X-ray Scatter Protection System with Dynamic Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to ensure consistent protection for medical staff from X-ray scatter radiation during interventional procedures, requiring them to wear cumbersome lead aprons throughout the process.
Innovation Solution
A protection system that uses a location unit and determination unit to detect the position of shielding devices and staff members, determining if they are adequately protected from X-ray scatter radiation, allowing for reduced or eliminated use of lead aprons by positioning staff members optimally relative to radiation sources and shielding devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If staff members wear heavy lead aprons during the complete radiation procedure, then protection against X-ray scatter radiation is ensured, but ease of operation and working conditions deteriorate due to cumbersome equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic monitoring of staff positions and shielding device positions in real-time during the radiation procedure. The location units continuously track positions, and the determination unit dynamically reassesses protection status, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than relying on static lead apron wear throughout the entire procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by determining and communicating the protection status of staff members based on their real-time positions relative to the radiation source and shielding devices. This feedback mechanism allows staff and operators to adjust positions or shielding configurations to maintain adequate protection, reducing reliance on heavy personal protective equipment.
2Reliability
If shielding devices are positioned to protect staff from scatter radiation, then radiation safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for location tracking and determination systems
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit serves multiple functions: it receives position data from location units, identifies the radiation source position, calculates scatter radiation risks, determines protection status of multiple staff members, and provides feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate complex systems into a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors positions and determines protection status without requiring manual assessment by radiation safety officers. The location units and determination unit self-service by continuously tracking and assessing protection, reducing the need for additional complex monitoring infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If lead aprons are eliminated or reduced for staff, then ease of operation improves, but reliability of radiation protection deteriorates unless alternative protection mechanisms are in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shielding devices (such as mobile shields or fixed barriers) as intermediaries between the radiation source and staff members. These shielding devices, combined with real-time position monitoring and determination, serve as the protective mechanism替代ing lead aprons, providing reliable protection through spatial configuration rather than personal protective equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a protection system (10) and a method for protecting a staff member (6) against X-ray scatter radiation, an X-ray system and a computer readable medium having stored a computer program element for controlling such system. The protection system (10) comprises a location unit (20), and a determination unit (30). The location unit (20) is configured to detect the position of a shielding device (3) and the position of the staff member (6) to be protected. The determination unit (30) is configured to determine an origin (5) of potential X-ray scatter radiation and to determine if the shielding device (3) is positioned to protect the staff member (6) to be protected based on the origin (5) of potential X-ray scatter radiation, the position of the shielding device (3) and the position of the staff member (6).