A method and means of shielding medical practitioners from radiation

Abstract

There is disclosed a method for shielding a medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization treatment or surgery, wherein the method comprises the steps of: emitting radiation towards a first side of a patient's body part, wherein the body part comprises an internal portion to be imaged; absorbing a portion of the radiation with a shielding panel placed adjacent a second side of the body part.

Description

[0001] A Method and Means of Shielding Medical Practitioners from Radiation

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention is in the field of methodologies and means of shielding medical practitioners from radiation. More specifically, the present invention is in the field of shielding surgeons and other surgical theatre staff from radiation during catheterization surgeries, in particular cardiac catheterization surgeries.

[0004] Background

[0005] Minimally invasive surgeries require radiation imaging to enable medical practitioners to look inside a patient's body without the need for large incisions. However, repeated exposure to said radiation as a result of conducting such surgeries regularly may lead to medical practitioners developing radiation related health ailments such as cancer.

[0006] Current radiation shielding solutions require medical practitioners to wear heavy lead-based aprons which only provide shielding to their torsos. The weight is also tiring to wear, and the added layer may restrict them in their movement in performing their medical duties.

[0007] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a solution that provides more comprehensive shielding to medical practitioners by providing means to minimise radiation exposure for other body parts such as the head and the arms. The present invention may also be used in place of lead-based aprons or enable a lighter weight of the lead to be used in said aprons by offering off-body shielding. This may provide improved or sustained shielding levels yet in a manner that reduces the weight on the medial practitioners. This may further prevent the limitation of the aprons on the movement of the medical practitioners.

[0008] Statements of Invention

[0009] Aspects of the present invention are set out in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependant claims.

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of invention, there is disclosed a method for shielding a medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization treatment or surgery, wherein the method comprises the steps of: emitting radiation towards a first side of a patient's body part, wherein the body part comprises an internal portion to be imaged; absorbing a portion of the radiation with a shielding panel placed adjacent a second side of the patient's body part. This methodology may provide additional and more comprehensive shielding that supplements the lead aprons used by medical practitioners currently. Alternatively, this methodology also executes a shielding arrangement that is not supported in its weight by the medical practitioner and hence may improve their comfort levels in performing catheterization surgeries.

[0011] Optionally, wherein the method comprises placing the shielding panel upon a surgical table or ground such that the weight of the shielding panel is supported by surgical table or ground. This advantageously prevents applying extra weight onto a medical practitioner with a shielding panel.

[0012] Optionally, wherein the method further comprises resting a limb of the patient adjacent the second side of the body part upon a portion of the shielding panel. Advantageously, this proves an effective and stable platform from which to execute the surgery.

[0013] In accordance with a second aspect of invention, there is disclosed a shielding panel for the shielding of a medical surgeon during a catheterization treatment / surgery on a patient, wherein the shielding panel comprises: a first vertical portion; a horizontal portion; wherein the first vertical portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the horizontal portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end of the vertical portion is attached to the horizontal portion; wherein the distal end of the horizontal portion extends in a first direction, wherein the first direction is away from the patient; wherein at least a portion of the horizontal portion is configured to accommodate a patient's limb in use; wherein the first vertical portion comprises a radiation shielding material. Such arrangement may be advantageous in that it is not supported in its weight by the medical practitioner. This may improve their comfort levels in performing catheterization surgeries yet still being shielded more comprehensively than traditional means. This arrangement may advantageously also provide additional supplementary shielding without adding layers of clothing onto the medial practitioner. This may enable greater manoeuvrability and dexterity in performing such surgeries. Advantageously, this arrangement may also enable convenient access for a medical practitioner into a patient's limb for performing such catheterisation surgery and doing so in a shielded manner.

[0014] In accordance with a third aspect of invention, there is disclosed a system for shielding a medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization treatment / surgery on a patient, wherein the system comprises: a radiation source; a surgical table configured to accommodate a patient, wherein the surgical table has a proximal side and a distal side; and a shielding panel, wherein the shielding panel is positioned on or adjacent the distal side of the surgical table; wherein the radiation source is located and oriented relative to the surgical table such that the radiation source emits radiation from a proximal side of the surgical table towards the distal side of the surgical table. Such system may be advantageous in that it is not supported in its weight by the medical practitioner but instead the surgical table. This may improve their comfort levels in performing catheterization surgeries yet still being shielded more comprehensively than traditional means.

