magnetic mounting joints allowing for the shield to follow the table when panning.
CAN RADIAL ACCESS PROCEDURES BE PERFORMED USING PROTEGO?
Yes – both radial and femoral access are possible.
HOW DOES THE PROTEGO IMPACT MY CURRENT WORKFLOW?
There is a nominal impact on workflow. 90% of the Protego’s components are pre-installed the night before a case or installed just prior to the the start of a case. After the a patient is loaded on the table:
ARE PROTEGO DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE?
Yes! IDI provides onsite clinical support to install the Protego system at your site as well as education and training around the draping process and product use during the demo. In addition IDI will supply Ray Safe real time dosimetry badges 2 weeks prior to the start of the demo process to allow for before and after Protego dose collection readings. Values pre and post-Protego have ranged up to 8 times more without the Protego system. We also offer virtual demonstrations. To request a demonstration email us at [email protected] or call +1 (978) 829-0009.