mammo SHIELD
Additional radiation protection for radio-sensitive axillary and breast tissue during surgical procedures, designed alongside surgeons, worn alongside any apron.
PRODUCT CODE: MAMSH
REGISTERED DESIGN: IPO 6284862
When the apron leaves a gap
Axillary and breast protection is at the forefront of radiation safety. Certain surgical procedures expose clinicians to ionising radiation in these anatomical areas — and breast tissue carries the highest radiation sensitivity of any organ, up to 15× greater than low-risk tissues.
A well-fitted lead apron remains the first line of defence. But when the arm is raised during orthopaedic or vascular procedures, the axilla becomes exposed beyond any standard apron's coverage — creating a consistent gap in protection that standard garments cannot address.
Why it matters for you
6 X
increase in interventional procedures since 2008
15 X
higher risk for breast tissue vs low-risk organs
IRR17
legal duty not to expose yourself unnecessarily
Dose is cumulative. Every procedure adds to lifetime exposure and interventional volumes are rising year on year.
Breast tissue is highest risk. Along with bone marrow, lungs, colon and stomach, it carries the maximum tissue weighting factor in radiological protection.
Standard aprons can't adapt. Open and tabard designs are unable to shield the axilla when the arm is raised — precisely when scatter exposure is highest.
It is a legal obligation. Under IRR17 Regulation 35, clinical staff must not expose themselves unnecessarily to ionising radiation.
DESIGNED ALONGSIDE SURGEONS
A solution built
from lived experience
The mammo·shield™ was developed in close collaboration with female orthopaedic surgeons who experienced firsthand the protection gap during fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Every design decision was informed by clinical feedback — fit, wearability, ease of application, and motion tracking.
The result is a comfortable, low-profile harness shield that sits under the arm, moves with the wearer, and delivers meaningful axillary protection without interfering with sterile technique or procedural dexterity.
Developed with leading healthcare professionals
Validated through clinical wear trials with orthopaedic surgeons. Simple to apply, comfortable through long procedures, and compatible with any existing apron.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Built around
how you work
Four core design principles, each addressing a real clinical need identified during development.
Retrofits Any Apron
No new garment required. The mammo·shield™ harness integrates with any existing x-ray apron or protective top, open, closed, wrap-around, or two-piece, from any manufacturer.
Moves With Your Arm
The unique elasticated design moves upward to cover the axilla as your arm is raised, maintaining radiation protection throughout the full range of surgical motion, stationary or active.
Adjustable for All
Five independent elastic straps allow the shield to be configured to a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit that stays in place throughout long procedures.
Simple QA & Screening
Designed for easy fluoroscopic screening to check for material cracks, critical given the multi-directional stresses of daily clinical use. Straightforward inspection, straightforward compliance.
Clinician
Lead Design
Developed in collaboration with female orthopaedic surgeons through real clinical wear trials
IPO 6284862
Registered Design
UK Intellectual Property Office registered design, protecting the mammo·shield™ innovation
WIPO 138185
International Protection
Hague System international registration, globally recognised protected design
Since 1860
Rothband Heritage
Over 160 years pioneering radiation protection — from the first rubber x-ray cloth to the mammo·shield™
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Protect what
matters most
Contact your Rothband representative for a demonstration, or order the mammo·shield™ directly through our online store.
Because comprehensive protection shouldn't come with a gap.