[0015] In accordance with a fourth aspect of invention, there is disclosed a method of manufacturing a shielding panel, wherein the manufacturing method comprises: moulding a first panel, wherein the first panel comprises a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, wherein the horizontal portion extends in a first direction; moulding a second panel, wherein the second panel comprises a second horizonal portion, wherein the second horizontal portion extends in a first direction; joining together the first horizonal portion and the second horizontal portion; applying a lead insert onto the first vertical portion. This may be a particularly efficient methodology that creates the desired shape of a shielding panel and one that can be executed with light weight composite structures. Brief of Fiaures

[0016] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a shielding panel.

[0017] Figure 2 shows additional view of the shielding panel of Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 3 shows a system comprising a shielding panel of a second embodiment, a surgical table and a patient laying upon the surgical table.

[0019] Figure 4 shows a flowchart outlining a methodology for shielding a medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization surgery.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a flowchart outlining a methodology of manufacturing a shielding panel.

[0021] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a shielding panel of a third embodiment.

[0022] Detailed Description

[0023] Figure 1 shows a shielding panel for the shielding of a medical surgeon during a catheterization treatment or surgery on a patient, wherein the shielding panel comprises: a first vertical portion; a horizontal portion; wherein the first vertical portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the horizontal portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end of the vertical portion is attached to the horizontal portion; wherein the distal end of the horizontal portion extends in a first direction, wherein the first direction is away from the patient; wherein at least a portion of the horizontal portion is configured to accommodate a patient's limb in use; wherein the first vertical portion comprises a radiation shielding material.

[0024] Particularly, Figure 1 shows a shielding panel 10 that is constituted of two panels, a top panel Pl and a bottom panel P2. Here, the top panel Pl defines a first portion of the first vertical portion 11 and a first portion of the horizontal portion 13. The bottom panel defines a second portion of the first vertical portion 11 and a second portion of the horizontal portion 13 as well as a base portion 15. Here, the base portion 15 is a flange type portion that has a distal end that extends horizontally in a second direction. Here, first and second directions are referenced in relation to the first vertical portion 11. A leftwards direction with respect to the first vertical portion 11 (in the orientation of the shielding panel seen in Figure 1) is the first direction and a rightwards direction from the same is the second direction. In this embodiment, the base portion 15 can be referred to as an extension of the horizontal portion 13 in the second direction. In other embodiments, where the horizontal portion 11 and the base portion 15 are not integral, this base portion 15 may be an entirely distinct portion to the horizontal portion 13 in itself. For the sake of simplicity, and when only describing the geometric and spatial form of each component relative to one another, the base portion 15 is described as having a proximal end that attaches to the proximal end of the first vertical portion 11 and the horizontal portion 13. For embodiments where the base portion 15 and the horizontal portion 13 are integral, the shape of such embodiments remains consistent with this description. As such, the attachment intersection of the first vertical portion 11, the horizontal portion 13 and the base portion 15 are at their respective proximal ends.

[0025] The embodiment seen in Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment. Alternative embodiments (not seen) may only comprise a single panel construction that defines only a single ply construction consisting of only the first vertical portion 11 and the horizontal portion 13. These portions may be of an integral construction or comprise a separate piece for the first vertical portion 11 and the horizontal portion 13. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may comprise of a three-panel construction (also not seen). Such construction may see a first (or top panel Pl) defining the first portion of the first vertical portion 11 and the first portion of the horizontal portion 13. A second (bottom panel) may define the second portion of the horizontal portion 13 and a bottom portion of the base portion 15. A third panel may define the second portion of the first vertical portion 11 and a top portion of the base portion 15.

