Poll Finds Concerns Among Vascular and Cardiac Specialists About Radiation Exposure

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. and MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (November 17, 2025) - A new national poll1 announced today by W. L. Gore & Associates' medical business (Gore) and Egg Medical sheds light on the growing concern for radiation exposure in operating rooms and cath labs across the country.

The findings revealed:

• 100% of interventional cardiologists, 96% of interventional radiologists, 93% of vascular surgeons, and 71% of cardiac surgeons are concerned about their radiation exposure when performing image-guided procedures.
• Nearly 80% of vascular surgeons said they are "extremely or very concerned" about the issue. However, just 27% of vascular surgeons reported using an enhanced or advanced radiation protection device or wearing live dosimetry, while just 13% of vascular surgeons reported wearing double lead.
• 64% of interventional radiologists and interventional cardiologists said they use an enhanced or advanced radiation protection device, while more interventional cardiologists (60%) reported wearing live dosimetry compared to 36% of interventional radiologists. In addition, nearly 40% of interventional cardiologists reported wearing double lead compared to 12% of interventional radiologists.
• Almost half (44%) of interventional radiologists reported limiting radiation exposure by performing fewer procedures.
• Less than 30% of all respondents reported feeling "very protected" from radiation exposure.