Radiation shield for operating table

Abstract

The invention provides a shielding system for a surgical table for shielding a body from scattered radiation during a medical intervention. The shielding system comprises a frame attachable to the surgical table and a shield comprising a material for blocking radiation, the shield being configured to be mounted on the frame, wherein the shielding system is adapted to be folded by displacement of at least one part or parts of the shield in a vertical direction. The invention also provides a surgical table comprising such a shielding system. The system further comprises a hinging mechanism, wherein the frame is attachable to the surgical table by the hinging mechanism to allow movement of the frame and repositioning of the shield in a substantially horizontal direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of radiation shielding. More specifically, it relates to shielding and protecting medical personnel from damaging radiation to living matter, such as X-rays, particle bombardment, scattered radiation and similar radiation during interventions. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hybrid operating rooms (ORs) are operating rooms that combine traditional operating rooms with highly advanced imaging technology, such as CT scanners, MRI scanners and similar scanners. Hybrid ORs are used in many interventions, such as minimally invasive surgery, for example transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

[0003] Such hybrid ORs can be found in hospitals, clinics, medical research institutions at universities and the like. They also incorporate a multi-disciplinary staff, including surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, information technology personnel, imaging specialists and the like. During interventions, imaging equipment can be used, including X-rays and / or other high-energy and / or ionizing radiation, which poses a health threat to the personnel of the operating room. Since radiation exposure is cumulative, working in these environments can result in a significant amount of cumulative radiation exposure for the staff.

[0004] Hybrid ORs can be configured and adjusted to minimize the radiation exposure to medical personnel, such as scattered radiation. If standing at the side of the operating table (OT), i.e. the position where the radiological tube for horizontal beams is placed, the staff usually receives a high dose of scattered radiation. This position should be avoided. For example, in some interventions, the anesthesiologist can be positioned at the head of the operating table, which results in a lower exposure, as explained in “Anesthesiologists in the Neurointervetional suite - What Is Appropriate Radiation Protection?” (Editorial View, Anesthesia & Analgesia, V 114, No 3, March 2011).

[0005] However, some healthcare workers are at higher risk of exposure or accidental exposure than others because safety guidelines do not apply to all healthcare workers in the same way. For example, some safety guidelines that apply to staff in mixed operating rooms, such as eye protection requirements for surgeons or interventional radiologists, do not apply to anesthesiologists, as explained in “Radiation exposure to anesthetists during endovascular procedures” (Anesthesia, 2015, 70(1): 47-50). This can lead to dangerous exposure, especially in situations with high radiation doses, such as during emergencies, where the anesthesiologist must be close to the patient. Generally, ancillary staff in mixed operating rooms have a lower risk awareness. Even though some modern hospitals house anesthesiologists in low-dose technology rooms, most other hospitals do not have this feature or possibility. The combination of these factors can lead to unwanted and dangerous exposure to diffuse radiation, especially over a long period.

[0006] Several shielding products do exist to mitigate the effects of radiation, creating a barrier between patients and mixed OR staff, and are often misused or discarded entirely. Examples include mobile shields with wheels or shielding devices mounted on the operating table. Both restrict patient access. Mobile shields are often moved when the C-arm position changes, rendering them ineffective. Fixed shields are frequently discarded because they are inconvenient and often fail to adapt to changing circumstances, such as intraoperative complications, changes in C-arm position, and the resulting alterations in scattered radiation patterns.

[0007] Other solutions, such as ceiling-mounted shielding devices, do not occupy a large floor area, but they do take up space for other ceiling-mounted equipment, such as pendant-mounted lights or monitors. This increases the complexity of hybrid ORs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a highly flexible shielding device that provides good protection and can be easily and quickly adjusted so as not to obstruct imaging equipment with a low floor footprint.

[0009] This is provided by a shielding system and an operating table comprising such a system, wherein the system can be folded by moving one or more shielding elements or parts thereof in a vertical direction to allow movement and repositioning of an imaging system, such as a C-arm, without the need to detach the shielding system from the operating table. The vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to a plane parallel to the horizon. This is typically a person's length direction, for example a physician who needs to be protected from radiation occurring in the operating room and who stands or sits next to the operating table. For example, in embodiments where a patient support or body support of the operating table is positioned substantially horizontally, i.e. in a plane substantially parallel to the floor or ceiling of the room, the vertical direction is a direction substantially perpendicular to the operating table. The shielding system can be attachable or attached to the operating table.

