Articles by Z&Z Medical

February 9–15 marks Cardiovascular Professionals Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the clinicians who dedicate their expertise, skill, and compassion to caring for patients with heart disease. From cardiologists and interventional physicians to cath lab teams, technologists, nurses, and imaging professionals—your work saves lives every single day.

The Work Behind the Scenes Matters

Cardiovascular care often happens in high-pressure environments where precision and focus are critical. Long procedures, advanced imaging, and rapid decision-making are part of the daily routine.

Many cardiovascular professionals spend hours each shift:

• Standing at procedure tables

• Wearing protective equipment

• Working around fluoroscopy and other imaging systems

Your commitment ensures patients receive timely, accurate, and life-saving care.

Appreciation Includes Protection

At Z&Z Medical, we believe appreciation goes beyond words. Supporting cardiovascular professionals also means supporting:

• Safer imaging environments

• Radiation protection practices that reduce long-term risk

• Tools designed to improve comfort, workflow, and career longevity

Because protecting those who care for hearts is part of protecting healthcare itself.

Thank You

This week—and every week—we thank you for:

• Your expertise

• Your dedication

• Your unwavering commitment to patient care

Happy Cardiovascular Professionals Appreciation Week!!!

Super Bowl Sunday has officially arrived, and here at Z&Z Medical, it’s always been about more than just the final score.

Throughout the football season, our office has enjoyed friendly rivalries, team pride, a little good-natured trash talk, and plenty of laughs when our teams faced off. Whether you’re someone who never misses a kickoff or someone who’s just here for the commercials (or snacks), it’s been fun sharing the season together.

What we really love, though, is how moments like this bring people together. Football has a way of sparking conversations, building connections, and creating shared memories—especially in the workplace. Even those who aren’t big fans have been great sports, cheering along or smiling through the Monday morning recaps.

As the season wraps up, we’re reminded that it’s these small moments—inside jokes, playful debates, and shared excitement—that make our workplace feel less like an office and more like a team.

So whether you’re rooting hard, watching casually, or just enjoying the halftime show, we hope everyone has a fun and relaxing Super Bowl Sunday.

Here’s to teamwork, camaraderie, and another great season—on and off the field.

Every February, Go Red for Women® shines a spotlight on a critical reality: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet it is still widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Go Red for Women is about education, advocacy, and action—empowering women to understand their risks, recognize symptoms, and receive the care they need. But it’s also an important moment to recognize the healthcare professionals—many of them women—who care for heart patients every day, often while facing occupational health risks of their own.

Heart Health Looks Different for Women. Heart disease doesn’t always present the same way in women as it does in men. Women are more likely to experience:

• Atypical or subtle symptoms
• Delayed diagnosis
• Different risk profiles related to hormones, pregnancy, and menopause

This makes accurate imaging, timely intervention, and safe diagnostic environments especially important in women’s cardiovascular care. From echocardiography and CT to fluoroscopy-guided procedures and interventional cardiology, imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing heart disease in women.

Where Imaging, Intervention, and Radiation Safety Intersect. Cardiology and interventional imaging environments often rely on Fluoroscopy, C-arms, and prolonged imaging procedures.  While essential, they also expose clinicians and patients to ionizing radiation, particularly during long and/or complex cases.  Women make up a significant portion of cath lab staff, Interventional radiology teams, Cardiovascular technologists, and Nurses and imaging professionals These professionals often spend hours in lead aprons, balancing patient care with personal health risks such as musculoskeletal strain and cumulative radiation exposure. Properly fitted radiation protection, thoughtful garment selection, and consistent safety practices help ensure that those caring for women’s hearts are protected too.

Protection Is Part of Prevention. At Z&Z Medical, we believe that protection is an extension of prevention. That means supporting Radiation protection solutions designed for comfort and performance. Safety practices that reduce unnecessary exposure, and Awareness initiatives that prioritize long-term health. Go Red for Women reminds us that heart health isn’t a single day or diagnosis—it’s a lifelong commitment. And that commitment includes protecting the people behind the imaging equipment, the procedures, and the care.

