Patent Description:
In medical radiology settings, 3D and 2D images of a body are obtained using a C-arm rotating around a patient. The movement of the C-arm around the patient entails the risk of a collision of the C-arm, in particular of the X-ray detector, with the patient and/or creating a stressful environment for the patient.

The most critical and hazardous collision event is associated with possible harmful collisions of moving parts of the C-arm with a patient's head, especially in events of unexpected patient movements.

In current practice, in order to avoid injury to the patient as a result of a collision with the C-arm, additional sensors are mounted on the X-ray detector and the collimator. When such sensors are activated, the movement of the C-arm is stopped. Nevertheless, if the rotation speeds are increased, such protection is in many cases inefficient.

<CIT> discloses a collision protection device for a patient examination table of a medical X-ray device, comprising: a protective element made of an X-ray transparent/radiolucent material that mechanically shields at least a part of the patient examination table; a feeler; a collision sensor, wherein the collision sensor is arranged in the feeler; and a stand or a base directly connected to the collision protection device that decouples the collision protection device from the patient examination table.

<CIT> discloses a patient support apparatus having a support table, a transfer plate, which is disposed movably in relation to the support table in a direction and on which a patient is supported for a surgical intervention and/or a medical imaging examination, and a surgical head restraint unit, which is disposed on the transfer plate. The patient support apparatus includes a position monitoring apparatus for monitoring and/or checking a position of the surgical head restraint unit.

<CIT> describes a visor assembly for a helmet including two adjustment mechanisms each including a base portion connectable to a side portion of the helmet and a cover portion. The base portion has an adjustment aperture and at least one support member. The cover portion of each adjustment mechanism is manually displaceable between a secured position engaged with the base portion and an exposed position. The cover portion allows access to the adjustment aperture(s) in the exposed position. The support member(s) of each adjustment mechanism are removably engaged to the respective side end portion of the visor. In the secured position, the cover portion prevents disengagement of the support member(s) from the visor.

None of the abovesaid devices affords a head protection device which facilitates head adjustment means and which allows stable and efficient protection of a patient's head and neck. Therefore, there is a need of a device for protecting the head of a user. The device should include a shield to cover the face and/or neck, a support platform to support the head, and means to move the shield pivotably over the face. There is an unmet and continuous need in collision protection devices for assuring simple and reliable avoidance of collisions between moving parts of a medical fluoroscopy X-ray device and a patient.

Objects of the invention are achieved by providing head protection devices and systems for protecting an upper body portion (i.e., the head or face and optionally the neck) of a patient in the process of X-ray imaging.

An aspect of the disclosure pertains to a patient protection shield in accordance with the disclosure herein below. An aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method of shielding a patient in accordance with the disclosure herein below.

An aspect of the disclosure pertains to a medical device including a head protection shield in accordance with the disclosure herein above.

An aspect of the disclosure pertains to a patient head collision protection device, comprising:.

An aspect of the disclosure pertains to a patient head protection device, comprising:.

An aspect of the disclosure pertains to a patient head protection device for protecting an upper body portion of a patient from collision with X-ray equipment, the device comprising:.

An aspect of the disclosure pertains to a patient head protection device for protecting an upper body portion of a patient from collision with moving parts of X-ray equipment, the device comprising:.

In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit is configured to adjust the distance of the shield from the patient's head platform or from a patient support platform to fit various head sizes and allow free head movements.

In some embodiments, the device includes attachment means to allow an attachment of the shield and/or a rear/side vertical wall thereof, and/or support platform to a sub-system and/or an add-on system, and/or a patient's head platform (e.g., patient table/bed/chair).

In some embodiments, the device includes attachment means to allow an attachment of the shield and/or a vertical wall thereof to a patient's head platform.

In some embodiments, the patient's head platform selected from a patient table, a patient bed, and a patient chair.

In one or more embodiments, the attachment means allow a permanent fixature. In one or more embodiments, the attachment means allow a temporary fixature.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform is configured to support a patient's head.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform is configured to attach a patient's bed/table.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform is affixed to a patient's bed/table.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform is integrally attached to a patient's bed/table.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection shield includes a top face protector shield for shielding a patient's face.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection shield includes a top face protector shield for shielding a patient's face and side protector shields extending downwardly from the face protector shield and configured to protect the sides of the patient head.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection shield includes an elongated rod extending from the face protector shield.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform is having a base unit for receiving head of the patient, a rear unit extending vertically from the base unit covering the back side of the head and an attachment unit in the form of a hinge which allows pivot movement of the head protector shield with respect to the support platform.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is manufactured from a radiolucent material.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is manufactured from rigid composite material. In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is manufactured from carbon fibers.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an adjuster unit configured to allow vertical movement of the support platform and the head protection shield relative to each other. In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit allows movement of the head protection shield with respect to the support platform.