[0010] The shielding system can comprise a foldable shielding element, such as a foldable bottom shielding element, for protecting the lower body of a medical staff from radiation, such as scattered radiation, and which can be folded away to avoid contact with the imaging system. Alternatively or additionally, a vertically slidable top shielding element can also be included, which can be slid upwards to protect the upper body of a medical staff and which can be slid downwards to avoid contact with the imaging system.

[0011] In a first aspect, a shielding system for shielding a body from scattered radiation during a medical intervention is provided. The shielding system comprises a frame attachable to an operating table and a shielding element comprising a material for blocking at least a certain wavelength of radiation, such as ionizing radiation, such as x-rays and / or gamma rays, the shielding element being configured to be mounted on the frame, wherein the shielding system is adapted to be folded by displacement of at least a part of the shielding element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the operating table.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a hinging mechanism, wherein the frame is attachable to the operating table by the hinging mechanism. This mechanism allows for movement of the frame and repositioning of the shielding element in a direction substantially parallel to the operating table.

[0013] Thus, it is advantageous that protection can be obtained in a comfortable way and with a simple and fast reconfiguration, which does not require moving the frame laterally or away from the operating table, thus allowing for a quick change of the configuration of the shielding system when changing the position of, for example, the operating table or the C-arm or both, thereby reducing downtime during a medical intervention.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the shielding element can be moved aside to allow for a relaxed access to the operating table when there is no radiation to be blocked. For example, in an emergency situation, the shielding element can be quickly moved aside.

[0015] In some embodiments, the articulation mechanism allows the shield to move between a first position, which can be arranged at a first side of the operating table, and a second position, which can be arranged at a second side of the operating table opposite the first side, wherein the movement covers an angle around an axis which can be arranged through the center of the operating table, which angle is measured from a first edge of the shield to a second edge of the shield and is larger than 180°, wherein the first edge is rotationally distal when the shield is in the first position at the first side of the operating table and the second edge is opposite the first edge and the second edge is rotationally distal when the shield is in the second position at the second side of the operating table.

[0016] In an example, the articulation mechanism allows the shield to move between a first side of the operating table and a second side of the operating table opposite the first side. An angle around an axis through the center of the operating table can be measured from an edge of the shield at the first side of the operating table and in a distal position relative to the head of the operating table to an edge of the shield at the second side of the operating table and in a distal position relative to the head of the operating table. For example, the angle can be larger than 180°.

[0017] Thus, the shield can be moved around the head of the operating table, where some medical staff, for example an anesthetist, stay during the intervention. Advantageously, the shield can provide protection at any position around a specific source of scattered radiation, for example a patient on the patient support who is being examined using X-ray radiation.

[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, the articulation mechanism comprises a bar and a bar hinge and a pin which can be attached to the frame. The components of the articulation mechanism should have sufficient strength to carry the lead panels, the lead baffles and / or the top shield. For example, the pin can be made of high-performance steel and / or titanium. The bar can be made of metal, for example steel or aluminum. Thus, an articulating connection between the operating table and the shield can be easily provided.

[0019] In certain examples, the frame can be slidably connected to the articulation mechanism to allow the shield to move in a horizontal direction, for example laterally relative to the operating table. Thus, a flexible positioning can be achieved, allowing a relatively wide area of coverage, as well as a relative positioning of the shield relative to the radiation source and the medical staff.

[0020] In certain examples, the bar comprises at least two bars, one end of each bar being fixed to a different shaft which is fixed relative to the operating table, around which shaft the bar can rotate, the opposite side being connected to the frame. In this way, a stable and robust connection to the articulation mechanism with low strain can be easily obtained.

[0021] In certain examples, the shield comprises a bottom shield extendable downwards from the frame, e.g. in a vertical direction, for protecting the lower part of the body of the medical staff. For example, by such a bottom shield, the lower part of the body, including the delicate genital area, can be protected from scattered radiation.

[0022] In certain examples, the bottom shield, or at least a part thereof, is selectively displaceable in a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. Thus, the area of the bottom shield can be reduced and expanded by folding and unfolding it in a simple and quick manner, thereby providing good radiation protection for the user, while also providing convenience of use.

[0023] In an example, for better protection of the lower part of the body of the physician in a sitting position, the bottom shield can additionally or alternatively be displaceable and shaped as a step in a step configuration. Thus, the position of the shield panels can be adjusted to face the source of scattered radiation to provide protection in multiple positions, even when the physician is sitting down.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the bottom shield can comprise displaceable panels which are connected to each other by rigid hinges and adapted to maintain the relative position of the panels such that the configuration of the bottom shield remains stable until repositioned. Thus, the position of the shield panels can be maintained without the need to touch the body of the physician, thereby improving the comfort and range of motion of the physician and convenience.

