A Novel Removable Shield Attached to C-arm Units Against Scattered X-rays from a Patient's Side

Objectives: We invented a drape-like shield against scattered X-rays that can safely come into contact with medical equipment or people during fluoroscopically guided procedures. The shield can be easily removed from a C-arm unit using one hand. We evaluated the use of the novel removable shield during the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure.

Methods: We measured the dose rate of scattered X-rays around endoscopists with and without this removable shield and surveyed the occupational doses to the ERCP staff. We also examined the endurance of the shield.

Results: The removable shield reduced the dose rate of scattered X-rays to one-tenth and reduced the monthly dose to an endoscopist by at least two-fifths. For 2.5 years, there was no damage to the shield and no loosening of the seam. The bonding of the hook-and-loop fasteners did not weaken, although the powerful double-sided tapes made especially for plastic did.

Conclusions: The removable shield can reduce radiation exposure to the ERCP staff and may contribute to reducing the exposure to the eye lenses of operators. It would also be possible to expand its use to other fluoroscopically guided procedures besides ERCP because it is a light, simple, and useful device.

Key Points: • We invented a shield that can be removed from C-arm units with one hand. • The removable shield reduces the dose rate of X-rays to one-tenth. • The removable shield reduces operator exposure by two-fifths. • The removable shield is durable, lasting for several years. • The drape-like removable shield is light, simple, and useful.