In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit includes a sliding mechanism allowing a vertical sliding motions between the support platform and the head protection shield. In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit comprising a sliding mechanism, allowing the vertical movement of the face protector shield with respect to the base unit. In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit is motorized allowing a motorized vertical motion. In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit includes a telescopic structure which can extend and retract, scissors lifting mechanism, a lever, a hydraulic lift.

In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit includes an elongated rod which can slide or vertically move within dedicated hollow brackets, wherein the elongated rod attached to the head protection shield and the brackets attached to the support platform or vice versa.

In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit comprises a hollow bracket having an opened top end and a bottom end; wherein the head protection shield comprises an elongated rod extending from the face protector shield and wherein the hollow bracket configured to receive the elongated rod via the open top end and to allow a vertical movement of the elongated rod within the hollow bracket.

In one or more embodiments, a sliding mechanism includes a rail and a sliding element, wherein the rail attached to the head protection shield and the sliding element attached to the support platform, or vice versa.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform includes a vertical wall extending perpendicular from the base unit.

In one or more embodiments, the vertical wall having a groove on the rear surface thereof and configured to receive the adjuster unit. In one or more embodiments, the support platform includes a rear wall having a groove on the rear surface thereof and configured to receive the adjuster unit. In one or more embodiments, the support platform includes a side wall having a groove on the rear surface thereof and configured to receive the adjuster unit.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform includes a vertical wall extending perpendicular from the base unit, wherein the hinge connects the head protection shield to the support platform via a rear surface of the vertical wall.

In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit includes a hollow bracket configured to fit in the groove and receive a sliding element (e.g., an elongated rod) of the head protection shield. In one or more embodiments, a hinge attaches the head protection shield to the support platform to allow the pivotal movement between the head protection shield and the support platform.

In one or more embodiments, the hinge connecting the shield to the support platform allows a rotational/pivotal movement of the shield relative to the support platform, allowing closing and opening the shield and positioning a patient's head inside the head protection device.

In one or more embodiments, a pivotal movement include up to about <NUM>° movement of the shield relative to the support platform.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform comprises a rear wall extending vertically from the base unit, wherein the rear wall manufactured from a radiation attenuating material for protecting medical personnel from scattered radiation in areas behind the patient's head. In one or more embodiments, the support platform comprises a side wall extending vertically from the base unit, wherein the side wall manufactured from a radiation attenuating material for protecting medical personnel from scattered radiation in areas behind the patient's head.

In one or more embodiments, the rear/side wall manufactured from a layered composite material comprising one or more layers of a radiation attenuating material and one or more layers of carbon fiber. In one or more embodiments, the composite material comprising: one or more carbon fiber layers; a binding material; and a radiation attenuating material applied onto and/or between the one or more carbon fiber layers. In one or more embodiments, the binding material is applied onto and/or between the one or more layers of carbon fibers and configured to at least partially adhere thereto; and the radiation attenuating material applied onto and/or between the one or more carbon fiber layers. In one or more embodiments, the binding material is a polymer. In one or more embodiments, the binding material is selected from a thermoset resin, polyester, vinyl ester, nylon, and a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the thermoset resin is epoxy resin.

In one or more embodiments, the rear/side wall manufactured from a non-layered composite material comprising a mixture of one or more polymers and one or more radiation attenuating material(s). In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material(s) is provided as a powder which is substantially homogenously dispersed in the one or more polymers. In one or more embodiments, the polymer is a thermoplastic material (e.g., a polyamide).

In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material is a metal selected from selected from a group consisting of tungsten, lead, bismuth, antimony, barium, tantalum, and a combination thereof.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a stopper for locking the shield to the support platform and thereby locking the pivotal movement of shield with respect to the support platform.

In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit comprises a locking member configured to adjust the distance of the shield from the support platform/patient head platform and lock the vertical movement of the shield with respect to the platform.

