Next-Gen Radiation Protection for Fluoroscopy: A Comparison for Physicians
05.21.25 | Wednesday | Jordan Houri, BSc, MSc
Physicians who operate under fluoroscopy face chronic exposure to scatter radiation, increasing long-term cancer risk and orthopedic injury from the use of heavy lead aprons. Next-generation protective devices aim to address these risks by improving ergonomics and coverage. Here, we compare four of the most talked-about systems: StemRad MD, Rampart IC, EggNest, and Zero-Gravity by TIDI. We focus on comfort, protection, mobility, and practical considerations such as transportability between operating rooms.
StemRad MD
The StemRad MD offers full-body radiation protection through a wearable exoskeleton. Its standout feature is a weightless design that removes the burden of wearing lead, while protecting the user with a higher standard of protection not found in traditional aprons. Another differentiating feature is the visor, offering full protection to the head. This allows physicians to use their own prescription glasses and protects the brain from the documented increase in left-sided brain tumors. Suitable for the individual user, this solution does not protect the team unless multiple systems are used.
Pros:
- Completely weightless thanks to external support frame.
- Includes integrated head protection (visor), unlike most systems.
- Full freedom of movement throughout the operating room.
- 1 mm lead-equivalent protection to critical organs along centerline and 0.5 mm for the rest.
Cons:
- Requires some acclimation to the exoskeletal design.
- Protects only the wearer
Rampart IC
Rampart IC provides a modular shielding system positioned around the operating table. It reduces scatter radiation effectively but still requires users to wear a lead apron – limiting ergonomic benefit.
Pros:
- Shields reduce scatter by up to 99.7%.
- Provides some protection to the support team.
- No setup on the body; quick to deploy.
Cons:
- Still requires physician and staff to wear lead aprons, adding weight burden.
- Takes up floor space; less adaptable in tight rooms.
- No dedicated head protection.
EggNest by Egg Medical
EggNest integrates radiation shielding into the procedure table itself, aiming to protect both primary and support staff from scatter radiation. While effective, it does not eliminate the need for aprons and offers no head protection.
Pros:
- Provides protection to entire team; not just the physician
- Seamlessly integrates into procedural setup
Cons:
- Wearing lead aprons still required
- No dedicated protection for head or neck
- Fixed to the procedure table; not portable
Zero-Gravity by TIDI
Zero-Gravity is a suspended system mounted to the ceiling or floor. It lifts the weight of a lead suit off the operator, but still tethers them to a fixed point and limits room-to-room movement.
Pros:
- Eliminates weight burden of lead from the body
- Includes head and eye protection
Cons:
- Requires structural installation
- Limits mobility outside suspended zone
- Specific sterile covers must be used
Conclusion
All of these systems mark a leap forward in reducing radiation exposure in the fluoroscopy suite. However, most still require the operator to bear some weight, lack head protection or limit operator mobility. StemRad MD and Zero Gravity stand out as the only systems to offer full-body, including head, protection without the burden of weight. However, only the StemRad MD does so while allowing full mobility and access to the patient – making it uniquely suited for physicians seeking both safety and freedom of movement.
Jordan joined StemRad in 2022 as Lead Scientist, following his work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He supports all products including 360 Gamma, AstroRad, and StemRad MD, specializing in radiation analysis and Geant4-based Monte Carlo simulations. He holds an MS from Duke and a BA from the University of Oxford.
