Movable Scatter Radiation Shielding for C-Arm Procedure Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation protection devices for medical personnel during imaging procedures are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to set up, leading to low compliance due to their incompatibility with various medical specialties and patient body types, and medical personnel often prioritize patient health over their own safety, resulting in significant exposure to scatter radiation.
Innovation Solution
A scatter radiation protection device comprising a movable barrier and skirt made of leaded materials, connected via a sliding track and hinges, allowing for customizable positioning and compatibility with different medical procedures and patient sizes, providing at least 0.5 mmPb equivalence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lead aprons, lead goggles, thyroid shields, lead caps, and lead gloves are used to protect medical personnel, then radiation protection is improved, but weight and mobility are worsened leading to decreased compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protective function from wearable garments and integrates it into the imaging system itself through fixed lead-acrylic barriers and movable lead-glass shields. This removes the burden of wearing heavy protective equipment while maintaining radiation protection, thereby improving compliance without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces fixed barriers and movable shields as intermediary protective structures between the radiation source and medical personnel. These intermediaries provide protection without requiring direct contact with the body like wearable garments, eliminating weight and mobility restrictions while maintaining effective radiation shielding.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If scatter drapes are placed on the patient, then radiation protection for certain procedures is improved, but adaptability to different body types and surgery entry points is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces static scatter drapes with dynamic movable shields that can be repositioned along the C-arm. These shields can be adjusted to different heights, angles, and positions to accommodate various patient body types and surgical access points, providing both protection and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shield system serves multiple functions: it provides radiation protection, adapts to different patient anatomies, accommodates various surgical approaches, and can be repositioned for different procedural needs. This multi-functionality replaces the need for procedure-specific drapes with a universal protective system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If large shields and barriers made of lead acrylic or glass are wheeled into the operating room, then radiation protection is improved, but mobility and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the protective barriers with the C-arm imaging system itself. The lead-acrylic fixed barriers and lead-glass movable shields are integrated components of the C-arm, eliminating the need for separate portable shields that require manual setup and positioning. This integration provides both protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shields can be dynamically repositioned along the C-arm structure during procedures, providing adaptability without requiring manual setup of separate barriers. This dynamic capability combines the protection of large fixed barriers with the mobility needed for different procedural configurations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fluoroscopy time is limited to reduce exposure, then radiation protection is improved, but procedure completion capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful scatter radiation into a manageable parameter by providing physical barriers that allow extended fluoroscopy time without increasing personnel exposure. The barriers capture and redirect scatter radiation, enabling procedures to be completed thoroughly while maintaining safe exposure levels, thus transforming the limitation into an advantage.
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 device achieves greater than 95% reduction in scatter radiation exposure, improving user compliance and safety by ensuring effective protection without sacrificing ease of use or adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the barrier and the skirt each provide for at least 0.5 millimeters of lead (mmPb) equivalence
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A scatter radiation protection device is provided. The scatter radiation protection device includes a barrier that is movable in an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z direction; a skirt that is movable in an x-direction; and a sliding track having an upper surface and a lower surface. The barrier and the skirt are configured for connection to the sliding track, and the barrier and the skirt provide for at least 0.5 millimeters of lead (mmPb) equivalence.