In one or more embodiments, the adjuster unit comprises a knob configured to lock the vertical movement of the shield with respect to the support platform/patient head platform.

In one or more embodiments, the shield is manufactured from a radiolucent material and carbon fibers.

In one or more embodiments, the support platform is manufactured from a radiolucent material and carbon fibers.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device further comprising fixature means for connecting the head protection device to a patient's table/bed/chair.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is devoid of any electronic means. In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is devoid of any electronic coils.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device comprising one or more openings to allow comfort, relaxing and/or airy environment for the user.

In one or more embodiments, one or more openings are configured in the shield.

In one or more embodiments, the device includes a speaker to generate audio signals. In one or more embodiments, the device includes a microphone to receive audio signals. In one or more embodiments, the device includes a camera to capture visuals. In one or more embodiments, the device includes a display unit to display visuals. In one or more embodiments, the device includes a bi-directional communication unit to communicate the visual and/or audio signals over a communication network.

In one or more embodiments, the device includes a battery to power the bi-directional communication unit, the display unit, the camera, the microphone and/or the speaker.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is configured to create a physical barrier between a patient's head and an imaging system and/or an imaging add-on system (e.g., a radiation shielding apparatus) or a part thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is made of a material visible to a sensor (e.g., carbon fiber, thermoplastic resins, gel-based water).

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is made of a material visible to a collision sensor.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is made of a material visible to a proximity or contact sensor.

In one or more embodiments, the device includes a collision sensor configured in the shield to detect collisions.

In one or more embodiments, the sensor is selected from a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive-resistive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an electro-optic sensor, a contact sensor, a strain sensor, a temperature sensor (thermocouple), and a combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is permanently connected to the patient's table or to an operation table. In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is temporarily connected to the patient's table or to an operation table.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is provided as a stand-alone apparatus.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device includes attachment means to allow connecting the head protection device to a sub-system and/or an add-on system.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is integrally attached to a sub-system and/or an add-on system.

In one or more embodiments, the sub-system and/or an add-on system is selected from an X-ray system or a portion thereof (e.g., a C-arm), a radiation shielding apparatus or a portion thereof, and a combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the head protection device is equipped with a speaker, a microphone, a camera, a display screen or a combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the shield or portion thereof is at least partially transparent or translucent.

An aspect of the disclosure pertains to an X-ray equipment comprising:
an X-ray radiation shielding apparatus comprising:.

In one or more embodiments, the movable robotic arm is a C-arm device.

In one or more embodiments, the radiation shielding apparatus includes moveable X-ray radiation source shield and X-ray detector radiation shield. In one or more embodiments, the X-ray radiation source shield and X-ray detector radiation shield are contractable and extendable. In one or more embodiments, the X-ray radiation source shield and X-ray detector radiation shield include a plurality of contractable, and extendable segments positioned sequentially adj acent to each other, forming a contiguous radiation shielding.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a method of protecting a head of a patient during an X-ray medical procedure, the method comprising:.

In one or more embodiments, closing the head protection device is via a pivotal movement of the shield with respect to the patient head platform.

In one or more embodiments, adjusting a height of the head protection shield with respect to the patient head platform includes vertically moving the shield downwardly or upwardly.

In one or more embodiments, the method comprising locking the pivotal movement via a stopper disposed on a wall of the head protection device.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprising locking the vertical movement via a knob in the adjuster unit.

In one or more embodiments, then method further comprising locking the vertical movement via a locking member in the adjuster unit.

In one or more embodiments, the patient head platform selected from a patient table, a patient chair, a patient bed and a support platform pivotally connected to the head protection shield.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises attaching the head protection device to the patient head platform, to a sub-systems or to an add-on system.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical or/and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and components/materials similar or equivalent to those described herein be used in the practice or testing of embodiments, exemplary methods or/and components/materials are described below. In addition, the materials, components, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Some embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments may be practiced.

It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding elements.

It is understood that the claimed invention is not limited to the particular methodology, devices, items or products etc., described herein, as these may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The following exemplary embodiments may be described in the context of exemplary head protection devices for ease of description and understanding. However, the claimed invention is not limited to the specifically described products and may be adapted to various applications without departing from the overall scope of the claimed invention. All ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints. The use of the term "or" shall be construed to mean "and/or" unless the specific context indicates otherwise.