[0026] In the embodiment seen in Figure 1 the radiation shielding material is lead. This is selected for its high density and radiation absorbing capabilities. This lead is present in the shielding panel of Figure 1 as an insert (lead insert 17) in between the top Pl and bottom panels P2. In the embodiment seen in Figure 1, this lead insert 17 extends within the shielding panel such that it has a vertical portion that extends within the first vertical portion 11 of the shielding panel and also a horizontal portion that extends within the horizontal portion 13 in the first direction. In embodiments that comprise of a single ply construction (i.e. only comprise of the top panel) the lead insert 17 may simply take the form of a lead lining (not shown) on a first or second face of the shielding panel 10 and line / it atop the first vertical portion 11 and the horizontal portion 13. The lead insert 17 is the main radiation absorbing component of the shielding panel and is positioned so as to be in an optimal position to absorb the radiation directed at a medical practitioner (not seen) from a radiation source during a catheterization surgery. This absorbance can for radiation that reaches the lead insert (17) directly or after scattering from encountering the patient (not seen).

[0027] Some embodiments may only comprise of a lead insert 17 within or attached onto (lined) the first vertical portion of the shielding panel.

[0028] Also seen in Figure 1 is a horizontal lip 19 at the distal end of the first vertical portion 11. In use this horizontal lip 19 is configured to extend in the second direction. This second direction is also the direction a patient (not shown) is to be situated with respect to the shielding panel 10 during use. In some embodiments, particularly when this horizontal lip 19 comprises a greater length than that seen here in Figure 1, this horizontal lip 19 may extend above a portion of the patient's torso (also not seen). This may provide additional shielding for a medical practitioner (not seen). This lip is referenced as a horizontal lip 19 in line with its substantially horizontal extension. The lead insert 17 in this embodiment extends through this horizontal lip 19 portion in order to provide such additional shielding. In other embodiments, this may not be the case and only the first vertical portion 11 may comprise the lead. For embodiments that comprise a single ply construction, the lead insert 17 may line the horizontal lip on either side.

[0029] A vertical lip 21 is also seen at the distal end of the horizontal portion. The lead insert extends within this vertical lip 21 in this embodiment. In other embodiments this may not be the case. For embodiments that comprise a single ply construction, the lead insert 17 may line the vertical lip 21 on either side.

[0030] The shielding panel 10 of Figure 1 is constructed of carbon fibre. This is to say that the panels of said shielding panel 10, those that define the first vertical portion 11, the horizontal portion 13, the base portion 15, the vertical lip 21 and the horizontal lip 19 are formed of moulded carbon fibre. However, in other embodiments this may be another composite material or a plastic.

[0031] The structure of the shielding panel is configured in the manner described above to shield, either completely or partially, a medical practitioner from radiation (either directly from the radiation source or particles scattered from the patient when provided with the radiation) whilst performing a catheterisation surgery and in a manner that enables access to a patient's limb. In most cases this limb is the patient's arm but could be a leg.

[0032] In use, the shielding panel is situated on a second side of a patient's body part that comprises an internal portion that is to be imaged via the interaction between a contrast fluid that the patient is injected with and the provided radiation. A first side of such body part has radiation emitted upon it via a radiation source (not seen). In one embodiment, this body part is usually the patient's torso and the internal portion being imaged is the patient's heart. In said position, the first vertical portion 11 resides in the space between the patient's arm and torso (wherein as part of the surgical procedure the patient is so positioned such that they are in a body position where the arm is raised laterally from the torso). This is the arm that is adjacent the second side of the body part, wherein the first side of the body part is the side having radiation emitted upon it. For example if the radiation is emitted onto a left side of the torso, this would be the right arm. Such position of the first vertical portion 11 is a particularly effective position to shield the medical practitioner from radiation directed towards the body part or torso. In use, an upright position of the first vertical portion 11 maximises coverage area in a plane substantially perpendicularly to the direction of emitted radiation. In some embodiments, the shielding panel may be angled to maintain or maximise the orthogonality between the direction of extension of the first vertical portion 11 and the direction the radiation is emitted towards the patient. In some embodiments, the vertical portion may be the angle changing portion with the rest of the shielding panel 10 remaining fixed to a surgical table (not seen). Such embodiments may comprise a pivoting of the first vertical portion 11 with respect to the horizontal portion 13.