[0025] In a further example, the shield comprises a top shield displaceable on the frame so as to retract and extend the top shield in a vertical direction for protecting the upper part of the body of the physician. Thus, advantageously, the upper part of the body of the physician, e.g. the eyes, can be protected while allowing quick reconfiguration of the shielding system when changing the position of e.g. the operating table or the C-arm or both, thereby reducing downtime during surgery.

[0026] In certain examples, the top shield can be combined with the bottom shield, wherein a window can be left between the top shield and the bottom shield when at least the top shield is in an extended configuration. The system can further comprise a set of flexible baffles with radiation shielding material for blocking the window between the top shield and the bottom shield from radiation.

[0027] Thus, the physician can temporarily access the operating table without the need to fold or move away major parts of the shield, thereby advantageously reducing exposure, e.g. reducing the area of exposure, during the intervention.

[0028] In an example, the top shield comprises a material for blocking at least radiation of a certain wavelength, e.g. x-ray radiation, which material is at least partially transparent to light to allow a physician to see through the top shield. Thus, during surgery, the top part of the body can be protected from harmful radiation while not blocking the view for watching.

[0029] In another aspect, the present invention provides a surgical table comprising a shielding system according to the previous aspect of the invention.

[0030] In certain examples, the articulation mechanism allows the shield to move between a first side of the surgical table and a second side of the surgical table opposite the first side of the surgical table, wherein the movement covers an angle around an axis through the center of the surgical table, which angle is measured from an edge of the shield at the first side of the surgical table in a distal position relative to the head of the surgical table to an edge of the shield at the second side of the surgical table in a distal position relative to the head of the surgical table and is larger than 180°.

[0031] In one option, the shielding system is not provided with an articulation mechanism. In an example, the shielding system is provided for shielding a body of a user from scattered radiation during a medical intervention. The shielding system comprises a frame attachable to a surgical table and a shield comprising a material for blocking ionizing radiation, including at least one of the group formed by x-rays and gamma rays. The shield is configured to be mounted on the frame. The shielding system is adapted to be folded by moving at least a portion of the shield in a vertical direction.

[0032] In another option, the shielding system is provided with one of the examples of a bottom shield as described above.

[0033] In a further option, the shielding system is provided with one of the examples of a top shield as described above.

[0034] In another option, the shielding system is provided with one of the examples of a bottom shield as described above and one of the examples of a top shield as described above.

[0035] In certain embodiments, a shielding system comprising an articulation mechanism as described herein can be combined with a shielding system comprising the disclosed top shield and / or bottom shield. It is however also to be supplemented that such a shielding system can be advantageously employed without any articulation mechanism.

[0036] Particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set forth in the appended dependent and independent claims. Features from the dependent claims can be combined with features of the independent claims and of other dependent claims as appropriate and non- restrictive examples. The above-described aspects and embodiments are merely meant to be illustrative of the present invention.

[0037] These and other aspects of the application will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, although variations of them may be possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 A shielding system is shown, in accordance with some embodiments of the application.

[0039] Figure 2 Three different interchangeable configurations of a foldable bottom shield of a shielding system, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, are shown.

[0040] Figure 3 Three different interchangeable configurations of a slidable top shield of a shielding system, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, are shown.

[0041] Figure 4 An articulation system for attaching a frame holding one or more shields to an operating table, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, is shown.

[0042] Figure 5 A shielding system comprising an articulation system for attaching the shielding system to an operating table, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, is shown.

[0043] Figure 6 Details of the connection between the articulation system and the frame in a shielding system, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, are shown.

[0044] Figure 7 A side view of an operating table with a shielding system comprising a top shield connected between a backrest and a headrest and a partially folded bottom shield, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, is shown.

[0045] Figure 8 A perspective view of an operating table, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, is shown for two positions of a shielding system, in which an articulation system allows the shields to rotate around a headrest of the operating table and to slide in a horizontal direction, for example relative to the lateral direction of the operating table.

[0046] Figure 9 A top view of Figure 8 is shown, showing two opposite configurations.

[0047] Figure 10 An operating table with a folded shielding system and a C-arm as a radiation source for medical imaging, in accordance with some embodiments of the application, is shown.

[0048] The drawings are merely schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements can be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

[0049] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0050] In the different drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The application will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the application is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Dimensions and relative dimensions are not intended to correspond to actual reductions of the application.

[0052] Moreover, the terms "first", "second", and the like, used in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the application described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0053] Moreover, the terms "top", "bottom", and the like, used in the description and in the claims, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the application described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0054] It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. The term "comprising" covers the case of items to be followed by "consisting of". The term "comprising" also covers the case of items to be followed by "consisting essentially of". The term "consisting essentially of" does not exclude the presence of additional features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof, but only excludes the presence of other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof that alter the basic and novel properties of the composition or method described. The term "consisting of" excludes the presence of additional features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof.

