Topics

Associate Professor Kataoka's research group demonstrated the radiation exposure reduction effect and workability of FORUShield, a radiation protection plate designed specifically for structural heart disease (SHD).Itabashi Campus

On September 15, 2025 (Monday, national holiday), a research group led by Teikyo University School of Medicine Internal Medicine Department of Medicine Associate Professor Akihisa Kataoka and the University Graduate School Graduate School of Medical Care and Technology Professor Junichi Furutoku and the University Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization Teikyo Technology Transfer Center Assistant Professor Takeshi Takada, and Dr. Fumika Yanagawa (then School of Medicine Full-time Anesthesiology Doctor at the University Hospital), demonstrated the radiation exposure reduction effect and workability of the developed FORUshield, a radiation protection plate specifically for structural heart disease (SHD) The results were demonstrated both in Monte Carlo simulations and in clinical practice.

During catheterization for structural heart disease (SHD), typically valvular heart disease, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is performed under X-ray fluoroscopy. Therefore, echocardiographers must stand on the patient's right side, exposing the lower chest to intense scattered radiation. Despite the high radiation exposure, particularly to the lower back and lower body, the lack of practical shielding devices that do not impair TEE workability has been a challenge. Our research group obtained a patent (No. 7734428) for the structure of a radiation protection plate and jointly developed FORUShield, a radiation protection plate specifically designed for structural heart disease (SHD), with MS Manufacturing Co., Ltd. In this study, we verified the radiation exposure reduction effect and workability of the developed FORUShield to confirm its practicality. Results of a unique, combined simulation and measurement study demonstrated a significant reduction in radiation exposure to the lower back and lower extremities.
It is expected that this new protective plate will reduce the risk of occupational radiation exposure and allow more echocardiologists to safely engage in SHD treatment.
In addition, the results of this research were published in JACC:Asia (Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Asia) on September 15, 2025.

Press release here
For more information about Associate Professor Kataoka, click here.
For more information about Professor Kotoku, click here
For more information about Assistant Professor Takada, click here
 

To the topic List