[0033] Furthermore, in use, the horizontal portion 13 of the shielding panel 10 is configured to extend away from the patient's torso (or body part) and towards the medical practitioner. The horizontal portion 13 is a shielded platform upon which to rest a patient's arm during surgery. This location of the horizontal portion 13 enables the medical practitioner with the access required to insert surgical tools into the patient's arm as is needed for a catheterisation surgery and prevents the shielding panel being a barrier to such access.

[0034] It is to be noted however, that it is not always the case that it is always the left side of the torso that constitutes the first side as the side the radiation is emitted on need not always be the left side of the torso. Depending on the patient's condition and the procedure to be conducted, the first side may be the right side of the torso and the left arm be the arm that is rested on the horizontal portion of the shielding panel. The shielding panel 10 and the medical practitioner position relative to the patient will also reverse to reflect this radiation emitting arrangement.

[0035] In embodiments comprising the vertical lip 21, the horizontal portion 13 combined with the vertical lip 21 define a volume that is suited to accommodating the patient's arm in an organised and adequately restrictive manner to perform such surgeries. The lead insert extending within, atop or otherwise lining the horizontal portion 13 further provides an additional shielding from radiation on this underside that may leak through from under the surgical table or surgical table skirt. As such, in use the shielding panel may be so positioned that the horizontal portion 13 is proximal to the level of the surgical table. In some embodiments, the shielding panel may comprise a flange that extends towards the floor, said flange may comprise lead.

[0036] The base portion of the embodiment of Figure 1 is configured to extend underneath the patient's torso in use. This may additionally secure the shielding panel 10 in some embodiments.

[0037] Figures 2a and 2b show additional views of the shielding panel of Figure 1.

[0038] Notwithstanding the patient and any medical practitioner (or practitioners), and in line with the in use configuration of the shielding panel described above, Figure 3 shows an effective system for shielding the medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization treatment / surgery. The effective system comprising a radiation source (not shown but would be positioned to the right of the figure) and a surgical table 30 that is equipped with (or simply positioned with respect to) a shielding panel of a second embodiment to that described in Figures 1 and 2. Surgical tables 30 in said systems may comprise a proximal side (right side in the figure) and a distal side (left side in the figure). Wherein the distal side of the surgical table is the side that has the shielding panel 10a. In use, a radiation source may be positioned on the proximal side of the surgical table or be so configured such that it emits radiation from a proximal side of the surgical table to the distal side. In said system, naturally a patient will be undergoing a procedure when laid upon the surgical table (and in the position described previously with respect to the shielding panel) and a medical practitioner (or practitioners) may be so stood performing the procedure surgery when stood on the distal side of the surgical table 20. The shielding panel being interposed with the medical practitioners and the radiation source.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a flowchart outlining a methodology for shielding a medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization treatment or surgery. A first step 41 involves emitting radiation towards a first side of a patient's body part, wherein the body part comprises an internal portion to be imaged. In an exemplary cardiac catheterisation surgery this body part is the patient's torso and the internal portion to be imaged is the heart. In such procedures the radiation used for such imaging is X-rays and wherein these X-rays are to be emitted in a direction towards the first side of the patient's torso. This may be so done through a radiation source placed at a proximal side of a surgical table (or the first side of the torso). Step 42 relates to absorbing a portion of the radiation with a shielding panel placed adjacent a second side of the patient's body or torso. The second side of the patient's body is the side the medical practitioners are to be situated and wherein the shielding panel is in between the medical practitioners and the radiation source. The main absorbing feature of the shielding panel is the first vertical portion, more particularly it is the lead insert within the first vertical portion. The radiation absorbed by the shielding panel may be any radiation that directly reaches the lead insert situated within the shielding panel from radiation source, or it may be radiation that is scattered from the patient after being directed into the patient. This step may further involve a preliminary step related to maximising the orthogonality between the direction of extension of the first vertical portion 11 and the direction the radiation is emitted towards the patient. Such step may be the angular adjustment of the first vertical portion with respect to the horizontal portion.

[0040] A further method step that provides particular benefits to the medical practitioner is that of placing the shielding panel upon a surgical table or other means attached to the ground and in a manner that supports the weight of the shielding panel. Such method steps ensures that a medical practitioner is not burdened with additional weight during the procedure or surgery.

