Equipment for C-arm radiation protection in the operating room

Personal protective equipment: lead apron and thyroid collar

A lead apron is the baseline for every person in the room during fluoroscopy. Aprons are specified by lead equivalence, commonly in the range of 0.25 to 0.5 mm Pb, and by style. Wrap-around designs protect staff who turn their back to the beam, while front-protection aprons suffice for those who always face it. Lead-free and composite materials reduce weight, but their lead equivalence should always be declared and verified.

A thyroid collar is separate and should be worn by anyone working close to the beam. Weight is a real issue for surgeons who stand for hours, so consider two-piece vest-and-skirt designs that move load to the hips, and check sizing options for the whole team.

Leaded eyewear and gloves

The lens of the eye is sensitive to radiation, and regular operators should wear leaded glasses with side shields. Check the lead equivalence, the fit over prescription glasses and optical quality. Surgeons whose hands may enter the primary beam should be trained to avoid it; leaded gloves can give a false sense of security and do not replace keeping hands out of the beam.

A personal dosimeter, worn according to your radiation protection programme, remains the way to verify that your protection works. Our guide to C-arm radiation safety explains how distance and scatter affect staff dose.

Ceiling suspended radiation shield and mobile barriers

A ceiling suspended radiation shield, typically a leaded acrylic screen, protects the operator's upper body, head and eyes without the weight of garments. It is positioned between the beam entrance point and the operator and must be easy to move and hold in place with one hand. Because it hangs from the ceiling, the mounting must be rated for the load and positioned so that it does not interfere with lights or the C-arm arc.

MZ Liberec's SPR suspension arm system is designed to carry operating lights, cameras, monitors and X-ray protective screens, with SPR 10 arms rated up to 28 kg per arm and SPR 11 up to 12 kg, 360 degree rotation through slip rings, an antibacterial powder coating and ceiling or wall mounting. See the SPR system for details; the screen itself is chosen separately.

• Check the load rating of the arm against the screen weight
• Make sure the shield clears the surgical light and C-arm movements
• Use mobile floor barriers for staff who stand away from the table
• Add leaded drapes or table-side curtains where the layout allows

Room design and radiation safety equipment manufacturers

Personal shields are the last line of defence. Room walls, doors and observation windows must be designed with lead or equivalent shielding for the workload, and the design is normally signed off by a qualified radiation protection expert and the regulator. See our overview of radiation regulations in the UAE and confirm current requirements with the authorities.

When comparing radiation safety equipment manufacturers, ask for lead-equivalence test reports, warranty terms, sizing ranges, cleaning instructions and available spares. Equipment that lacks clear documentation should not be accepted for clinical use.

Care, inspection and replacement

Aprons should be hung on proper racks, never folded or creased, because cracks in the lead layer create hidden gaps. Inspect them visually and by fluoroscopy or radiography at regular intervals and remove damaged ones from use. Keep a register with the serial number, date of issue and test results.

Beckfinity can advise on suspension and mounting solutions for ORs and put you in touch with specialists for planning. Contact us to request a quotation or consultation, and see our mobile C-arm buying guide for the wider purchasing checklist.