Fluoroscopy operator protection device

Abstract

A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

1 . A radiation protection device for a fluoroscope of the type having an X-ray source and an image intensifier mounted on a C-arm, the radiation protection device comprising:
 a first radiation shield surrounding the X-ray source and extendable to contact a body of a patient positioned within the C-arm;   a second radiation shield surrounding the image intensifier and extendable to contact the body of the patient positioned within the C-arm;   a first motor for selectively extending and retracting the first radiation shield; and   a second motor for selectively extending and retracting the second radiation shield.   
   
   
       2 . The radiation protection device of  claim 1 , wherein the first radiation shield is conical. 
   
   
       3 . The radiation protection device of  claim 2 , wherein the second radiation shield is conical. 
   
   
       4 . The radiation protection device of  claim 1 , wherein the first radiation shield is cylindrical. 
   
   
       5 . The radiation protection device of  claim 4 , wherein the first radiation shield is cylindrical. 
   
   
       6 . The radiation protection device of  claim 1 , wherein the first radiation shield has a soft, conformable edge for contacting the surface of the patient. 
   
   
       7 . The radiation protection device of  claim 6 , wherein the second radiation shield has a soft, conformable edge for contacting the surface of the patient. 
   
   
       8 . The radiation protection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a third radiation shield configured to cover a portion of the patient adjacent to, but not covering, the portion of the patient being imaged with the fluoroscope. 
   
   
       9 . The radiation protection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first sensor configured for sensing proximity or contact of the first radiation shield with the patient and means for stopping the first motor from extending the first radiation shield when the first sensor detects proximity or contact with the patient's body. 
   
   
       10 . The radiation protection device of  claim 9 , further comprising a second sensor configured for sensing proximity or contact of the second radiation shield with the patient and means for stopping the second motor from extending the second radiation shield when the second sensor detects proximity or contact with the patient's body. 
   
   
       11 . A radiation protection device for a fluoroscope of the type having an X-ray source and an image intensifier mounted on a C-arm, the radiation protection device comprising:
 a radiation shield surrounding the X-ray source and an image intensifier mounted on a C-arm;   the radiation shield having a first approximately planar side wall and a second approximately planar side wall joined together by a peripheral wall, slot-shaped opening through the first and second side walls and the peripheral wall configured to fit the radiation shield around a portion of a patient's body to be imaged.   
   
   
       12 . The radiation protection device of  claim 11 , wherein the opening in the radiation shield has a soft, conformable edge for contacting the surface of the patient. 
   
   
       13 . The radiation protection device of  claim 11 , wherein the radiation shield has a C-arm attached portion and a patient-stationary portion, and an overlapping, sliding joint allowing relative movement between the C-arm attached portion and the patient-stationary portion.