Breast surgical oncologist Lauren Ramsey, MD, of John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, TX, has developed a new protection garment for radiologic technologists that mitigates radiation exposure while they are imaging patients.
Called BAT (Breast, Axilla, and Thyroid), the garment features a 0.35 mm Xenolite 800 NLE layer in the main body, sleeves, and breastplate. An attached thyroid shield offers 0.5 mm protection to safeguard thyroid tissue.
"Female orthopedic surgeons have up to a three times higher rate of breast cancer," Ramsey said in a statement released by BAT manufacturer Burlington Medical Supplies. "Women now make up 55% of medical school attendees and this product was developed with women in mind. BAT reduces radiation to the upper outer quadrant of the breast by over 97%, as well as decreasing exposure to the thyroid, chest, and spine.”
BAT retails for $500 and comes in various sizes for both men and women, according to Burlington Medical.
