RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Radiation ProtEction for Dose RedUction in the Cardiac CathEter Lab Study: The REDUCE Trial

Doctors and nurses who perform heart procedures using X-rays are exposed to radiation, which can be harmful over time. This can increase their risk of certain health issues like cancer and eye damage. While lead clothing helps, it's heavy and uncomfortable. This study is testing a new device called RAMPART. It aims to reduce radiation exposure for these medical teams, potentially allowing them to wear lighter protection or none at all. Researchers will compare radiation levels with RAMPART versus standard protection during heart procedures to see if this new device offers better safety and comfort for staff.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

29 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Radiation Exposure Radiation Exposure to Operator Radiation Injuries Radiation Safety

What is this study about?

Imagine doctors and nurses performing heart procedures. They often use X-rays to guide them, which is very helpful for treating patients. However, working with X-rays means they are exposed to a small amount of radiation. Over many years, this exposure can build up and potentially cause health problems, such as increasing their risk of certain cancers or problems with their eyes.

Currently, these medical teams wear special lead aprons and glasses to protect themselves. While these work, they are usually very heavy and can be uncomfortable, sometimes leading to aches, pains, or even joint problems because they have to wear them for long hours every day.

Researchers are now looking at a new piece of equipment called RAMPART. This device is designed to create a better shield against radiation. The main goal of this study is to find out if RAMPART can significantly lower the amount of radiation that doctors and nurses receive during heart procedures. If it works well, it could mean that medical staff might be able to wear much lighter protective gear, or perhaps even no lead protection at all, making their job safer and much more comfortable.

Key takeaways

Doctors and nurses face radiation risk during heart procedures.
Current lead protection is heavy and uncomfortable for staff.
RAMPART is a new device aiming to reduce staff radiation exposure.
The study compares RAMPART to standard protection during real procedures.
The goal is improved safety and comfort for hospital staff.
This study doesn't change patient treatment; it focuses on staff safety.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for information from heart procedures performed on adult patients, aged 18 and over. Both men and women are included. The procedures must be planned heart interventions that use X-rays and involve accessing the heart through arteries in the wrist (right or left radial arteries).

However, some people would not be included. This means the study will not involve patients under 18 years old, or anyone who cannot properly agree to take part. Pregnant patients will also not be included. Finally, if the heart procedure involves accessing the heart through an artery in the groin (femoral approach), it will not be part of this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a heart procedure that uses X-rays?
Will your procedure be done through an artery in your wrist?
Are you able to understand and agree to your treatment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is unusual because it doesn't involve patients directly taking part in the way you might think. Instead, it's about observing doctors and nurses during everyday heart procedures that you, as a patient, might be undergoing. You wouldn't receive a new medication or have extra tests because of this study. The study simply involves measuring radiation levels in the room while your medical team performs your procedure, either with the new RAMPART device or with their usual protective equipment. You, as a patient, would continue with your standard care as planned. The total duration of the study focuses on the staff's exposure during the procedure itself.

Potential risks and benefits

For patients, there are essentially no direct risks or benefits since your treatment will proceed as planned, regardless of which radiation protection method the staff are using. Your medical care will not change. For the medical staff involved, the potential benefit is significantly reduced radiation exposure, leading to better long-term health and comfort. If the RAMPART device proves effective, it could change how medical procedures are done, benefiting many healthcare workers. You, as a patient, always have the right to ask questions about any new equipment or studies your hospital is involved in, and your doctor can explain anything you are unsure about.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if a new device called RAMPART can better protect doctors and nurses from radiation during heart procedures compared to their current methods.

Will this study affect my heart procedure?

No, your heart procedure will be carried out as usual. This study focuses on the safety of the medical staff, not a change in your treatment.

What is RAMPART?

RAMPART is a new radiation protection device designed to create an improved shield against X-ray radiation for medical staff.

Why is this study important?

It's important because it aims to make working in heart procedure rooms safer and more comfortable for doctors and nurses by reducing their long-term exposure to radiation.

Who is funding this research?

This information is not provided in the summary, but you can always ask the study team or your doctor for more details on funding.

How to find out more

John D Hung, MBChB PhD MRCP(UK)

paula.walker@lhch.nhs.uk 0151 600 1657 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.