Shielded structure for radiation treatment equipment and method of assembly

An apparatus for forming a radiation treatment center comprising:

• a plurality of free standing modules each comprising a first support frame and at least two spaced apart rigid walls defining a channel between the walls, the modules each having outer dimensions generally defining a rectangular solid having a major axis,
• wherein the modules are adapted to be connected to each other to form a barrier zone substantially surrounding a central treatment area, the barrier zone comprising the channels of the modules and wherein the channels of at least two of the modules are in fluid communication such that radiation shielding filler material provided into one channel can flow into the adjacent channel, and
• a second plurality of free standing modules at least one of which comprises a reinforced floor portion, the second plurality of modules adapted to be placed on top of and connected to the first plurality of modules with the reinforced floor portions above and substantially covering the central treatment area,
• the second plurality of modules having portions that align over and in fluid communication with the barrier zone such that radiation filler material provided into the second plurality of modules could flow into the barrier zone.

A system for housing a therapeutic radiation source comprising:

• a plurality of free standing transportable modules connected to form a central medical treatment area,
• a barrier of radiation shielding material substantially surrounding the treatment area;
• and
• medical equipment in the central treatment area adapted to therapeutically treat a patient with radiation;
• wherein the barrier is effective to substantially reduce the measurable radiation level outside the central treatment area when the patient is being therapeutically treated with the radiation inside the treatment area;
• wherein the medical equipment is mounted on a portion of one of the modules that is separately removable from the treatment area to allow withdrawal and replacement of the medical equipment without substantial disturbance of the portion of the barrier that is spaced from the portion of the module that is separately removable.

A method of constructing a modular radiation shielding structure comprising:

• forming a central area sized and configured for human occupation;
• providing a source of radiation in the central area;
• connecting a plurality of free-standing transportable modules to form a barrier zone substantially surrounding the central area, the barrier zone defined by at least first and second spaced apart rigid walls comprising portions of the plurality of modules, wherein at least two of the plurality of modules each include portions of said first and second spaced apart rigid walls, the portions defining a channel comprising a portion of the barrier zone,
• delivering a quantity of radiation shielding filler material to the barrier zone to form a barrier substantially surrounding the central area,
• wherein the quantity of filler material is sufficient to substantially reduce or eliminate the measurable level of radiation outside the central area attributable to the source of radiation in the central area.