X-ray shield for breasts
OwnerPatrick Allan Llewellyninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for shielding a breast region of a patient undergoing x-ray examination includes a central portion and first and second lateral portions. The central portion is suspended in front of the breast region. Each of the first and second lateral portions extend substantially perpendicularly from the central portion. The first lateral portion includes a first lateral edge, the second lateral portion includes a second lateral edge, and the first and second lateral edges are located apart from the central portion. The first and second lateral portions include material adapted to impede x-ray radiation. One of the first and second lateral edges is placed against a sternum of the patient during the x-ray examination.
Claims18
An apparatus for shielding a breast region of a patient undergoing x-ray examination, the apparatus comprising:
- a central portion, wherein the central portion is adapted to be suspended in front of the breast region;
- and
- first and second lateral portions, wherein each of the first and second lateral portions extend substantially perpendicularly from the central portion, wherein the first lateral portion comprises a first lateral edge, wherein the second lateral portion comprises a second lateral edge, and wherein the first and second lateral edges are located apart from the central portion;
- wherein the first and second lateral portions comprise material adapted to impede x-ray radiation;
- and
- wherein one of the first and second lateral edges is adapted to be placed against a sternum of the patient during the x-ray examination.
A method for shielding the breasts of a patient undergoing x-ray examination from an x-ray tube, the method comprising:
- providing an apparatus comprising a central portion and first and second lateral portions, wherein each of the first and second lateral portions extend substantially perpendicular from the central portion, wherein the first lateral portion comprises a first lateral edge, wherein the second lateral portion comprises a second lateral edge, wherein the first and second lateral edges are located apart from the central portion, and wherein the first and second lateral portions comprise material adapted to impede x-ray radiation;
- positioning the apparatus such that the central portion is suspended in front of the breasts;
- and
- placing one of the first and second lateral edges against a sternum of the patient such that the first and second lateral portions are located on either lateral sides of the breast closest to the x-ray tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.