A randomized clinical study at Emory Healthcare compared the Rampart M1128 shielding system to traditional lead aprons and shields (LAS) during 100 elective invasive cardiovascular procedures. Three team members per case—primary operator, attending physician, and nurse/technologist—were assigned to either Rampart or LAS, with radiation exposure measured in real time at standardized anatomical points. The goal was to assess Rampart’s effectiveness in reducing total body and regional radiation exposure in a clinical setting.

The study found no differences in fluoroscopy time, dose area product, or scatter radiation between groups, confirming a fair comparison. However, Rampart reduced total body radiation by 95% or more across all team members and lowered exposure to key unprotected areas—such as the head, axilla, and forearm—by 10 to 17 times. It did so without disrupting workflow or access, and without the need for wearable lead. This first randomized trial of a portable cath lab shielding system highlights Rampart’s potential to significantly improve occupational safety—especially for non-physician staff and women in cardiology—while reducing risks linked to chronic radiation exposure. The findings support Rampart as a lead-free solution that may safely enable invasive cardiovascular procedures without the need to wear lead.