Special care should be taken concerning possible collisions of angiography and/or fluoroscopy systems (e.g. Full-sized fixed C-arm and mobile C-arm) with a patient's sensitive areas like head, face and neck.

The current disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a dedicated patient head protection device. The device creates a physical barrier between the patient's head and face and optionally neck and potentially harmful objects. For example, for a fluoroscopic X-ray system, the head protection device may protect the patient's face from moving parts of the C-arm that might collide with it. In some embodiments, the device is intended to provide full protection for areas of head, face and neck of the patient.

The head protection device may confer one or more of the following attributes:.

In an aspect of the disclosure, the head protection device includes a support platform for supporting a patient's head; and a head protection shield connected to the support platform and enclosing a space for accommodating a patient's head.

The head protection device may be at least partially transparent or translucent, allowing the medical staff to visualize the patient and vice versa.

The head protection device may include broadcasting and/or communication means to allow communication between the patient and the medical staff. Non-limited examples of broadcasting and/or communication means include a speaker, a microphone, a camera (e.g., a video camera), a display screen or a combination thereof.

The distance of the shield from the support platform of the head protection device can be conveniently adjusted to fit to various head sizes and shapes.

Further advantageously, an attachment unit, e.g., a hinge connecting the shield to the support platform allows convenient opening and closing of the device, optionally via a one dimensional rotation or partial rotation movement.

Yet further advantageously, the head protection device of the disclosure may optionally include attachment or fixature means to allow an attachment to a sub-system and/or an add-on system. Exemplary sub-systems include, without limitation, an X-ray system or a portion thereof (e.g., a C-arm). Exemplary add-on systems include, without limitation, radiation shielding apparatuses, the teachings of which are provided in the following disclosures: <CIT>, and <CIT>, <CIT>, International patent application No. <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The head protection device may be made of a material visible to a collision sensor. Non-limited examples of collision sensors include, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive-resistive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an electro-optic sensor, a contact sensor, a strain sensor, and a combination thereof.

Non limited examples of materials visible to a collision sensor include carbon fiber and water, or water-based gel which may be implemented herein within dedicated tubes.

The head protection device includes an adjuster unit for allowing vertical movements of a head protection shield and adjusting the distance of the shield with respect to a patient bed/table/chair. Various adjuster mechanisms are contemplated as long as those mechanisms afford the vertical movement of the shield. Exemplary mechanisms include sliding mechanisms wherein at least two elements slide with respect to each other and allow an extension of at least one of the elements. The sliding mechanism may include a rail and a sliding element. Additional exemplary mechanisms include telescopic structures which can extend and retract, scissors lifting mechanism (e.g., scissors lifting jack), a lever, a hydraulic lift mechanism and any of the alike vertical lifting elements/means. The above adjuster mechanisms may be motorized, for example, via an electrical motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an exemplary C-arm <NUM> of an X-ray system and an exemplary radiation shielding apparatus <NUM> which intends to limit/reduce exposure to radiation of personnel and technicians who work with and near X-ray radiation systems, such as C-arm <NUM>. <FIG> further illustrates an exemplary head protection apparatus <NUM> which creates a physical barrier between the patient's head and optionally neck and potentially harmful moving parts of the C-arm <NUM> and/or radiation shielding apparatus <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> is shown in conjunction with a typical C-arm <NUM> of an X-ray system for performing an X-ray image of a patient. The X-ray system includes a radiation source <NUM> and a radiation detector <NUM> mounted on opposing ends of C-arm <NUM>. The apparatus includes a radiopaque or radiation attenuating/blocking shield, which includes at least one radiation shield assembly <NUM> (e.g. above and below the patient, as illustrated) having a support base <NUM> operatively connectable to radiation source <NUM> and/or operatively connected to radiation detector <NUM>, which are mounted on opposite ends of C-arm <NUM>.

Radiation shield assembly <NUM> may optionally include a plurality of radiation shield segments <NUM> sequentially positioned relative to support base <NUM>, thereby forming radiopaque screen radiation attenuating/blocking shield in a contiguous configuration.

Shield assembly <NUM> has free edge ends <NUM> for spanning the periphery of a body region of the patient. Radiation shield segments <NUM> are controllable to extend or contract to a selected length to position respective free ends <NUM> in proximity of the patient, or an object such as an X-ray table.

