Ep. 27 Enhancing Cardiology Practice Through Radiation Protection with Dr. Bob Foster

What do all image-guided interventionalists and surgeons have in common? Over time, the radiation exposure and the weight of lead begin to take a toll, often in ways no one talks about until it’s too late. In this episode of BackTable Cardiology, host Dr. Hady Lichaa sits down with Dr. Bob Foster, interventional cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer of Rampart IC, for a candid conversation about the hidden occupational risks facing today’s cath lab teams. --- SYNPOSIS Drawing on his extensive experience, he reflects on a career in complex coronary and peripheral intervention and the personal health crisis that forced him to confront the hidden dangers of operating in lead.National survey data from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) reveal a sobering trend in orthopedic injury rates, prompting a deeper look at why meaningful change has been so slow. From workflow realities and emerging clinical data to advocacy efforts, this episode explores what it will take to truly move the needle on operator safety. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction01:03 - The Lack of Progression for Radiation Protection 06:37 - Rampart’s Origin Story14:24 - Evaluating the Data23:28 - Workflow & Setup Time: Lab Practicalities28:30 - Orthopedic Ergonomics33:06 - Beyond Cardiology: Other Interventional Surgery Specialties36:06 - Cost, ROI, and Legislation41:54 - Making Advanced Shielding Practical and Affordable50:46 - Protecting the Next Generation --- RESOURCES Dr. Hady Lichaa’s Provider Profilehttps://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1336267533/hady-lichaa Dr. Bob Foster’s Provider Profilehttps://www.doximity.com/pub/robert-foster-md-5201e3aa Rampart IChttps://rampart.com