Rotating Under-Table Shielding for Scatter Radiation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
During interventional procedures, medical staff in hybrid operating rooms are exposed to significant scatter radiation due to the unpredictable nature of Compton scattering, which current shielding solutions, such as lead-based aprons and ceiling-mounted shields, fail to adequately address, causing ergonomic discomfort and health hazards.
Innovation Solution
A dome-shaped shielding device with rotating layers of radiation-blocking material and adjustable apertures is positioned underneath the operating table, allowing the primary X-ray beam to pass while blocking scatter radiation, and can be rotated and adjusted to accommodate different orientations of the X-ray source and patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lead-based aprons are used for shielding, then radiation protection is provided, but ergonomic discomfort occurs due to heavy weight and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is extracted from wearable aprons and relocated to a fixed barrier positioned between the patient and medical staff. The barrier contains lead-based shielding material but is stationary rather than wearable, eliminating the ergonomic burden while maintaining radiation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixed barrier is introduced as an intermediary element between the radiation source (patient) and the medical staff. This barrier absorbs scatter radiation before it reaches the staff, providing protection without requiring them to wear heavy protective equipment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ceiling-mounted shields are used, then radiation protection is provided, but the shields are often misplaced or misused and require repositioning for each change in orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed with movable components that allow it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The barrier can be repositioned along the patient table and rotated to accommodate different C-arm orientations, maintaining optimal shielding without requiring ceiling-mounted installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding system is divided into modular segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the barrier to adapt to different procedural configurations while maintaining continuous radiation protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thick rigid shielding material is used, then radiation blocking capability is improved, but movement and flexibility are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier employs movable mounting mechanisms that allow the rigid shielding material to be repositioned dynamically during procedures. While the shielding material itself remains thick and rigid for optimal protection, its mounting system provides the flexibility needed to adapt to different 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
Substantially reduces scatter radiation exposure for medical staff, enhancing safety without hindering the movement or workflow in the operating room, and can be easily integrated with existing operating tables.
Implementation Method 1
One of the largest contributions to this attenuation of radiation, at the photon energy level as used in X-ray imaging (>100 keV or 35 to 60 keV), is Compton scattering. In this form of scattering, the incoming x ray radiation (in the form of a high energy photon) collides with an electron and transfers part of its energy.
Implementation Method 2
Most of the radiation (e.g., more than 75%) is attenuated in the patient body.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray system is described with a scatter radiation shielding device to be mounted underneath an operating table. The shielding device (10) comprises one or more layers of a radiation blocking material (6) and a cut-out (8) in the one or more layers. The cut-out extends from a point in or near a center of the one or more layers towards an edge to allow radiation transmission to pass. The shielding device is rotatable around a rotation axis. The shielding device substantially reduces the scatter radiation originating from the patient.