Dr. Patrick Muck Presents Lead-Free EVAR Experience Using Rampart Guardian at VEITHsymposium 2025
New York, New York -- November 2025 -- Patrick E. Muck, MD, RVT, of TriHealth-Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, presented new findings at the 2025 VEITHsymposium demonstrating that endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) can be performed safely without lead aprons using the Rampart® Guardian radiation mitigation system.
For nearly a century, lead aprons have served as the standard for radiation protection despite covering only 60% to 70% of the body and weighing up to 24 pounds, creating significant ergonomic strain for clinicians. The Rampart Guardian provides total body, total team, lead-free protection, delivering over 99% radiation attenuation through a 1-mm lead-equivalent bismuth-acrylic shield. Published evidence, including randomized trials and more than 1,700 real-world cases, shows the system reduces exposure by 20 times compared with traditional lead.
In early clinical use at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dr. Muck recorded “incredibly low mRem” readings during EVAR procedures performed without lead. Operator exposure was lower than the radiation received on a cross-country flight from New York City to San Francisco, typically 2.0 to 2.5 mRem. At approximately 2 mRem per case, staff could perform 2,500 procedures before reaching the annual occupational limit of 5,000 mRem.
“This isn’t 1928 anymore,” Dr. Muck said. “We finally have technology that can eliminate lead aprons while protecting the entire team.”
About Rampart IC
Rampart IC is a medical technology company dedicated to improving safety and ergonomics in interventional cardiovascular and endovascular procedures through advanced radiation mitigation solutions. Its product line, including the Guardian and Defender systems, provides comprehensive, lead-free, full-body protection for the entire clinical team. For more information, visit rampart.com
