Movable Radiation Shielding Panels for Surgical Staff Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation protection methods for medical staff in interventional cardiology, neurology, and electrophysiology are cumbersome, heavy, and interfere with medical procedures, failing to adequately shield against X-ray exposure without restricting access to the patient or causing equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a stand and adjustable, telescoping shielding panels that can be positioned away from the operating table, allowing free movement of medical staff and minimizing radiation exposure without the need for lead aprons or bulky armor, while avoiding interference with X-ray cameras and other equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy lead aprons and radiation armor are worn by medical staff, then radiation protection is improved, but mobility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shielding function is segmented from the medical staff and transferred to a separate movable shield apparatus. The shield can be positioned between the X-ray source and staff members, providing protection without requiring them to wear heavy protective gear. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by decoupling the protection function from the staff's body.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable radiation shield acts as an intermediary object between the X-ray source and the medical staff. This intermediate barrier provides radiation protection while allowing staff to move freely and access the patient without wearing restrictive protective clothing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complete shielding around the patient is implemented, then radiation protection is improved, but access to patient and equipment mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned based on the procedural needs. The shield can be moved out of the way when patient access is required and positioned to provide protection when the X-ray beam is active, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than implementing complete surrounding shielding, the radiation protection is segmented into directional shields positioned only where needed based on the X-ray beam direction and staff positioning, allowing patient access from other directions.
3Weight of moving object
If thinner layers of metal are used in protective garments, then weight is reduced, but protection level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable radiation shield serves as an intermediary barrier that provides full-strength protection without requiring staff to wear it. The shield can be made of thick lead or lead-equivalent material to provide optimal protection while remaining external to the staff's protective equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation protection function is segmented from the staff's body and placed in a separate movable apparatus, allowing the use of thicker, more effective shielding material without the weight burden on the wearer.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If zero gravity suits with rigid frames are used, then radiation protection is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shielding function is segmented from the staff's body and implemented in a separate movable apparatus rather than being integrated into a rigid suit structure. This allows staff to move freely while the shield provides protection from specific directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield system is dynamic and movable rather than static and rigid, allowing it to be repositioned as needed without restricting staff movement. The shield can be moved in and out of position based on procedural requirements.
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 system effectively reduces radiation exposure for medical staff, allows for rapid reconfiguration during procedures, and prevents equipment damage, providing comprehensive protection without hindering access or motion, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method are described for eliminating, reducing and/or mitigating exposure from radiographic equipment, such as X-ray and similar radiation-based equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for protecting surgeons, medical staff and other individuals from radiation and other forms of radiographic exposure. The system includes a stand positioned away from a patient operating table and comprising at least one shielding panel. The system may comprise another shielding panel that slides out from the at least one shielding panel. The system is configured to permit the free movement of a surgeon and medical staff without requiring any individual to wear a lead apron, body armor or zero-gravity suit to protect from radiating devices or equipment in the operating room.