[0055] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the application. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but can refer to different embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0056] Similarly, it is to be understood that the various features of the application described in the description of the example embodiments of the application can be combined in any combination desired for each several of the various inventive aspects. However, the disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the application requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Accordingly, claims may, in addition to their content, reference the "example embodiments" of the application. Thus, the claims are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the application.

[0057] Furthermore, although some embodiments are described herein as including some features of other embodiments, this does not mean that the features are in any way required for the practice of that embodiment. Thus, various embodiments of the application can include fewer than all of the features of other embodiments.

[0058] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the application can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0059] The present application relates to a shielding system comprising a shield which is mounted on an operating table, wherein the operating table comprises a patient support which is the actual surface on which a patient lies, also referred to as a body support, which is mounted on a stand.

[0060] The body support can, but need not, be placed in a horizontal position, i.e. a position in a plane parallel to the horizon. The shield can preferably be placed in a substantially vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The substantially vertical direction is most suitable for the position taken by a person standing or sitting next to the operating table.

[0061] There are different radiation shielding requirements for different persons in an operating room, such as a hybrid operating room. Conventional rigid shields provide a high level of protection for some staff, while others have lower requirements, but they can also be exposed to radiation, for example in emergency situations. In addition, fully portable protection, such as a gown, does not provide protection in all situations. For example, from a historical and practical point of view, an anesthesiologist often sits on a movable stool close to the patient's head. A lead-based gown that should protect this area from reduced radiation is laid flat on the user's legs, exposing the genital area to ionizing beams. This sitting position close to the radiation source can lead to tumors and cancer in the genital area.

[0062] The present invention combines the advantages of a rigid, wall-like shielding device with portability, without the need to wear a shielding device like an apron. The present invention provides a reduced dose workstation for staff in a hybrid operating room, such as an anesthesiologist and a nurse, including a protective shielding system that can be positioned in various ways around the patient. The shielding device is attached to the operating table, so it guarantees at least a protected area close to the operating table, since it cannot move away from the operating table like a wheeled shielding device; however, it can be easily moved and can be quickly repositioned, so it can achieve its purpose even in emergency situations. The shielding system can also be easily and quickly folded to allow free positioning of the radiation source.

[0063] In some embodiments, the patient can be accessed through the vertically movable top shielding, despite the presence of the shielding. The shielding can be moved upwards to open a window between the top shielding and the bottom shielding and allow access to the operating table. The window can be covered by a flexible radiation-absorbing shield. The top shielding can be transparent, for example, to visible light, but blocks scattered radiation in a predetermined wavelength range, for example ionizing radiation, in order to protect the medical staff.

[0064] The shielding system allows patient access. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a top shielding that can be adjusted in height, for example by a rail system, and a bottom shielding that can also be adjusted in height and / or can be folded. When the top shielding is extended to its highest position and the bottom shielding is fully extended downwards, a person can stand about 1 meter behind the system and can be fully protected from scattered radiation. When both are at least partially folded, they do not obstruct the C-arm during repositioning. In some embodiments, in case of the need for a hands-on approach to the patient, the top shielding can be moved upwards and the patient can be directly monitored through a flexible radiation-absorbing shielding screen.

[0065] To accommodate the radiation source in different types of procedures, one or more shielding can be mounted to the headrest by a hinging system, for example a four-bar mechanism, which allows the shielding system to rotate around the headrest of the operating table. In this way, it is usually positioned perpendicular to the source of scattered radiation (the patient), so that each lead surface (for example each lead panel in the shielding) provides optimal protection. In addition, it can be folded so as not to obstruct the movement of the radiation source (such as a C-arm).

[0066] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a radiation shielding system having one or more shielding for protecting at least multiple parts of the body of medical staff from radiation, such as scattered radiation. The shielding is movably attached to the operating table.

[0067] The shielding system comprises a frame and a shield which is adapted to be mounted and fixed by the frame. The shielding system is positioned between the medical staff and the operating table. The shielding system can be foldable. For example, the front projection area of the shield can be moved, or for example substantially reduced. This is achieved by displacement of at least some parts of the shield in a vertically upward or downward direction, for example in a direction substantially perpendicular or at least not parallel to the horizontal plane, for example the plane defined by the floor of the operating room. In embodiments of the invention, the shield is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the operating table, for example in a vertical direction. The skilled person will understand that the shield can be foldable even if the operating table is slightly inclined, in order to allow unhindered movement of other instruments, for example a C-arm, for example without hitting the top or bottom of one or more shields when they are retracted upwardly and / or downwardly (vertically). For example, one or more shields are vertically displaceable relative to the floor of the operating room (the floor being defined as horizontal, i.e. in a plane parallel to the horizon).