This Go Red for Women Day we proudly stand with clinicians, patients, and advocates working to Raise Awareness that may Improve Outcomes and Protect women’s hearts—inside and outside the imaging suite.  

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as radiation protection aprons, thyroid collars, and accessories plays a critical role in protecting healthcare professionals from occupational exposure to ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation—including X-ray and gamma radiation—carries enough energy to cause cellular damage over time. In environments such as cardiology, interventional radiology, cath labs, electrophysiology, vascular imaging, and fluoroscopy, consistent exposure makes radiation protection essential—not optional.

For decades, lead-based shielding has been the standard due to its density and effectiveness. Today, lead-free alternatives are increasingly available, offering lighter-weight options designed to reduce fatigue while maintaining protection.

So what’s the real difference between lead and lead-free radiation protection garments? Let’s break it down.

The Evolving Landscape of Radiation Protection

When evaluating radiation protection garments, healthcare facilities will typically see both traditional lead aprons and lead-free (or non-lead composite) aprons offered by major manufacturers.

Lead-Based Radiation Protection

Lead aprons contain an internal layer of lead designed to attenuate ionizing radiation. Most lead aprons range from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm lead equivalence. Clinical studies consistently support their effectiveness. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedic Trauma found that 0.5 mm lead aprons can attenuate up to 99% of scatter radiation, making them highly reliable across a wide range of procedures. Lead’s primary advantage is its high atomic number and density, which allows it to efficiently absorb and block X-ray and gamma radiation. The primary drawback? Weight.

Lead-Free Radiation Protection: How Does It Work?

Lead-free garments do not contain elemental lead. Instead, they rely on composite materials made from alternative high-density metals such as:

• Tungsten

• Bismuth

• Antimony

• Barium

• Tin

These materials are layered or combined to mimic the shielding effectiveness of lead while reducing overall garment weight. According to research published in the Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering, these materials can achieve similar attenuation values when properly engineered and tested. In many cases, a 0.5 mm lead-free apron is rated to perform comparably to a 0.5 mm lead apron, though performance can vary depending on radiation energy levels and beam quality.

Performance Differences: Lead vs. Lead-Free

While lead-free garments perform well in many clinical scenarios, studies show some important distinctions.

• A study in the European Journal of Radiology found that lead-free aprons perform similarly to lead at lower energies (below ~90 kVp).

• At higher radiation energies, traditional lead demonstrated slightly better attenuation performance.

• Other studies have shown pure lead to outperform composite materials in certain low- and high-intensity conditions.

Bottom line: Both options are effective, but procedure type, radiation intensity, and exposure duration matter when selecting the best garment. This is why reviewing manufacturer testing data and consulting your Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is essential.

Why Some Clinicians Choose Lead-Free Garments

One of the main reasons clinicians consider lead-free PPE is weight reduction. Research published in the Journal of Radiation Physics and Chemistry found that some lead-free garments are 13–25% lighter than comparable lead aprons. Over long procedures or extended shifts, that reduction can significantly impact:

• Fatigue

• Shoulder and back strain

• Joint stress

A 2022 study reported that clinicians wearing heavy garments for prolonged periods frequently experienced musculoskeletal discomfort. The study also noted that two-piece systems (vests and skirts) and lighter materials helped reduce strain. Lead-free garments may be especially beneficial for:

• Long interventional procedures

• Staff wearing PPE for multiple hours daily

• Clinicians with prior orthopedic concerns

Lead-Free vs. Lead-Safe: Understanding the Terminology

Lead-Safe

“Lead-safe” means the garment contains lead, but the lead is fully encapsulated within protective outer layers—typically vinyl, rubber, or nylon—preventing direct exposure. X-ray lead aprons are considered safe when properly maintained and inspected. Lead-based PPE has been used successfully for decades and is supported by radiation safety guidelines that follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Lead-Free

“Lead-free” means the garment contains no elemental lead. This eliminates concerns about lead exposure during wear or disposal. However, it’s important to note that some alternative materials used in lead-free garments (such as antimony) may carry their own exposure risks if not properly enclosed. Like lead garments, lead-free PPE relies on durable outer layers to ensure safety.

