Radiopaque Shield Assembly for Fluoroscopy Scatter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
During fluoroscopy procedures, circulating staff, such as nurses, receive high doses of scatter radiation due to the focus of physicians on patients rather than staff locations, leading to potential health risks and compliance issues with radiation exposure limits, and equipment clutter complicates emergency situations by being in the way or improperly positioned.
Innovation Solution
A modular, radiopaque radiation shielding system that can be attached to existing IV poles, featuring a radiation shield with a radiodense material and adjustable attachment assemblies, allowing for versatile alignment configurations to reduce scatter radiation exposure and minimize equipment clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation shield is attached to existing equipment carriers, then radiation exposure to staff is reduced, but equipment clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield is designed to attach to existing equipment carriers (IV poles, monitor arms, etc.), nesting the shielding function within the existing equipment structure. This allows the shield to provide radiation protection without occupying separate space, thereby reducing equipment clutter while protecting staff from scatter radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield can be attached to various types of equipment carriers (IV poles, monitor arms, table edges) and comes in different configurations (full body, partial body, mobile), making it a universal solution that can be adapted to different procedural needs and locations, reducing the need for multiple specialized shielding devices.
2Reliability
If the physician focuses on the patient during fluoroscopy, then procedure quality improves, but staff radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the staff member and the scatter radiation source. It allows the physician to maintain focus on the patient while the shield intercepts and blocks scatter radiation, preventing it from reaching the staff member's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful scatter radiation into a beneficial protective mechanism by positioning the shield to intercept the radiation pathway. The radiation that would otherwise harm the staff is redirected or blocked, transforming the harmful environmental factor into a controlled element that protects rather than endangers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is repositioned during procedures, then adaptability improves, but equipment availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield system is designed as a modular component that attaches to existing equipment carriers rather than being a fixed, integrated piece of equipment. This segmentation allows the shield to be independently positioned and repositioned as needed, while the base equipment carrier remains available for its primary function, thereby maintaining equipment availability while providing adaptability.
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 scatter radiation exposure to staff by blocking over 90% of radiation, allowing cardiologists to focus on procedures without worrying about staff safety and reduces equipment clutter, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with radiation regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation shield having a first side and a second side and a radiopaque material interposed therebetween, the radiopaque material being at least 0.2 millimeters (mm) in thickness
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a radiopaque shield affixed to a medical device hangar. Such systems and methods reduce radiation exposure to circulating medical staff during fluoroscopy procedures and reduce equipment clutter and cost.