[0068] In some embodiments, the shielding system comprises a bottom shield which extends downwardly from the frame in order to protect the lower part of the body of the medical staff standing in an upright position. For example, it can extend downwardly in a vertical direction relative to the body support of the operating table. The bottom shield can be retracted and extended upwardly and downwardly in a vertical direction relative to the operating table. For example, the bottom shield can be foldable, so it can be folded upwardly.

[0069] In some embodiments, the shielding system comprises a top shield which is slidable in an upward and downward vertical direction on the frame in order to retract and extend the top shield in order to protect the upper part of the body of the medical staff.

[0070] Figure 1 A vertical exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shielding system 100 is shown. The shield comprises at least a bottom shield 102 which comprises at least one shielding element, for example at least one shielding panel 112, comprising a material for shielding the medical staff from radiation, for example radiation used in medical imaging, in particular for example ionizing radiation. The bottom shield 102 is held by a frame 103. For example, the frame 103 can comprise a holder 123, which can be a bar or similar elongated shape, on which the bottom shield 102 can be attached or suspended.

[0071] In Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom shield 102 includes three shield elements, such as three foldable lead panels 112. However, the present application is not limited to this number of shield elements. The bottom shield is configured so that it allows a user to position them in a desired shape, which can conform to the shape of the body of the medical personnel in different positions. Different numbers of shield elements can allow the bottom shield to accommodate different body sizes. The bottom shield can also be configured so that the shield elements 112 can be aligned downward to form one long shield 102, as shown. Figure 1 In embodiments of the present application, the shield 102 can be positioned in a substantially vertical orientation, i.e., substantially perpendicular to a plane parallel to the horizon.

[0072] In addition, Figure 1 Embodiments of the shield system 100 also show a top shield 101, which is configured to shield the upper body of the medical personnel from radiation of a particular wavelength range. In some embodiments, the top shield 101 includes a material that allows radiation of one set of wavelengths (e.g., visible radiation (light)) to pass through while blocking radiation of another set of wavelengths (e.g., ionizing radiation). In this way, the top shield does not block the line of sight of the medical personnel while still providing protection against radiation of a particular wavelength. In some embodiments, the top shield includes a lead glass panel.

[0073] The top shield 101 is attached to the frame 103. The position of the top shield 101 can be adjusted vertically in an upward and downward direction, so that the height of the top edge of the top shield 101 can be adjusted. For example, the frame 103 can include a rail system that includes a slide 133 that is fixed to the top shield 101 and can slide on a slide holder 143. The rail system can include other features, such as screws, tabs, etc., so that the height of the top shield 101 can be fixed relative to the slide holder 143 to selectively prevent or allow the top shield 101 to slide relative to the slide holder 143.

[0074] The position of either or both shields can be adjusted in height to form a window that allows the medical personnel to access the operating table, for example, through the arms. For example, the position of the top shield 101 relative to the bottom shield 102 can be adjusted, so that in the event that a hands-on approach to the patient is required, the top shield 101 can be moved so as to leave a window 113 between the top shield 101 and the bottom shield 102 to allow access to the patient on the operating table. This window is preferably covered by a set of flexible radiation-blocking panels 104 to block radiation of a particular wavelength range. For example, the panels can include a polymer outer layer and lead for blocking ionizing radiation. With the flexible lead shield panels 104, the patient can be directly monitored.

[0075] When one or both shielding components are at least partially folded, they do not obstruct other equipment (such as a radiation source (e.g. a C-arm)) during a change in position. For example, in the case of a C-arm rotating around a head stand, the bottom shields can be folded together, so they only occupy a minimal vertical space.

[0076] Thus, the shielding system provides a highly adjustable and configurable shield, whose shielding area can be easily and quickly adapted to the needs of the medical staff during different phases of the surgical procedure. Not only can the shielding system be extended and retracted, but also its shape can be adjusted for different configurations.

