During the last decade advanced medical technnologies used when treating cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, stroke, congenital heart disease and atrial fibrillation, have increased dramatically. These types of interventions often require x-ray during the intervention. OR (operating room) staff in Radiology, Cardiology and Surgery departments are therefore exposed to high energy levels (30-140 keV) and need to protect themselves from radiation. Radiation protection garments are often lead based - thus heavy (>7kg) and cumbersome for the user. Lead-free products are available at less weight. Neither lead-based nor lead-free materials address the customer needs for hygienic and cooler garments, which is sought for after working in the operating room for several hours. From a patient safety perspective, non-hygienic garments used in the operating room may lead to fatal infections and increased costs.
10MD has focused its resources on solving the customer needs for a functional and comfortable material.
- Annie Bjersgård, Health Technology Center, Halmstad University. 2013.
- Elin Jonsson, HealthTechnology Center, Halmstad University. http://halsoteknikcentrum.hh.se/portfolio/headpeace/. 2017.