SHIELDED X-RAY SOURCE, METHOD OF SHIELDING AN X-RAY SOURCE, AND MAGNETIC SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH SHIELDED X-RAY SOURCE

摘要

Generally, the shielded x-ray source of the present invention has a cast shield (36, 38) of an iron based material substantially enclosing and closely conforming to the x-ray tube (30) to shield the x-ray tube imaging beam from interference from magnetic fields. The method of the present invention includes providing a shield (36, 38) cast from an iron-based material in a shape having a cavity to receive and closely conform to the x-ray tube (30), and installing the cast shield around the x-ray tube. The magnetic surgical system comprises at least one magnet for magnetically navigating a medical device in an operating region in a patient's body, and an imaging apparatus including at least one x-ray tube for imaging the operating region.