[0077] For example, in some embodiments, as shown in the upper right image, the bottom shields can be shaped as a staircase. When the medical staff (such as an anesthesiologist) is in a seated position, the bottom shields in a staircase configuration can provide space for the knees and legs. In some embodiments, the staircase configuration allows the bottom shields to extend into the area below the operating table, thus creating a space below the operating table that is shielded from radiation. This improves the radiation protection for the medical staff's abdominal and genital areas. Figure 2

[0078] For example, the foldable bottom shield 102 can comprise displaceable panels 112, which can be connected horizontally by hinges 122. These hinges 122 can hold the position of the panels 112 until they are repositioned by the user. For example, the hinges 122 can lock the position of the panels 112, for example, in a frictional manner, thus allowing the user to manually fold or extend the shield 102. The static coefficient of friction of the hinges 122 can be high enough to overcome the force brought by the weight of the panels 112, but low enough so that they can be moved by the user, for example, manually. Thus, the configuration of the bottom shield is stable until it is repositioned by the user to a new configuration, which can also be held stable due to the hinges.

[0079] The invention is not limited thereto, and the bottom shield can comprise actuators, thus the extension, locking and folding can be controlled electronically by the user. The presence of hinges 122 is optional, and other folding systems can be used, for example, the panels can be rolled up and down.

[0080] In its folded configuration (left-hand image in Fig. 1), the bottom shield 102 is folded, and the shielding area is reduced. Since it occupies less space, the shielding system causes less or no obstruction to other equipment of the operating room, such as a radiation source (e.g. a C-arm). In the bottom image, the shield 102 is fully extended, thus improving the protection from scattered radiation for the medical staff (such as a standing nurse). Figure 2

[0081] ​​The panel 112 can comprise a rigid or semi-flexible lead baffle, for example an opaque baffle.

[0082] Figure 3 The system 100 is shown in three stages of extension / folding, seen from the shielded area. The support 301 of the operating table is shown behind the shielding system. In this case, it is shown that not only the bottom shield 102 can be folded so as not to interfere with the movement of the radiation source, but alternatively or additionally, the top shield 101 can also have a similar function. In this case, the height of the top shield 101 can be adjusted. A rail system can be used, as explained earlier, with a slider 133 and a sliding holder 143 attached to the top shield 101, but any other system that provides such relative movement can also be used. As Figure 3 shown, the protected area can be extended to protect the medical personnel, or it can be retracted to avoid interfering with the movement of nearby instruments, such as a radiation source (for example, a C-arm). Even in the extended configuration, the medical personnel can reach the operating table by introducing their arms through a set of flexible radiation shielding baffle 104 that covers the free area between the top shield 101 and the bottom shield 102.

[0083] This is not the only extension option, the top shield of embodiments of the invention can also comprise a panel, for example a transparent lead panel, which can be folded as in the case of the bottom shield, with hinges, thus providing the same functionality.

[0084] The shielding system can be movably mounted to the operating table, so it is attached to the operating table while being able to move it aside or along the route followed by the medical personnel around the operating table. For example, the shielding system can be attached to the headrest of the operating table, or to the link between the headrest and the body support. The shielding system is attached so that the shields can rotate around the operating table while facing it. The shielding system can present a sliding movement, so the shields can slide sideways without rotating. In other embodiments, the shielding system presents both a rotating and a sliding movement.

[0085] Figure 4An exploded perspective view of an operating table 300 is shown, which includes a hinge mechanism 200 that can be attached to, or be part of, a connecting element between a headrest 302 and a body support 303 of the operating table 300. The hinge system or mechanism 200 may include mounting components or mounting rods 202 that can be fixed to the operating table, for example, to the headrest 302, or to the body support 303, or to an attachment between them, or be part of said attachment. One or more hinge elements, such as at least one hinge rod 201, connect the shielding system to the operating table and can be attached to or connected to the mounting rod. For example, the mounting rod 202 may include two attachment points that serve as a pivot or hinge 204 for attaching a pin 211 to a rotatable hinge rod 201, for example, at the end of the rod 201. The hinge rod 201 can rotate about the hinge 204 when attached to the mounting rod 202. The hinge rod 201 can be attached to a hinge 213 located in another, for example, sliding rod 203, by means of a pin at the opposite end. The sliding rod 203 can be connected, for example, slidably connected to the frame 103 that holds the shielding members 101, 102 of the shielding system 100.

[0086] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a shielding system 100 and an operating table 300 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. The shielding system 100 includes two shielding members 101, 102 attached to a frame, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it also includes Figure 4 The hinge mechanism 200 allows the shield to be movably connected to the operating table 300. The sliding rod 203 can be connected to the frame 103 via its retainer 123.

[0087] Specifically, Figure 5 The shielding elements 101, 102 and the frame are shown to be connected to the operating table 300 via a four-bar linkage comprising two hinged bars 201 that connect a sliding bar 203 to a mounting bar 202. The hinges of the bars are connected to the other bars via mating pins (e.g., hinges 213, 204 in the sliding bar 203 and the mounting bar 202 with pins 211 in the hinged bars, but alternative connections may be used, such as hinges in all bars with removable pins), allowing the shielding system to rotate around the headrest of the operating table.

