Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: WELLCORT Study (JACC: Advances February 2026)-Article: Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: WELLCORT Study

Article: Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: WELLCORT Study

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This study examined occupational hazards faced by professionals working in electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization laboratories (EP/CCL), where rising procedure volumes increase exposure to ionizing radiation and prolonged use of heavy lead aprons. Researchers surveyed American College of Cardiology members in Texas, Rhode Island, and New York, then assessed the effect of a brief educational video on ergonomics, radiation safety, and pregnancy-related best practices.<br /><br />Among 306 baseline respondents (43% women; 64% with ≥10 years of EP/CCL experience; 43% wearing lead ≥8 hours/day), work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain or injury was very common: 62% reported neck, back, shoulder, knee, or ankle pain and 7.5% had required orthopedic surgery. Key independent risk factors for MSK injury included age ≥50 (adjusted OR 2.19), wearing lead ≥4 hours/day (adjusted OR 2.39), and limited knowledge of strategies to alleviate symptoms (adjusted OR 4.62). Needlestick injuries were also frequent (68.8%), and 28% reported head injury.<br /><br />Radiation-associated outcomes were reported as well: 16.7% noted cataracts or skin/bone-related cancers, and 3.5% reported brain, breast, lung, or bone cancer. Older age and low perceived radiation-safety knowledge were associated with higher odds of cataract/cancer outcomes; physicians had higher adjusted odds than nonphysicians.<br /><br />Pregnancy-related concerns were notable. About one-third of respondents had been pregnant during their career; most reported back/neck pain during pregnancy, 41.5% felt work worsened discomfort, and 15% reported complications (eg, bleeding, syncope, miscarriage) exacerbated by work. Workplace accommodations were limited, with many unable to reduce hours or procedural load, and most continued wearing lead.<br /><br />A follow-up survey (99 responses) suggested the educational video was actionable: 75.9% reported adopting ergonomic techniques. The authors conclude that EP/CCL occupational hazards remain prevalent and that targeted education and ergonomic/radiation-safety interventions may reduce risk.

Keywords

electrophysiology lab

cardiac catheterization laboratory

occupational hazards

ionizing radiation exposure

lead apron ergonomics

musculoskeletal injury

needlestick injuries

radiation-associated cataracts and cancer

pregnancy workplace accommodations

educational intervention video