Designing Flexible Shield From Lead With High Protection Against X-rays in Operating Room Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract

Background: The use of non-flexible lead shields in X-ray detection systems requires a high cost, and it is heavy and subject to frequent cracks and fractures. Therefore, the shield should be designed in a way that has less weight, appropriate efficiency in reducing ionizing radiation, and a more reasonable price. Methods: In the operating room using the MCNPX (Monte Carlo N-Particle extended) code, the shield compounds were modeled to determine the optimal composition (with less weight, higher efficiency in removing ionizing radiation, and in more appropriate price), and then the amount of dose was calculated around the lead chamber with 10 cm from the walls of a detection system. Results: Using a weight combination of 80% lead and 20% polyvinyl chloride was a suitable option in the diagnostic radiology domain which has less weight, lower cost, and good efficiency in reducing X-rays compared to lead shields. Conclusion: The amount of dosage rate on all sides outside the chamber became less than 1 µSv/h, indicating that the combination of lead and polyvinyl chloride is suitable for the body of the chamber.