A head protection device <NUM> is further provided to protect a patient head and provide collision protection from moving parts of C-arm <NUM> and/or radiation shielding apparatus <NUM>. As will be illustrated in greater detail below, the head protection device <NUM> includes a head protection shield <NUM> essentially made of a rigid material which is adjustable in terms of height/distance of the shield with respect to a patient head platform, or support platform (e.g., support platform <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary head protection device <NUM> in accordance with embodiments. <FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the device <NUM>. The device <NUM> includes a head protection shield <NUM>, attached to a support platform <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. Head protection shield <NUM> includes a top face protection shield <NUM> and opposing side protection shields <NUM> extending downwardly from the top face protection shield <NUM>. The device <NUM> further includes an adjuster unit <NUM> for adjusting a distance between face protection shield <NUM> of shield <NUM> and support platform <NUM>. In some embodiments, the face/head protection shield (e.g. a mask) <NUM> has two degrees of freedom, i.e., vertical, via adjuster unit <NUM>, and/or rotational/pivotal, via hinge <NUM>. Optionally, but not necessarily the face/head protection shield (e.g. a mask) <NUM> has no more than two degrees of freedom. Vertical movement includes, for example, moving shield <NUM> towards and away from support platform <NUM> to enable close fit for different head sizes and/or to facilitate maneuvering by a lab staff and equipment. Rotational movement includes, for example, rotation around a fulcrum (hinge <NUM>) at the bottom of the device near the support platform <NUM> to enable head positioning. Optionally, all mechanisms are radiolucent and/or non-radiolucent parts (like a hinge) are located behind the patient, and/or on the sides of the patient, and/or between the patient and the support and/or next to the support. The face/head protection shield <NUM> optionally has one or more openings <NUM> to ensure comfort, relaxing and/or airy environment for the patient.

The device <NUM> optionally has features (i.e., attachment means) enabling fixture and/or release and/or movement relative to a patient table, for example, the support platform <NUM> may include slots <NUM> suitable for standard straps, for example, to strap the support platform <NUM> to a table and/or loosen the support platform <NUM> from the table for moving and/or to remove the device <NUM> from the table.

In <FIG> device <NUM> is shown when shield <NUM> in an open position. The support platform <NUM> includes a base unit <NUM> and a vertical rear wall <NUM> extending perpendicular from the support platform <NUM> and having a front surface 114a. The shield <NUM> when in an open position allows a patient to place his head on the base unit <NUM>. Optionally, rear wall <NUM> is manufactured from a radiation blocking/attenuating material to thereby protect the medical staff from scattered radiation in areas behind the patient's head. For example, the rear wall <NUM> may be manufactured from a radiation attenuating material, such as a radiation attenuating metal (e.g., tungsten, lead, bismuth, antimony, barium, tantalum, and a combination thereof). To allow rigidity, the rear wall may be manufactured from a composite material comprising a radiation attenuating metal (optionally in the form of a foil or a powder). Optionally, the rear wall may be manufactured from a composite material comprising carbon fiber and a radiation attenuating metal (optionally in the form of a foil). The composite material may be in the form of layers of one or more carbon fibers and one or more layers of a radiation attenuating material. Optionally, the composite material may include a binding material (e.g., a thermoset resin) such to act as an adhesive between the layers and contribute to the rigidity and strength of a structure when combined with the fibers. Optionally, the composite material includes a radiation attenuating material in the form of a powder mixed within a binding material, and wherein such mixture is applied onto at least one of the fibers. Further optionally, the composite material includes a thermoplastic material mixed with a radiation attenuating material.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective exploded view of device <NUM>. The shield <NUM> includes a face protector shield <NUM> for protecting face of the user, and an elongated rod <NUM> extending from the face protector shield <NUM>. The support platform <NUM> is pivotably attached to shield <NUM> via hinge <NUM>. The support platform <NUM> includes a base unit <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM> and a groove <NUM>. The base unit <NUM> is configured to receive a head of the user. The rear wall <NUM> is extending vertically from the base unit <NUM>. The rear wall <NUM> is having a front surface (114a, shown in <FIG>) and a rear surface 114b. The rear wall <NUM> covers the top of the head of a patient. The groove <NUM> is configured on the rear surface 114b. An adjuster unit <NUM> is configured to allow for a vertical movement of face protector shield <NUM> with respect to base unit <NUM>, thereby allowing to adjust the distance between face protector shield <NUM> and base unit <NUM>. Various mechanisms of an adjuster unit are contemplated and may include, for example, a sliding element which is slidable within a rail or a bracket <NUM> as will be described herein below in greater details. The adjuster unit <NUM> pivotally attaches via hinge <NUM> the support platform <NUM> to the shield <NUM>. The adjuster unit <NUM> includes a hollow bracket <NUM> configured to allow sliding therein of a sliding element, herein elongated rod <NUM>, optionally up to full evacuation of rod <NUM> and the full release of shield <NUM>. The hollow bracket <NUM> is configured to fit in the groove <NUM>. The hollow bracket <NUM> is having an open top end 118a and a bottom end 118b. The open top end 118a receives the elongated rod <NUM>.

