Segmented Head and Neck Radiation Shield for Scatter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
During radiologic procedures, patients and practitioners are exposed to unnecessary radiation due to scatter radiation affecting areas like the head and neck, which are not intended to be examined, and conventional shielding does not adequately protect patients from this exposure while hindering visualization of anatomical structures.
Innovation Solution
A head and neck radiation shield structure comprising a bottom wall and side walls with radiation attenuating material, positioned between the patient's head/neck and the radiation source, to block scatter radiation and minimize exposure, while allowing access for visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional shielding is used during radiologic procedures, then radiation exposure to practitioners is reduced, but patient visualization and access to anatomical structures is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is divided into multiple segments including side shields, back shields, and adjustable components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the shielding to be configured to protect specific areas while leaving examination areas accessible, resolving the contradiction between radiation protection and patient visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be dynamically repositioned during the radiologic procedure. This dynamic capability allows the shielding to adapt to different examination needs, providing radiation protection when required while allowing unobstructed access to anatomical structures during examination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation shielding is implemented to protect head and neck areas, then unnecessary radiation exposure is reduced, but access to these areas for medical procedures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable components enable the shield structure to transition between protective and accessible configurations, allowing it to adapt to different procedural requirements while maintaining both radiation protection and examination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts shielding functionality from fixed positions and integrates it into movable components that can be selectively deployed. This allows radiation protection to be applied only when and where needed, rather than continuously blocking access to anatomical structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lead aprons and barriers are used during radiologic procedures, then practitioner radiation exposure is minimized, but patient comfort and positioning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is segmented into multiple independent components that can be positioned around the patient without requiring the patient to wear bulky lead aprons. This segmentation allows for better patient positioning and comfort while maintaining radiation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure serves as an intermediary radiation barrier positioned between the radiation source and the patient/practitioners, eliminating the need for lead aprons on patients and barriers in the way, thereby improving patient comfort and positioning capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shield structure significantly reduces radiation exposure to both patients and practitioners by blocking scatter radiation, protecting the head and neck region without obstructing the examination of other areas, thus enhancing safety and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom wall includes radiation attenuating material and is configured to be positioned between the head and/or neck of the patient and a radiation source so as to shield the patient from radiation directed toward the bottom of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A shield structure configured to protect a head and/or neck of a patient during a radiologic procedure comprises a bottom wall, a side wall, and an opening. The bottom wall includes radiation attenuating material and is configured to be positioned between the head and/or neck of the patient and a radiation source so as to shield the patient from radiation directed toward the bottom of the patient. The bottom wall is of a general size to shield the head and/or neck of the patient. The side wall includes radiation attenuating material and is configured to extend upward from the bottom wall so as to shield the patient from radiation directed toward a side of the patient. The opening is configured to receive the head and/or neck of the patient.