Project Description: 

Fluoroscopies, used commonly in interventional radiology, interventional cardiology and orthopedics, provide real-time imaging by utilizing ionizing radiation directed at the patient. However, the radiation can scatter when the beam interacts with the patient’s body tissue. Consistent exposure puts medical personnel at risk of serious and career-ending ailments including cancer, cataracts, and sperm or egg damage. To decrease physician exposure to scatter radiation, numerous types of protective equipment exist, such as lead aprons, thyroid shields and glasses, radiation-absorbing patient drapes, mobile shields and barriers. These devices decrease mobility, increase surgery set-up time, and are heavy and expensive. As such, user compliance is low. Our device, the X-Rmour Eclipse, features two adjustable leaded glass barriers and a leaded table skirt attached to a track that is compatible with any operating table. The glass barriers can be rotated, raised and lowered to accommodate multiple surgical access points, surgical disciplines, and fluoroscopic sources. This device is novel due to its adjustability and combination of radiation attenuation above and below the table. Through physical testing, we found that our device provides 99.978% attenuation above and 87.77% below the table. Tests in simulation showed at least a 93% reduction in radiation exposure to users. Prior to going to market, there are several more innovations that could be added to the Eclipse. The operating table fastening system may be optimized, and the size and shape of the leaded glass barriers can be made to be more ergonomic. Different mechanisms for adjusting the barrier poles can be adapted, such as motorized or programmable motion or smoother securement methods. Due to the innovations featured in our device, we will increase user compliance and reduce the onset of these devastating diseases, preserving the careers of medical personnel.