Can I purchase the EggNest™?
The EggNest™ is available for general purchase in the United States and many countries in Europe. Please contact info@eggmedical.com or call +1 612-916-6616 for information or to arrange for a representative to help you.
How can I arrange for a demonstration?
The simplest way to arrange for more information and/or to schedule an evaluation is to email us at info@eggmedical.com or call +1 612-916-6616.
What level of radiation shielding can I expect from the EggNest™?
In general, the EggNest™ reduces scatter radiation by about 90% (0.5mm lead equivalent).
What affects the efficiency of the EggNest™ in reducing radiation exposure for personnel?
Like any system, the EggNest is most effective when it is used properly. The upper Flip shields need to be flipped into position. The Clear shield needs to be placed properly in front of the operator.
Does the EggNest™ platform fit all x-ray tables and C-arms?
The EggNest™ replaces the patient mattress on the x-ray table. The EggNest™ should easily fit table widths less than 55 cm (at chest level), which includes nearly all tables.
Are the shields removable?
Yes, all the shields lift off the EggNest™, except for the internal shielding within the carbon fiber shell.
Can the EggNest™ be used in a biplane room?
At present, the EggNest™ provides effective shielding for procedures where a single plane C-arm is used. The lower flex shields can be partially or completely removed to facilitate biplane imaging systems, but the level of staff protection will be less.
Can radial access procedures be performed using the EggNest™?
Yes, radial access procedures can be performed using the EggNest™. Most standard arm positioning systems fit the EggNest™ arm boards (see below for the StarBoard system). The arm boards can swing out 90°. The arm board supports and the arm boards themselves are made from radiolucent carbon fiber to allow imaging of the arm and shoulder. The entire arm can be imaged when the arm is abducted to about 30° or less.
Can the EggNest™ be used for procedures in the peripheral vessels?
Yes, peripheral imaging is possible. A modified design with augmented protection for peripheral procedures with standard patient positioning is available.
If the patient position on the table is reversed (feet at the top of the table), excellent imaging and protection can be achieved with the standard version of the EggNest™.
Can the EggNest™ be used for neuro-interventional procedures?
The EggNest™ is not yet optimized for neuro-intervention. Stay tuned! We have a development project in process to modify the EggNest™ for optimal use during neuro-intervention.
What kind of training is needed to use the EggNest™ efficiently?
Use of the EggNest™ requires minimal training. To load the patient on to the table, the Flip shields need to be in the down position (which allows smooth patient transfer from a bed or gurney). When the patient is positioned on the EggNest™ table, the Flip shields are flipped up. The patient is then draped in a standard fashion, with the drape extending over the Flip shields.
To unload the patient, the Flip shields are placed in the down position after the drape is removed. The patient is then transferred off the table.
Do I still need to wear a lead apron and other personal protective gear when the EggNest™ is in place?
The EggNest™ is intended to work with standard personnel protective equipment such as “lead” aprons, glasses, and other wearable items. The EggNest™ is not intended to replace a “lead” apron shield. It does, however, markedly increase the efficacy of the “lead” apron and also markedly reduce scatter radiation to uncovered parts of the body, such as the calf, foot, arm, neck and head.
Can or should I continue to use the table skirt and hanging shields?
The EggNest™ is designed to accommodate both of these shields. The table skirt shield tucks nicely into the lower Flex shield. Based on the particular patient body habitus and access site, the hanging shield is often used as an additional shield between the operator and the patient, at operator discretion.
How do I clean the EggNest™?
The Reflex vinyl covering is impermeable and has a SilverTec antibacterial surface. The EggNest™ should be cleaned after each patient use using the standard anti-infective solutions used to clean the rest of the x-ray table and related surfaces.
What is the warranty for the EggNest™?
Egg Medical warrants that the EggNest™ is free from any defects in manufacture or workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year. If a Product fails to meet warranty, Egg Medical would either replace the defective Product or refund the purchase price.
Can the EggNest™ be moved from table to table?
Yes, the EggNest™ can be moved on and off the x-ray table. First, remove the shielding attachments (the hanging Flex shields, the arm boards and radial table, the Clear shield, and the TVAR shield, if attached). Then lift or slide the EggNest™ onto a cart with sufficient weight capacity (45 lbs.). It is important to lift the EggNest™ near the middle. The easiest method is to lift by both the head end of the rail and the arm supports.
How can I use the STARBoard products with the EggNest™?
The STARBoard products by Adepto are not designed to function with the EggNest™. It is possible to use them by placing the stabilizing piece (that normal fits under the patient mattress) under the patient, usually wrapped in a with a sheet for comfort. The STARBoard positioning accessories will sit about 2-4 inches higher with respect to the patient. You should try the set-up before proceeding to sterile draping.
Can a RadPad be used with the EggNest™?
Yes, the EggNest™ is compatible with other shielding materials. However, the RadPad does not provide additional shielding to the EggNest™ alone because the EggNest™ already has Flip shields that provide four times the shielding present in the RadPad. And, the EggNest™ is a one-time purchase!
What is the EggNest™ Story?
The EggNest™ was developed by two interventional cardiologists and an engineer. One of the interventionalists had practiced 30 years and knew several colleagues with hematologic radiation-related cancers from hospital exposures. The other interventionalist was early in his career and concerned about how much radiation exposure he was facing. He used extensive protection but found it cumbersome and difficult to work around. The engineer helped develop a system that was effective and functional, blending into the workflow and protecting everyone in the room. They spent four years understanding scatter radiation patterns in the cath lab, developing new materials, and perfecting the design. The result was the most comprehensive, practical radiation protection system ever developed for x-ray laboratories. Learn more here.