The hinge <NUM> attaches to the bottom end 118b to facilitate pivot movement of the shield <NUM> with respect to the support platform <NUM>. Nevertheless, alternative locations of the hinge are contemplated, such as an attachment of hinge <NUM> to a middle location or a higher location in rear surface 114b. Pivotal movement includes, up to about <NUM>° opening of shield <NUM> with respect to support platform <NUM>. For example, <NUM>° opening of shield <NUM> with respect to support platform <NUM> (shown for example in <FIG>). The pivotal movement may include, for example, <NUM>° opening of shield <NUM> with respect to support platform <NUM> (shown for example in <FIG>). A threaded knob <NUM> can extend through the bracket <NUM> and configured to lock the vertical movement of shield <NUM> with respect to support platform <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the rear surface 114b of rear wall <NUM>, the elongated rod <NUM> and the adjuster unit <NUM>. The groove <NUM> configured on the rear wall <NUM> to receive the hollow bracket <NUM>. The shape of the groove <NUM> may geometry fit the shape of the hollow bracket <NUM>. A locking member <NUM> is configured within bracket <NUM> and locks the vertical movement of the elongated rod <NUM> inside the hollow bracket <NUM>. The elongated rod <NUM> further includes one or more grooves/slots <NUM> to receive an internal tab-like portion (not shown) of locking member <NUM> and thereby lock the vertical movement of the shield. Locking member <NUM> is made of a resilient material allowing backward retraction thereof to thereby allow the movement of the elongated rod <NUM> within bracket <NUM> and adjust the distance of the shield <NUM> from the support platform <NUM> to fit various head sizes. When locking member <NUM> is released it is capable of locking the vertical movement and fixate the height of the elongated rod <NUM> inside the hollow bracket <NUM>.

A knob <NUM> is further disposed on rear surface 114b to further stop the vertical movement of the shield <NUM> with respect to support base <NUM>. Stopper <NUM> is configured on rear wall 114b and locks the pivotal movement of shield <NUM> with respect to support platform <NUM> by an axial movement thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of device <NUM> when in an open position. A hinge <NUM> located at the bottom of rear wall <NUM> facilitates a pivotal movement, herein illustrated as about <NUM>° and allows a patient to position its head on support platform <NUM>. The adjuster unit <NUM> facilitates adjusting the height of the shield <NUM> with respect to support platform <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the device <NUM>. The shield <NUM> is in closed position and the locking member <NUM> when manually retracted backwards allows the sliding of the elongated rod <NUM> within bracket <NUM> and when released locks the vertical movement of the elongated rod <NUM> inside the hollow bracket <NUM> to thereby adjust the distance of the shield <NUM> from the support platform <NUM> to fit various head sizes. The face protector shield <NUM> includes a plurality of openings <NUM> to allow comfort, relaxing and/or airy environment for the user. The openings <NUM> my form a grill-like pattern, a filter -like pattern or any alternative airy pattern, as long as the obtained products allows an airy environment to the patient.

The device <NUM> may include a collision sensor <NUM> configured in the shield <NUM> to detect collisions. Examples of collision sensor <NUM> include but not limited to a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive-resistive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an electro-optic sensor, a contact sensor, a strain sensor, a temperature sensor (thermocouple), and a combination thereof.

The device <NUM> may further include one or more of a speaker <NUM> to generate audio signals, a microphone <NUM> to receive audio signals, a camera <NUM> to capture visuals, a display unit <NUM> to display visuals, a bi-directional communication unit <NUM> to communicate the visual and audio signals over a communication network, and a battery <NUM> to power the bi-directional communication unit <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> and/or the speaker <NUM>. The speaker <NUM>, microphone <NUM>, camera <NUM>, display unit <NUM>, bi-directional communication unit <NUM>, and/or battery <NUM> may be disposed on one or more positions in the protector shield <NUM> or on alternative locations, such as the support platform <NUM>.