Both options are considered safe when manufactured, maintained, and inspected correctly.

Cost, Environmental Impact, and Practical Considerations

When comparing lead and lead-free radiation protection, facilities should consider:

Cost: Lead aprons are generally less expensive than lead-free alternatives. Lead-free garments often carry higher upfront costs due to advanced materials and manufacturing processes.

Environmental Impact: Lead-free garments are often marketed as more environmentally friendly and may simplify end-of-life disposal. That said, lead aprons can still be disposed of safely when proper EPA-regulated protocols are followed, but recycling fees will apply.

Clinical Performance: Traditional lead remains the gold standard for maximum attenuation, particularly in higher-energy imaging environments.

Is Lead Shielding Still Used Today?

Yes—very much so!  Confusion often arises from changes in dental X-ray guidelines. In February 2024, the American Dental Association (ADA) updated its guidance, stating that lead aprons are not necessary for routine dental imaging when modern, well-calibrated equipment is used. However, this guidance does not apply to medical imaging environments such as fluoroscopy, C-arms, or interventional procedures, where radiation exposure levels are significantly higher. Lead shielding remains widely used and recommended in many medical applications.

Comfort, Fit, and Ergonomics Matter

Whether lead or lead-free, proper fit is critical. Key considerations include:

• Correct sizing of shoulder panels and armholes

• Adequate thyroid and organ coverage

• Even weight distribution

Studies published in PLOS One have shown that two-piece vest/skirt systems can significantly reduce shoulder pressure and fatigue compared to single-piece aprons. Fit and design often have just as much impact on comfort as material choice.

Making an Evidence-Based Choice

There is no single “best” radiation protection garment for every situation. The right choice depends on:

• Procedure type

• Radiation intensity

• Duration of wear

• Clinician comfort

• Facility safety protocols

At Z&Z Medical, we believe radiation protection decisions should be evidence-based, procedure-specific, and clinician-focused. Whether lead or lead-free, the goal is the same: protect the people who protect patients.  Email us at info@zzmedical.com with any Radiation Protection Question you may have, or you can visit our website to learn more.

February isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s a powerful reminder of why protection, prevention, and people matter in healthcare.

At Z&Z Medical, February brings together several meaningful observances:

• American Heart Month
• Cardiovascular Professionals Appreciation Week (Feb 8–15)
• Heart Failure Awareness Week (Feb 8–15)
• Go Red for Women® Day (Feb 6)
• Valentine’s Day (Feb 14)

Each of these moments highlights one shared truth: Healthy hearts depend on safe environments, informed teams, and the right protection—every single day.

Where Radiation Protection Meets Heart Health: Cardiology, interventional radiology, cath labs, electrophysiology, and vascular imaging teams are among the most consistently exposed professionals when it comes to radiation due to long procedures, repeat exposure. and minimal margin for error

That’s why radiation protection isn’t just about compliance—it’s about long-term heart health, occupational safety, and career longevity.

Z&Z Medical proudly supports cardiovascular teams with:

• Radiation protection apparel & accessories
• Shielding solutions for staff and patients
• Positioning and workflow tools that reduce repeat imaging
• Visual safety reminders that reinforce daily habits

Because protecting caregivers ultimately protects patients. At Z&Z Medical, we believe:

• Protecting staff is an act of appreciation
• Radiation safety is a form of prevention
• The right tools can change outcomes—for patients and professionals

Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing insights, reminders, and solutions that support heart health, radiation protection, and the people who make healthcare possible. Because when you protect the caregiver, you protect the heart of healthcare itself.