Scattered Radiation Signalling System for Catheter Labs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scattered radiation in environments like catheter laboratories poses a challenge for personnel due to its non-intuitive properties, making it difficult to assess and manage radiation exposure effectively, leading to inappropriate dose protection and imaging settings.
Innovation Solution
A signalling system that provides perceptible signals indicative of the predicted or measured spatial distribution of scattered radiation, using light patterns on the floor, display devices, and acoustic signals, along with radiation sensors to enhance awareness and safety of personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation dosage calculation is performed through computer simulation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-calculations of radiation dosage for multiple positions before the actual irradiation procedure. These pre-calculated data are stored and quickly retrieved during the procedure, eliminating the need for complex real-time simulations while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model (copy) of the patient's anatomy based on pre-acquired imaging data. This digital twin is then used for radiation dosage simulation, avoiding the need for complex physical measurements and simplifying the actual device requirements.
2Loss of information
If scattered radiation distribution is made visually perceptible, then personnel awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-coded visual indicators to represent different levels of scattered radiation intensity. This intuitive color mapping allows personnel to quickly understand radiation distribution without complex displays or additional training.
Solution Approach 2:
The system projects radiation distribution information onto the floor or walls, transforming abstract numerical data into spatially referenced visual patterns that personnel can intuitively understand in relation to their physical position.
3Reliability
If real-time radiation monitoring is implemented, then safety is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs radiation monitoring at periodic intervals rather than continuously, updating visual indicators only when necessary. This approach maintains safety monitoring effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
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 improves personnel awareness of scattered radiation exposure, allowing for informed decisions on dose protection and optimal positioning, reducing radiation risks and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the at least one perceptible signal is a light pattern on a floor and the signalling unit comprises at least one light source for generating the light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Scattered radiation has non-intuitive properties. A signalling system (28) is presented which provides a perceptible signal (34) being indicative of a predicted or measured spatial distribution of scattered radiation. An embodiment provides for easy assessment of the individual risk of scattered radiation exposure for personnel working in an environment exposed to scattered radiation. A method for predicting a distribution of scattered radiation takes into account at least one object related parameter (18) and at least one radiation related parameter (22) and, in response hereto, predicts a distribution of scattered radiation.