Patent ID: 7667214
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: A61B,G21F,G21K

Abstract:
1. A method of attenuating scatter radiation during a radiological procedure in which a patient is supported on a patient table, the method comprising: reconfiguring a self-supporting radiation attenuation system between a substantially flat storage position and a generally upright position; placing a radiation attenuation system between a target area on the patient and a non-target area on the patient so that the radiation attenuation system shields the non-target area on the patient without enclosing the target area on the patient; manipulating a first portion of the radiation attenuation system to be orientated in a substantially upright position with a lower region that at least partially conforms to the patient; manipulating a second portion of the radiation attenuation system to engage the patient table for supporting the entire weight of the radiation attenuation system and for stabilizing the first portion in the substantially upright position; and exposing the target area on the patient to a primary radiation beam.