[0088] In this embodiment, the sliding rod 203 can slide on the protective member 123 of the frame 103, thereby providing the shielding system with further lateral positioning freedom.

[0089] Figure 6 and Figure 7The connection between the sliding rod 203 and the holder 123 is shown in more detail. The holder also shows the attachment element 153 to receive the bottom shield 102 (e.g. hooks or similar in the lower or bottom shield 102) and hold or suspend it on the frame 103.

[0090] The holder 123 of the frame comprises a holding element 163 (e.g. a groove) that matches a sliding element 223 (e.g. a protrusion) of the sliding rod 203 of the articulating mechanism 200 to provide lateral movement of the frame 103 and the attached shield 101, 102 relative to the operating table 300 or the floor of the operating room, e.g. in the horizontal direction (X). As mentioned with reference to Figure 4 The sliding element 203 is connected with the articulating arm 201 via a hinge-pin connection. This is a simple and reliable type of connection that allows for a combination of rotation and sliding. Of course, the present invention is not limited to a groove and a sliding protrusion in the holder and the connector, but any other equivalent sliding elements can be used as long as they provide lateral movement of the shield in a direction along the horizontal plane. For example, a rail system can be used, and / or a single arm can be connected with the frame by a slidable hinge instead of a sliding rod with two hinges, or by a hinge with a groove for receiving a protrusion on the frame, thereby allowing sliding movement.

[0091] Figure 7 A (partial) cross-section of an operating table 300 to which the shielding system is attached is shown. The articulating mechanism 200 connects the shield 101, 102 and the frame 103 to the operating table. The mounting rod that is fixed to the operating table 300 is connected to the sliding rod 203 by the articulating rod 201. The sliding rod is connected with the holder 123 of the frame 103 via a sliding system provided by a groove and a mating protrusion 223 that is inserted therein.

[0092] The lower or bottom shield 102 is shown as being partially curved, thereby allowing protection of the lower half of the medical staff, including the genital area, even in a seated position close to the headrest 302 of the operating table.

[0093] Due to the combination of rotation and sliding in the embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the positioning of the shield can be flexible, thereby allowing a wide coverage area and relative positioning of the shield with respect to the radiation source and the medical staff.

[0094] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The positioning of the shielding system is shown to protect different areas from radiation scattered from the area containing the operating table. Figure 8Two positions of the shield relative to the operating table are shown. The area close to the headrest can interchangeably shield radiation on one side or the other of the operating table. Sliding the shield relative to the articulating bar and rotating the articulating bar allows the shield of the system to be easily positioned with a large degree of freedom relative to the operating table. For example, Figure 9 Two different positions of the shield are shown, in which the first and second articulating bars 201 are allowed to rotate around the first and second axes 205, which can be determined by the position of the hinges 204 of the mounting bars (not shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9

[0095] In some embodiments of the application, the shielding system can be translated between two opposite extreme positions, i.e. between a first side and an opposite side of the operating table 300. An angle A can be defined around an axis passing through or close to the center of the operating table and perpendicular thereto, which is measured between two edges of the shield, specifically from an edge 105 of the shield located on a first side of the operating table 300 and in a distal position relative to the head of the operating table to a second edge 106 of the shield located on a second side of the operating table and in a distal position relative to the head of the operating table 300. In some embodiments, the angle A is greater than 180°. For example, the rotation of the articulating arms is around different axes, so their rotation angle is limited, and one of the bars can be blocked by the other, so the position of the edges 105, 106 can be limited by the relative rotation of the bars 201. Due to the sliding mechanism, the area of the shield can be repositioned by sliding the sliding bar on the frame while the bars are fixed. Thus, the angle A can be increased by sliding the edges. In Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, for example, the angle A can be approximately 190°. In this way, the shield can generally be positioned perpendicular to the source of scattered radiation (e.g. the radiation source, and / or the patient), thus providing optimal protection of each lead surface.

[0096] However, the application is not limited to this configuration. For example, the articulating mechanism 200 can allow only sliding of the shield, for example relative to the operating table, for example around the operating table. In other embodiments, the articulating system can allow rotation of the shield around the operating table, but not sliding, for example by attaching at least one of the articulating bars 201 to the shield or to the frame holding them without allowing sliding.