[0041] As part of the methodology and although not shown in the flowchart, there may be additional method steps aimed at positioning the patient in the correct body form with respect to the shielding panel and the other system infrastructure (or alternative positioning the shielding panel with respect to the patient should the patient not be in a medical condition to be moved).

[0042] One such method may comprise placing and resting a limb of the patient atop the horizontal portion of the shielding panel. Once more, this limb is an arm of the patient in the exemplary embodiment / methodology of the cardiac catheterization surgery. More particularly, this is the limb or arm that is adjacent the second side of the body part, wherein the first side is the side having radiation emitted upon it and the second side is an opposing bodily side to this, i.e. the second side is separated from the first side by the patient's body part. An example of this arrangement is that if the radiation is emitted onto a left side of the torso, the right arm would be the arm rested on the horizontal portion. A more secure, or medically constraining, arrangement may involve placing the patient's arm or limb in the volume defined by the horizontal portion and the vertical lip. The medical practitioner then has clear and convenient access to insert surgical tools into the rested limb or arm as part of the surgery. Performing the surgery from such position is a further method step of the methodology 40.

[0043] Additional patient positioning steps may comprise positioning the patient's torso underneath the horizontal lip of the shielding panel (should it comprise one) and atop a base portion (should it comprise one). These steps may ensure the most comprehensive shielding and securing arrangement is achieved.

[0044] The methodology may also comprise emitting radiation in a direction angled to encounter the patient's body part and the shielding panel before encountering the medical practitioner. This method step may place the radiation source in a horizontal place in line with or below the patient's body part or torso (so that the radiation is emitted onto the first side of the patient's body part) and direct it upwards towards the body or torso.

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart outlining a methodology 50 of manufacturing a shielding panel. The methodology 50 particularly outlines the steps of manufacturing a two ply or two-panel construction (comprising a lead insert in between the panels). However, the methodology may be amended from that seen in in Figure 5 such that it outlines the steps of manufacturing a three-panel construction.

[0046] A first step 51 relates to moulding a first panel. Here, the first panel comprises a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, wherein the horizontal portion extends in a first direction. The first vertical portion of the first panel relates to the first portion of the first vertical portion 11 as described above in Figure 1 and wherein the first horizonal portion of the first panel relates to the first portion of the horizontal portion 13 of the shielding panel as described above and that is to be formed. This first panel has been described as the top panel Pl in Figure 1. A second step 52 comprises the step of moulding a second panel. Here, the second panel comprises a second horizonal portion, wherein the second horizontal portion extends in the first direction. Here, the second horizontal portion relates to the second portion of the horizontal portion 13 of the shielding panel to be formed. This second panel can be described as a variant of the bottom panel P2 in Figure 1. Note that such second horizontal portion need not require the base portion 15 as described as an optional feature in Figure 1, and as a result methodology 50 may simply relate to forming a panel that comprises an L-shape defined by the first vertical portion 11 and the horizontal portion 13. The above moulding steps 51 and 52 may be performed through conventional carbon fibre moulding practices. Step 53 then relates to joining together the first and the second horizontal portions. This translates to joining together a top panel portion of the horizontal portion 13 with a bottom panel portion of the horizontal portion of the shielding panel described in Figure 1. Prior to this step a portion (horizontal portion) of a lead insert may be applied between these portions such that it is interposed between them. This is an optional feature to include such lead insert in these portions. Step 54 relates to applying a lead insert onto the first vertical portion of the first panel.

[0047] Furthermore, the embodiment of the shielding panel seen in Figure 1, may be formed when the second panel as described comprises a second vertical portion and a base portion 15. Here, step 53 may comprise the further joining together of the first and second vertical portions of the first and second panels.

[0048] For embodiments that comprise a three-panel construction, the method step may comprise moulding a third panel. Here, the third panel may comprise a second vertical portion and a third horizontal portion. The second vertical portion here relates to the second portion of the first vertical portion 11 and the third horizontal portion relates to the base portion 15 of the shielding panel 10. This third panel simply separates these features from that described previously as part of the second panel.