Examples of a communication network include but are not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular etc. Examples a battery <NUM> include but not limited to a lithium ion battery, a lithium/silver vanadium oxide battery, a lithium polymer battery, rechargeable battery or a super-capacitor. Examples of a display unit <NUM> include but not limited to cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) display etc..

<FIG> illustrate a perspective front view (<FIG>) and a perspective back view (<FIG>) of the device <NUM> protecting upper body of a patient <NUM>. The device <NUM> may be connected to bed, chair, table, X-ray systems etc. via attachment means (not shown) to connect the support platform <NUM> or shield <NUM> to the bed, chair, table, X-ray systems, and/or X-ray radiation shielding apparatus. The shield <NUM> covers the face of the user <NUM> and is shown in closed position.

<FIG> illustrate the device <NUM> when the shield <NUM> fully opened, i.e., the pivotal movement includes, for example, <NUM>° opening of shield <NUM> with respect to support platform <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates yet another exemplary head protection device <NUM> for protecting the face of a patient <NUM>, which similarly to device <NUM> includes a shield <NUM> pivotally connected via a hinge <NUM> to a support platform <NUM>. The device includes a vertical side wall <NUM> extending perpendicular from a base unit <NUM> and allowing a side pivotal opening of the shield <NUM>. Optionally, the device <NUM> includes an adjuster unit (as shown in <FIG>) for allowing the adjustment of the distance of shield <NUM> from support platform <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate yet another exemplary head protection device <NUM> for protecting the face of a patient, which is similar to device <NUM> with the exception that device <NUM> does not include a base unit (such as base unit <NUM> shown for example in <FIG>). Device <NUM> includes a shield <NUM> pivotally connected via a hinge <NUM> to vertical rear wall <NUM>. The device <NUM> includes an adjuster mechanism <NUM> which may be similar to adjuster mechanism <NUM> of device <NUM>. Device <NUM> is connectable via attachment means, e.g., straps (not shown) to a patient bed/table/chair. In device <NUM>, the patient positions his head on a head support platform (e.g., patient bed/chair/operation table) and the device is connected to the head support platform or an add-on system or a sub-system such to allow protection of a patient's upper body portion.

<FIG> is a flow chart illustration of a method of protecting a person positioned on a patient bed/table. For example, a head protection device, such as device <NUM>, may include a shield, e.g., shield <NUM> positioned on a bed/table and/or on a patient support platform, e.g., support platform <NUM>. Optionally, the device may be opened to facilitate positioning the patient on the support platform and/or closed to shield the patient while the patient is on the support platform. Optionally, the shield may be opened to facilitate the patient moving off the support platform. Alternatively, or additionally, the patient may position himself under or behind the shield without changing the shield's position. Once the patient is in position, the shield may be adjusted to shield the patient and/or for comfort of the patient and/or to allow access to the patient and/or to facilitate movement of the patient as necessary for a medical procedure. For example, the shield may provide collision protection to one or more parts of a patient.

For example, a face/head shield may be anchored onto a patient bed/table of an X-ray system. Optionally, the shield is opened, and/or the shield is optionally closed and/or adjusted. For example, the shield may be adjusted to be close to the face of the patient. For example, part of the shield and/or the entire shield/ and/or the inner surface of the shield may be <NUM> to <NUM> distanced from the patients' face and/or <NUM> to <NUM> and/or <NUM> to <NUM> distanced from the patient. For example, adjusting the shield to be close to the patient may reduce the interference of the shield to positioning and/or movement of the C-arm or other X-ray equipment. Once the shield is in position, the X-ray system may be used to scan the patient and/or his face with reduced risk of collision with his face. Optionally, an x-ray system may visualize parts of the patient through the shield, for example the shield may be made of a radiolucent material with respect to the scanning radiation.

Optionally, the shield may be made of a material that is visible to an active collision avoidance system of the X-ray system or a portion thereof. It would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various materials such as radiolucent and carbon fibers may be envisioned without deviating from the scope of the claimed invention.

