A study comparing two next-generation radiation shielding systems found that one provided superior protection for the entire cath lab team, reducing exposure for all staff positions around the X-ray table.
A study unveiled at the Cardiovascular Research Technologies 2025 meeting has demonstrated that the EggNest Complete Radiation Protection System provides superior scatter radiation protection for the entire cath lab team compared to the Rampart Defender System.
Presented by Thom Dahle, MD, an interventional cardiologist at CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center, the independent study sought to compare the effectiveness of the EggNest Complete and Rampart Radiation Reduction Systems in reducing radiation exposure around the X-ray table. Both systems aim to reduce the well-documented risks of scatter radiation exposure—an occupational hazard that disproportionately affects interventional physicians and staff—while eliminating the physical strain of traditional lead aprons.
The results favored EggNest, showcasing its ability to deliver comprehensive protection across all members of the procedural team, not just the primary operator.
The study looked at radiation exposure at five positions around the X-ray table, including the primary operator, assistant, nurse, anesthesiologist, and electrophysiologist/echocardiographer positions.
Key findings included:
- Scatter radiation was not evenly distributed around the X-ray table, with dose rates at the head of the table greater than at other positions.
- While both the EggNest and Rampart Systems effectively suppressed scatter radiation for the operator and assistant positions, the EggNest Complete System provided significant protection for the anesthesiologist, echocardiographer, electrophysiologist, and nurse positions.
Reducing Radiation Exposure for All Positions
In the study, the EggNest System reduced radiation exposure by 80% for the electrophysiologist/echocardiographer and anesthesia positions and 85% for the nurse position over standard shielding, while Rampart offered no benefit versus standard shielding at those positions. For the operator position, EggNest reduced radiation exposure by 96% while Rampart reduced exposure by 86%. For the assistant position, EggNest reduced exposure by 98% while Rampart reduced exposure by 95%.
“A radiation protection system that provides protection for all members of the cath lab team is key for the multitude of procedures performed in modern cath labs,” Dahle says in a release. “EggNest’s seamless integration into procedural workflows makes it a no-brainer for labs looking to enhance their radiation protection without compromise.”
Robert Wilson, founder and chief executive officer at Egg Medical Inc, adds in a release, “This study confirms that the EggNest Complete System sets the standard for next-generation radiation safety. We work as a team in the cath lab and protecting the entire team—not just the physician—is critical.”
Photo caption: EggNest Complete System
Photo credit: Egg Medical
