Patent attributes
A supported radiation protective garment is presented that can be worn by a medical provider under a standard surgical gown during procedures that involve the use of radiation. When used by the provider, the protective garment is lifted by vertical support members which can be extended downward and retracted upward. Rolling or sliding means at the lower end of the vertical support members allow the provider to move unhindered while wearing the radiation protective garment. The provider has access to a control mechanism that allows the shifting between retracted and extended positions of the vertical support members without breaking sterility. An alternative embodiment presents an upper apron portion of the protective garment, which can be manually connected by an assistant to a lower rolling base portion. The invention allows the provider to wear a heavy protective garment, offering significantly better radiation protection than standard ‘lead aprons’, while not being burdened by the weight of the garment. Further, the invention allows to maintain sterility at all times, and gives two or more providers, each wearing this protective garment, the option to work and move in close spatial proximity to each other.