[0097] ​In another aspect, a surgical table comprising the shielding system of the first aspect is provided. The surgical table comprises a frame and at least one shielding member. As explained with reference to the embodiments of the first aspect, the frame holding the at least one shielding member is connected to the surgical table by a hinging system. Thus, the surgical table provides a high level of safety and radiation shielding for the medical staff. The shielding member can rotate around the headrest of the surgical table, for example, allowing the medical staff to move freely without having to detach the system from the surgical table and put it aside. The shielding system is also foldable, thus it does not interfere with other instruments of the operating room, such as radiation sources (e.g. C-arm). Figure 10 A surgical table 300 with a shielding system 100 comprising a top shielding member 101 and a bottom shielding member 102 attached to the top and bottom of the surgical table 300 by a hinging system is shown. The top shielding member 101 is retracted and the bottom shielding member 102 is in a folded state, thus the C-arm 400 can move around the headrest of the surgical table 300 without being interfered by the shielding system 100.

[0098] As mentioned before, the shielding system also allows access to the patient on the surgical table while protecting the medical staff by allowing the top shielding member to be pulled upwards in order to open a window covered with a flexible lead shield (or similar radiation shielding flexible curtain) and the patient can be accessed without having to put the shielding member aside to access the patient.

Claims

1. A shielding system (100) for shielding a user's body from scattered radiation during a medical intervention, said shielding system (100) comprising: Frame (103), which can be attached to operating table (300), and Shielding elements (101, 102) comprising materials for blocking ionizing radiation, said ionizing radiation including at least one of the group consisting of X-rays and gamma rays, said shielding elements (101, 102) being configured to be mounted on said frame (103). The shielding system (100) is adapted to be folded by displacement of at least a portion of the shielding members (101, 102) in the vertical direction (Y); and The shielding system also includes a hinge mechanism (200), wherein the frame (103) can be attached to the operating table (300) via the hinge mechanism (200) to allow movement of the frame (103) and repositioning of the shielding elements (101, 102) in the horizontal direction (X); In order to accommodate radiation sources in different types of surgeries, the shielding component can be rotatably mounted to the operating table via the hinge mechanism, thereby allowing the shielding system to rotate around the headrest of the operating table.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge mechanism (200) allows the shielding members (101, 102) to move between a first side of the operating table and a second side of the operating table opposite to the first side; The angle (A) around the axis passing near the center of the operating table can be measured from the edge of the shield located on the first side of the operating table and distal to the head of the operating table to the edge of the shield located on the second side of the operating table and distal to the head of the operating table; and The angle mentioned therein is greater than 180°.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The hinge mechanism (200) includes rods (201, 202, 203) and rod hinges and pins (204, 213) that can be attached to the frame.

4. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The frame (103) can be slidably connected to the hinge mechanism (200) to allow the shield (101, 102) to move in the horizontal direction (X).

5. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The rod comprises at least two rods (201), one end of each rod being fixed to a different axis (205) fixed relative to the operating table (300), the rods (201) being rotatable about the axis and connected to the frame (103) on opposite sides.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The shielding includes a bottom shielding (102) that extends downward from the frame (103) along the vertical direction (Y) to protect the lower part of the user's body.

7. The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The bottom shield (102) or at least a portion thereof can be selectively shifted from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration and vice versa.

8. The system (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The bottom shield (102) can be displaced and shaped into a step in a stepped configuration to protect the lower part of the user's body when seated.

9. The system (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The bottom shield (102) includes movable panels (112) connected to each other by rigid hinges (122) and adapted to maintain the relative positions of the panels (112) such that the configuration of the bottom shield (102) remains stable until it is repositioned.

10. The system (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The shielding includes a top shield (101) that can slide on the frame (103) to retract and extend in the vertical direction (Y) for protecting the upper body of the user.

11. The system (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The shielding also includes a top shielding member (101) that is slidable on the frame (103) to retract and extend in the vertical direction (Y) for protecting the upper body of the user, wherein a window (113) is provided between the top shielding member (101) and the bottom shielding member (102) when at least the top shielding member (101) is in the extended configuration, and the shielding system further includes a set of flexible baffles (104) comprising radiation shielding material for blocking the window (113) between the top shielding member (101) and the bottom shielding member (102).

12. The system (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The top shield (101) includes a material for blocking radiation of at least a specific wavelength, and the material is at least partially transparent to allow a user to view through the top shield (101).

13. An operating table (300) comprising a shielding system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The operating table according to claim 13, wherein, The hinge mechanism allows the shield to move between a first side of the operating table and a second side of the operating table opposite to the first side, wherein the movement about an axis passing through the center of the operating table covers an angle (A) greater than 180°, the angle (A) being measured from the edge (105) of the shield located on the first side of the operating table and in a distal position relative to the head of the operating table to the edge (106) of the shield located on the second side of the operating table and in a distal position relative to the head of the operating table.

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