The Valley Hospital Implements System to Reduce Radiation Exposure to Clinicians

The Valley Hospital is proud to improve workplace safety for its staff in the cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology laboratories through the addition of the EggNest™ Protect system manufactured by Egg Medical.

EggNest Protect is a radiation protection system designed to reduce the scatter radiation (radiation that changes direction after hitting a surface) exposure of clinicians – physicians, surgeons, nurses, and technicians – who work in the cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs. Radiation exposure occurs in a catheterization or electrophysiology laboratory because interventional procedures performed use X-rays as a guide. X-rays expose clinicians to the X-ray beam and scatter radiation, which, when exposed to for long procedural times or in close proximity, can lead to health concerns over time.

Designed with retractable flex shielding, EggNest Protect allows clinicians to position clear shields between themselves and the patient. The free movement of the shields also allows the C-arm – a mobile X-ray imaging device used to guide the procedure – to be fully maneuvered and rotated, creating optimal positioning for safe radiation exposure to the patient and staff.

“This technology allows our staff to perform complex interventions with greater confidence and less risk, ensuring a safer environment for everyone,” said Rajiv Tayal, MD, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and the Structural Heart Program at The Valley Hospital.

Health effects caused by prolonged radiation exposure to clinicians can include cataracts, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, according to Egg Medical.

“Implementing this system was an important step forward for the safety of our teams. We are proud to continue to bring advancements to Valley for our patients and staff,” said Suneet Mittal, MD, Chair of the Cardiovascular Service Line for Valley Health System, and Director of Electrophysiology at The Valley Hospital.

“Protecting our clinicians is just as important as protecting our patients,” said Robert Brenner, MD, MMM, FACHE, President and CEO of Valley Health System. “This system allows us to deliver the highest quality of care while ensuring the safety and well-being of the people who make that care possible.”

Valley received a grant from The Edward W. and Stella C. Van Houten Memorial Fund to implement the EggNest Protect system.

For more information on heart care at Valley, please visit ValleyHealth.com/Heart.