Dallas‑based ProtectMed LLC announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. 12,721,579 for a wearable radiation‑shielding device designed to protect healthcare workers during X‑ray‑guided procedures. The invention, titled “Breast axilla and thyroid radiation shielding device for medical personnel,” lists Lauren Ramsey, a Fort Worth breast surgical oncologist, Chet Rees, a Dallas interventional radiologist, and Ryan Baldwin of Seattle as inventors.
Local Innovation Meets National Need
The new shield is intended to be worn in conjunction with a standard lead apron, adding coverage around the breasts, underarms, upper arms, chest and thyroid—areas where conventional aprons often leave gaps. The design mirrors the BAT (Breast, Axilla, Thyroid) garment introduced by Burlington Medical in 2024, which also aims to fill those exposure gaps without restricting movement.
Study Shows Significant Dose Reduction
A peer‑reviewed study published in Health Physics used an anthropomorphic female torso model to compare radiation exposure with and without the BAT shield. Results showed a 91% reduction at the nearer breast, 76% at the farther breast, 94% at the chest, 52% at the thyroid and 60% in deeper tissues. In one test position, exposure at the nearer breast dropped by 97.7%.
While the study demonstrates a marked decrease in measured radiation, it does not claim the garment prevents breast cancer or other cancers in workers.
Regulatory Context and Occupational Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to recommend lead aprons, thyroid collars and protective eyewear as primary safeguards for staff exposed to X‑ray and gamma radiation. OSHA also emphasizes the ALARA principle—keeping exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable—through time, distance and shielding strategies.
ProtectMed’s Role and Local Impact
Ramsey serves as CEO and co‑founder of ProtectMed and is medical director of breast surgery for Acclaim Multi‑Specialty Group in Fort Worth. She cited personal concern for radiation gaps around arm openings as a catalyst for the invention. The company’s patent was highlighted in the Dallas Innovates roundup, which placed the Dallas‑Fort Worth metro area at No. 10 nationally for patents issued during the week of September 1, with 114 patents total.
ProtectMed’s shield adds a locally developed solution to a national occupational‑health challenge, potentially offering Dallas hospitals and clinics a home‑grown option for better protecting their staff.
Looking Ahead
With the patent secured, ProtectMed plans to move toward commercial production, positioning the device as a lightweight accessory that integrates with existing radioprotective equipment. The company hopes the innovation will encourage broader adoption of enhanced shielding practices across Texas and beyond.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
