Rampart IC Debuts Vanguard Lead-Free Shield for Interventional Imagers at TCT 2026

Rampart IC launched Vanguard, a lead-free radiation protection system for interventional imagers working at the head of the table, at TCT 2026. The company announced the launch on October 29, 2026, according to EIN Presswire. Vanguard provides greater than 99% radiation dose reduction across the head, eyes, axilla, chest, hips, and knees while preserving direct patient and probe access.

How Vanguard Protects Imagers at the Head of the Table

Vanguard is purpose-built for interventional imagers, who the company said can receive up to five times the radiation dose of interventional cardiologists during certain procedures. The system includes Gateway Access, a protected, adjustable opening that allows direct probe manipulation and patient access while the imager remains behind the Vanguard. It is configurable for different operator heights, positions, and left- or right-hand preferences, and is designed to support C-arm movement without mid-procedure reconfiguration. The foldable design has a minimal lab footprint.

"Rampart was founded on the belief that clinicians should not have to sacrifice their own health to care for patients," said Bob Foster, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Rampart. "Vanguard brings that mission to a group of clinicians who have been underserved by traditional radiation protection."

Initial case data showed greater than 99% total-body dose reduction at the head of the table, with additional findings from 15 procedures demonstrating greater than 98% reduced eye-level radiation exposure with Vanguard. Ali J. Ebrahimi, MD, UAB Interventional Cardiologist and clinical design collaborator for Vanguard, will present the eye-level findings at TCT session 354 on November 1 at 1:40 p.m. at Station 10.

"I've experienced firsthand the physical toll of wearing lead and the difference it makes when you no longer have to," Ebrahimi said. "Vanguard represents an opportunity to protect ourselves, extend our careers and continue delivering the best possible care to our patients."

Rampart IC's Funding and Clinical Record

Rampart IC closed a $21.6 million Series B financing round in April 2025 to support global expansion of its radiation protection portfolio, product development, clinical expansion, and strategic acquisitions, according to akta.pro company records. The same records list two randomized controlled trials and more than 1,700 real-world reductions documented across EP, cath, IR, and hybrid ORs. Rampart IC appointed Rob Williamson as Chief Revenue Officer in December 2025.

Rampart IC's Earlier Launches and Patent Appeal

Rampart launched Lead-FreeERPD.com, an educational resource center, in July 2026 following a consensus statement from six major medical societies calling for Enhanced Radiation Protection Devices as the new standard of care, EIN Presswire reported. In August 2026, Rampart withdrew its appeal of the USPTO's reexamination decision invalidating claims of U.S. Patent No. 11,660,056, which found the inventions were previously invented by others including Egg Medical or were obvious variants, Advfn reported.

TCT 2026 Dates and Booth

TCT 2026 takes place October 31 through November 3 at the San Diego Convention Center. Rampart will exhibit Vanguard at Booth 4727.