[0049] For such constructions, the second panel may comprise a horizontal portion that extends in the second direction, wherein the first and second directions describe lateral directions in relation to either side of the first and second vertical portions (or the eventually formed first vertical portion) as described above. Figure 6 best shows this interpretation.

[0050] The method may further comprise the steps of joining together the first and second vertical portions of the first and third panels. This may be executed after inserting or placing a led insert in between these portions. A final step may be to join the third horizontal portion of the third panel with a portion of the horizonal portion of the second panel that extends in the second direction.

[0051] Figure 6 shows an exploded view showing the three panels (Pl, P2 and P3) separated from each other. This may aid in visualising the attachment and manufacturing steps described above. The embodiment of Figure 1 may be formed from a similar construction but as described above the second panel and the third panel may be an integral piece for such embodiment (as opposed to being separated into comprising two portions for the base portion). The first panel may be the top panel Pl as described in Figure 1 and the second P2 and third panels P3 splits of the bottom panel as described in Figure 1.

[0052] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are also envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments.

[0053] Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims1. A method for shielding a medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization treatment or surgery, wherein the method comprises the steps of: emitting radiation towards a first side of a patient's body part, wherein the body part comprises an internal portion to be imaged; absorbing a portion of the radiation with a shielding panel placed adjacent a second side of the body part.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises placing the shielding panel upon a surgical table or ground such that the weight of the shielding panel is supported by the surgical table or ground; and / or wherein the imaging is performed via an interaction between the radiation and a contrast fluid present within the internal portion of the body part.

3. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the radiation is emitted from a radiation source, wherein the method further comprises positioning the medical practitioner on the second side of the body part and such that the shielding panel is between the medical practitioner and the radiation source.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises resting a limb of the patient that is adjacent the second side of the body part upon a portion of the shielding panel.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the body part is the patient's torso, wherein the radiation is emitted towards a first side of the torso, and wherein a second side of the torso is adjacent the shielding panel, optionally wherein the shielding panel comprises a first vertical portion, wherein the method comprises placing the second side of the torso adjacent the first vertical portion, optionally wherein the method comprises placing the first vertical portion adjacent the second side of the torso.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein a distal end of the first vertical portion comprises a horizontal lip, wherein the distal end is the end of the first vertical portion that extends upwards, wherein the method further comprises positioning the torso below the horizontal lip, optionallywherein the shielding panel comprises a base portion, wherein the base portion extends from a proximal end of the first vertical portion towards the patient, and wherein the method comprises positioning the torso atop the base portion.

7. The method of any of preceding claim, wherein the shielding panel comprises a horizontal portion, wherein the horizonal portion extends from a proximal end of the first vertical portion away from the patient's body, wherein, when dependant on claim 5, the method comprises resting a patient's arm onto the horizontal portion, optionally, wherein the medical practitioner performs the catheterisation surgery on and / or in the patient's arm with the patient's arm resting on the horizontal portion, optionally wherein the horizontal portion further comprises a vertical lip, wherein the method comprises accommodating the patient's arm within a space defined by the first vertical portion, the horizontal portion and the vertical lip.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises emitting radiation in a direction angled to encounter the body part and the shielding panel before encountering the medical practitioner; and / or wherein the method further comprises emitting radiation from a horizontal plane in line with or below the body part and directed up or level towards the body part.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the catheterization treatment / surgery is a cardiac catheterization surgery; and / or wherein the radiation emitted is X-rays; and / or wherein the radiation source is an X-ray machine.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the shielding panel comprises a lead insert, optionally wherein the lead insert is present in the first vertical portion and / or the horizontal portion extending from the proximal end of the first vertical portion, and optionally a carbon fibre shielding panel.

11. The method of claim any preceding claim, further comprising the step of the patient's body part scattering the radiation, and the further step of the shielding panel absorbing at least a portion of the scattered radiation directed at the medical practitioner.1512. A shielding panel for the shielding of a medical surgeon during a catheterization treatment / surgery on a patient, wherein the shielding panel comprises: a first vertical portion; a horizontal portion; wherein the first vertical portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the horizontal portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end of the vertical portion is attached to the horizontal portion; wherein the distal end of the horizontal portion extends in a first direction, wherein the first direction is away from the patient; wherein at least a portion of the horizontal portion is configured to accommodate a patient's limb in use; wherein the first vertical portion comprises a radiation shielding material.

