Movable X-ray Shield for Selective Fluoroscopy Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time X-ray fluoroscopy systems expose both patients and medical professionals to excessive radiation, as existing solutions like stationary lead shields and electrically controlled masks are inefficient in reducing radiation exposure without degrading image quality, and require significant user training and system modifications.
Innovation Solution
An automatic X-ray masking system that selectively updates only the area of interest at a high rate, while updating the rest of the image at a lower rate, using a movable X-ray shield near the source to block radiation from outside the area of interest, which can be manually or automatically selected based on image activity, reducing overall radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the complete image is updated frequently to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into two regions: an area of interest that requires frequent updates and maintains high image quality, and a background region that is updated less frequently. This segmentation allows differential radiation exposure based on regional importance, reducing overall radiation while preserving critical image quality in the area of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
Different update rates and radiation exposure levels are applied to different regions of the image. The area of interest receives full radiation exposure and frequent updates, while the background region receives reduced radiation and less frequent updates, optimizing the balance between image quality and radiation protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stationary lead shields are used to block radiation, then radiation exposure is reduced, but operation time increases due to manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The lead shield is made movable and dynamically adjustable rather than stationary. The shield can be automatically repositioned to track the area of interest, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing operation time while maintaining radiation protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically tracks and adjusts the lead shield position based on the identified area of interest, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The shield self-adjusts to maintain optimal radiation blocking without requiring user input or training.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrically controlled masks are used to limit radiation area, then radiation exposure is reduced, but image quality degrades due to limited field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The image is segmented into an area of interest and background regions. The electrically controlled mask selectively blocks radiation for the background region while allowing full radiation exposure for the area of interest, maintaining high image quality where needed while reducing overall radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radiation exposure levels are applied locally to different image regions. The mask creates a spatially varying radiation field that preserves image quality in critical areas while reducing radiation in less important regions, avoiding the degradation associated with uniform masking.
4Area of stationary object
If the X-ray beam covers the entire image area, then complete image coverage is achieved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unnecessary radiation exposure to the background region is extracted and removed from the system. By identifying and excluding the background area from the radiation field, the system reduces overall radiation exposure while maintaining complete coverage of the area of interest through selective beam shaping and movable shielding.
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
Significantly reduces X-ray exposure by up to 23-fold, allowing for lighter protective gear and minimal changes to existing fluoroscopy systems, maintaining image quality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A movable X-ray shield placed near the X-ray source blocks the radiation from areas outside the area of interest
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce X-ray exposure, an area of interest is selected in the image. The image of the selected area is updated frequently, comparable to rate of updates used today for the whole image. The rest of the image is updated at a significantly lower rate. Since the area of interest normally is a small part of the overall area, the total exposure is reduced significantly. A movable X-ray shield placed near the X-ray source blocks the radiation from areas outside the area of interest. The shield automatically retracts when the complete image is updated. The area of interest can be selected by the user or automatically selected based on activity in the image.