Patent Number: 059819642
Section: abstract

An adjustable X-ray shield for an X-ray procedure table includes a main support bar mounted substantially vertically on the table near a patient's waist level, the main support bar extending above and below a surface of the table; a first transversal support bar, the first transversal support bar being attached to the main support bar just below the table and extending substantially across a width of the table; a second transversal support bar, the second transversal support bar being pivotally mounted to the main support bar above the table and extending substantially across a width of the table; and a first longitudinal support bar, the first longitudinal support bar being pivotally mounted to the main support bar above the table and extending along a length of the table past the patient's chest level. At least one sheet of radio-opaque shielding material is attachable to each of the first transversal support bar, the second transversal support bar and the first longitudinal support bar. According to another embodiment, the adjustable radiation shield includes on-line radiation dosimetry, wherein at least one of the plurality of sheets of radio-opaque shielding material includes at least one radiation sensor. The radiation sensor or sensors are connectable to a data processing and display apparatus via a communication channel to allow the physician to view real time radiation readings from the display apparatus and to adjust the position of the plurality of sheets of radio-opaque shielding material in response to the readings to minimize exposure to radiation scatter.