From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 30s
Dallas Firm Patents Radiation Shield for Healthcare Workers
Dallas Medical Team's New Radiation Shield Cuts Worker Exposure by 91% in Tests
In brief
Dallas Medical Team's New Radiation Shield Cuts Worker Exposure by 91% in Tests New radiation shield reduces exposure to critical areas by up to 97% during X-ray procedures Originally reported by Dallas Express.
New Radiation Shield Patent
Dallas-based ProtectMed LLC received U.S. Patent No. 12,721,579 for a wearable radiation shield protecting breast, axilla, and thyroid areas during X-ray procedures.
“The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office lists Patent No. 12,721,579, titled "Breast axilla and thyroid radiation shielding device for medical personnel," as assigned to Dallas-based ProtectMed LLC.”
Designed to Cover Gaps
The shield adds protection around breasts, underarms, upper arms, and thyroid areas that standard lead aprons leave exposed during fluoroscopy procedures.
“The patented design is intended to add protection around the breast, axilla, or underarm, and thyroid, along with portions of the upper arm.”
Tested for Real-World Use
A peer-reviewed study showed adding the shield reduced radiation exposure by 91% at the nearer breast and 94% at the chest compared to standard protective gear.
“Compared with a standard lead vest and thyroid shield alone, adding the BAT shield reduced measured radiation exposure by 91% at the nearer breast, 76% at the farther breast, 94% at the chest, 52% at the thyroid, and 60% in deeper tissues.”
Why It Matters
Healthcare workers face radiation risks during X-ray-guided procedures, with OSHA requiring protective gear to minimize exposure through ALARA principles.
“The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies lead aprons or vests and thyroid collars among commonly used forms of personal protective equipment for workers exposed to X-rays and gamma radiation.”
How It Works
The shield is worn with existing radiation aprons and provides targeted protection without restricting movement during medical procedures.
“Burlington Medical introduced BAT in 2024 as a lightweight garment designed to be worn with an existing radioprotective apron.”
Real-World Impact
The shield has been tested in simulated procedure rooms and reduced radiation exposure to critical areas by up to 97% in specific positions.
“At one tested position, with the operator standing 90 degrees to the table during a cross-table lateral beam, the researchers measured a 97.7% reduction in radiation exposure at the nearer breast.”
Local Innovation
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 10 nationally with 114 patents issued during the week of September 1, 2026, including this radiation shield patent.
“ProtectMed's patent was one of 114 patents tied to Dallas-Fort Worth inventors and companies during the week of September 1, according to Dallas Innovates.”
Who Invented It
Lauren Ramsey, a Fort Worth breast surgical oncologist, co-founded ProtectMed LLC with Chet Rees and Ryan Baldwin.
“The USPTO patent index names Lauren Ramsey, Chet Rees, and Ryan Baldwin as the inventors.”
The main idea
New radiation shield reduces exposure to critical areas by up to 97% during X-ray procedures
