Movable shield for reducing radiation exposure of medical personnel
An extendable shield apparatus for reducing radiation exposure of medical personnel to be used especially in hospitals is provided that comprises a base capable of being connected to a patient table of an X-ray fluoroscopy bed and a pole connected substantially vertically to the base. A dispenser for X-ray opaque blanket is supported by the pole, and a self-supporting X-ray opaque blanket capable of being extended from the dispenser.
1. A movable shield apparatus for a fluoroscopy system comprised of an X-ray fluoroscopy bed having a patient table and a C-arm unit, wherein the C-arm unit comprises a source for an X-ray beam, an X-ray imager, and at least one light source, the movable shield apparatus comprising:
an X-ray opaque shield for reducing radiation exposure to medical personnel;
at least one sensor configured to determine an edge of the X-ray beam by sensing the at least one light source;
a rail capable of being connected to the patient table;
a carriage capable of sliding along said rail;
at least one pole connected substantially vertically to said carriage; and
a bridge capable of sliding along said at least one pole,
wherein the X-ray opaque shield is supported by said bridge with at least one pivot to block scattered X-ray radiation, and
wherein the movable shield apparatus is configured to move along the patient table.
2. The movable shield apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the X-ray opaque shield comprises an X-ray opaque blanket, and wherein the X-ray opaque blanket is supported by at least one arm connected to the bridge.
3. The movable shield apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a motorized actuator capable of moving the carriage along the rail.
4. The movable shield apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a motorized actuator capable of moving the bridge along the at least one pole.
5. The movable shield apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a handle for moving the X-ray movable shield apparatus along the rail, wherein said handle is capable of unlocking the shield apparatus from the rail.
6. A movable shield apparatus for a fluoroscopy system comprised of an X-ray fluoroscopy bed having a patient table and a C-arm unit, wherein the C-arm unit comprises a source for an X-ray beam, an X-ray imager, and at least one light source, the movable shield apparatus comprising:
an X-ray opaque shield for reducing radiation exposure to medical personnel;
at least one sensor configured to determine an edge of the X-ray beam by sensing the at least one light source;
a base capable of being connected to the patient table;
a pole connected substantially vertically to said base; and
a dispenser for dispensing the X-ray opaque shield, wherein the dispenser is supported by said pole,
wherein said X-ray opaque shield is a self-supporting X-ray opaque blanket capable of being extended from said dispenser, and
wherein the movable shield apparatus is configured to move along the patient table.