13. The shielding panel of claim 12, wherein the horizontal panel is configured to accommodate the patient's arm.

14. The shielding panel of any of claims 12-13, wherein a portion of the horizontal panel is made of a radiation shielding material, optionally wherein the portion of the horizontal portion configured to accommodate the patient's arm is formed of the radiation shielding material.

15. The shielding panel of any of claims 12-14, wherein the shielding panel further comprises a base portion, optionally wherein a portion of the horizontal portion comprises the base portion, optionally alternatively wherein the base portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the base portion is attached to the proximal end of the vertical portion, optionally wherein it is attached to the proximal end of the horizontal portion, optionally, wherein a distal end of the base portion extends in a second direction in use, optionally, wherein the second direction is towards the patient during use; and / or16. The shielding panel of claim 15, wherein the base portion is configured to extend underneath a patient's torso during use.1617. The shielding panel of any of claims 12-16, wherein the shielding panel further comprises a vertical lip, wherein the vertical lip extends from the distal end of the horizontal portion.

18. The shielding panel of any of claims 12-17, wherein the shielding panel further comprises a horizontal lip, wherein the horizonal lip extends from the distal end of the first vertical portion.

19. The shielding panel of any of claims 12-18, wherein the horizontal portion and the vertical lip define a volume, wherein this volume is configured to accommodate the patient's arm, optionally wherein the first vertical portion, the horizontal portion and the vertical lip define the volume.

20. The shielding panel of any of claims 12-19, wherein the radiation shielding material is lead; and / or wherein the shielding panel comprises a lead insert; and / or wherein the lead insert spans within or atop the first vertical portion, optionally, wherein the lead insert spans within or atop the first vertical portion the horizontal portion, optionally, when dependant on claim 17, wherein the lead insert spans within or atop the vertical lip, optionally when dependant on claim 18, wherein the lead insert spans within or atop the horizonal lip; and / or the shielding panel is constructed of carbon fibre.

21. A system for shielding a medical practitioner from radiation during a catheterization treatment / surgery on a patient, wherein the system comprises: a radiation source; a surgical table configured to accommodate a patient, wherein the surgical table has a proximal side and a distal side; and a shielding panel, wherein the shielding panel is positioned on or adjacent the distal side of the surgical table; wherein the radiation source is located and oriented relative to the surgical table such that the radiation source emits radiation from a proximal side of the surgical table towards the distal side of the surgical table.

22. The system of any of claims 21, wherein the system further comprises a medical practitioner and a patient;17 wherein the radiation source is located and oriented relative to the patient such that the radiation source emits radiation onto a first side of a patient's body part, wherein the body part comprises an internal portion to be imaged; wherein the shielding panel is located adjacent a second side of the body part; wherein the shielding shell is located between the emitted radiation and the medical practitioner, optionally wherein the shielding panel is the shielding shell of claims 12-20.

23. A method of manufacturing a shielding panel, wherein the manufacturing method comprises: moulding a first panel, wherein the first panel comprises a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, wherein the horizontal portion extends in a first direction; moulding a second panel, wherein the second panel comprises a second horizonal portion, wherein the second horizontal portion extends in the first direction; joining together the first horizonal portion and the second horizontal portion; applying a lead insert onto the first vertical portion.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the method further comprises interposing a portion of the lead insert between the first and second horizontal portions prior to their joining; and / or wherein the second panel comprises a portion that extends in the second direction, wherein the first and second directions describe lateral direction in relation to the first and second vertical portions.

25. The method of any of claims 23-24, wherein the method further comprises: moulding a third panel, wherein the third panel comprises a second vertical portion and a third horizontal portion, wherein the third horizontal portion extends in a second direction, optionally wherein the method further comprises:18 joining the first and second vertical portions of the first and third panels, wherein the lead insert is situated between the vertical portions in such joining; and joining the third horizontal portion with the horizontal portion of the second panel that extends in the second direction.

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