First North American Procedures with New CATHPAX CRM Radiation Protection System

St. Paul’s Hospital became the first hospital in North America to trial a unique radiation protection technology for physicians and hospital staff who perform interventional cardiovascular procedures. Dr. Andrew Krahn, Head of the Division of Cardiology in the UBC and Director of Heart Rhythm Services at St. Paul’s, performed the first known device implants without wearing lead protection. Dr. Krahn implanted medical devices in three patients using the CATHPAX CRM radiation protection cabin. “Physicians have been taking steps to reduce radiation exposure to patients and themselves for some time. The CATHPAX CRM is a significant advance for reducing x-ray exposure, especially during long cases,” said Dr Krahn. “I also felt less fatigued at the end of the day, by not wearing lead for three full cases.” Physicians who perform device implants using x-ray visualization are at greatly increased risk for chronic back and neck injuries, according to a recent Canadian study.(1) These physicians also have a higher risk for cancer, which is caused by exposure to radiation. A recent study identified a high worldwide incidence of brain tumors in interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists.(2) The CATHPAX CRM device is designed to block 99.96% of radiation and eliminate the physician’s need to wear personal leaded protection. Providence Health Care (PHC) is one of Canada’s largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 16 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. PHC operates one of two adult academic health science centers in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six “populations of emphasis”: cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health, and is home to the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. Anthem Medical, LLC (www.anthemmed.com) is the North American distributor of the CATHPAX CRM and other radiation protection products. CATHPAX is manufactured by Lemer Pax of France (www.cathpax.com). 1. Birnie D, Healey JS, Krahn AD, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for cervical and lumbar spondylosis in interventional electrophysiologists. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2011;22:957–960. 2. Roguin A, Goldstein J, Bar O, Goldstein JA. Brain and neck tumors among physicians performing interventional procedures. Am J Cardiol. 2013;111(9):1368–1372.