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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for performing fluoroscopy with radiation protection, said method comprising:
 providing an X-ray source and an X-ray detector/image intensifier in mounted on a C-arm adjacent a procedure table;   positioning a first end of a first radiation shield around the X-ray source and conforming a second end of the first radiation shield to the procedure table and/or a body of a patient on the procedure table;   positioning a first end of a second radiation shield around the X-ray detector/image intensifier and conforming a second end of the second radiation shield to the procedure table and/or a body of a patient on the procedure table; and   directing x-rays from the x-ray source through the patient's body to the X-ray detector/image intensifier while the patient lies on the procedure table within the C-arm, wherein the first radiation shield and the second radiation shield block stray radiation being emitted beyond the patient's body.