In some embodiments, a patient may be supported by a table and/or examination chair and/or bed/table and/or chair. Medical personnel may be using heavy and/or dangerous and/or moving equipment around the patient. For example, such a situation commonly occurs with X-ray systems having a moveable C-arm. Optionally the patient face/head shield includes a shield that protects sensitive parts of the patient from collisions. Optionally the shield is designed to allow access to the patient for a procedure.

In some embodiments, a face/head shield is mounted on a patient bed/table of an X-ray system. For example, the scanning equipment may include moving scanning elements. For example, the shield may be positioned over and/or around a face of a patient, for example to protect him from collision with the moving scanning equipment. Optionally, the shield may be made of radiolucent material and/or positioned close to and/or wrapped around the face of the patient for example to avoid interfering with movement and/or functioning of the X-ray system. Optionally the shield is configured to avoid irritating the patient. For example, a face/head shield may have large open spaces to avoid making the patient feel trapped and/or suffocated, and/or to protect the patient from possible collisions with an X-ray system or an X-ray add-on system.

As herein described, the device protection device includes a shield, for protecting a portion of a subject from a collision with an object moving relative to the subject and a support platform. Optionally, the device includes fixature means configured to hold the shield rigidly to a patient support device (e.g., patient bed/table) or to the support platform. For example, an adjustor may be positioned between the shield and the support platform. For example, the adjustor may allow movement of the shield with respect to the support platform, for example to facilitate positioning the patient on the support and/or to facilitate movement of the patient on the support platform. Optionally, the adjustment mechanism may be locked, for example holding the shield rigidly to the support for shielding the subject.

Each of the following terms: 'includes', 'including', 'has', 'having', 'comprises', and 'comprising', and, their linguistic, as used herein, means 'including, but not limited to', and is to be taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof.

The term 'consisting essentially of" as used herein means that the scope of the claim is limited to the specified elements and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed device and materials.

Each of the phrases 'consisting of and 'consists of, as used herein, means 'including and limited to'.

The term 'method', as used herein, refers to steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, either known to, or readily developed from known steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, by practitioners in the relevant field(s) of the disclosure.

Throughout this disclosure, a numerical value of a parameter, feature, characteristic, object, or dimension, may be stated or described in terms of a numerical range format. Such a numerical range format, as used herein, illustrates implementation of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, and does not inflexibly limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, a stated or described numerical range also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values (where a numerical value may be expressed as a whole, integral, or fractional number) within that stated or described numerical range. For example, a stated or described numerical range 'from <NUM> to <NUM>' also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges, such as 'from <NUM> to <NUM>', 'from <NUM> to <NUM>', 'from <NUM> to <NUM>', 'from <NUM> to <NUM>', 'from <NUM> to <NUM>', 'from <NUM> to <NUM>', etc., and individual numerical values, such as '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', '<NUM>', and '<NUM>', within the stated or described numerical range of 'from <NUM> to <NUM>'. This applies regardless of the numerical breadth, extent, or size, of the stated or described numerical range.

Moreover, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase 'in a range of between about a first numerical value and about a second numerical value', is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase 'in a range of from about a first numerical value to about a second numerical value', and, thus, the two equivalently meaning phrases may be used interchangeably.

The term 'about', is some embodiments, refers to ±<NUM> % of the stated numerical value. In further embodiments, the term refers to ±<NUM> % of the stated numerical value. In yet further embodiments, the term refers to ±<NUM> % of the stated numerical value.

It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and features which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub combination in the context or format of a single embodiment, may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.

Claim 1:
A patient head protection device for protecting a patient's head from collision with X-ray equipment, the device comprising:
a head protection shield (<NUM>) comprising a face protector shield (<NUM>);
a support platform (<NUM>) for supporting the patient's head, the support platform comprising a base unit (<NUM>) for receiving the patient's head and a vertical rear wall (<NUM>) extending perpendicular from the base unit (<NUM>);
a hinge (<NUM>) for pivotably attaching the head protection shield to the support platform, wherein the hinge (<NUM>) connects the head protection shield (<NUM>) to the support platform via a rear surface (<NUM>) of the rear wall; and
an adjuster unit (<NUM>), wherein the adjuster unit (<NUM>) comprises a sliding mechanism allowing the vertical movement of the face protector shield to adjust the distance between the face protector shield (<NUM>) and the base unit (<NUM>) thereby allowing to fit various head sizes.