Abstract:
A radiation applicator system is structured to be mounted to a radiation source for providing a predefined dose of radiation for treating a localized area or volume, such as the tissue surrounding the site of an excised tumor. The applicator system includes an applicator (12), a shank (38) and an applicator head (30). The applicator can also include a low energy radiation filter located inside the applicator head (30), to reduce undesirable low energy emissions. A biocompatible radiation shield may be coupled to the applicator head in order to shield vital organs from undesired radiation.
Abstract:
An apparatus for delivering therapeutic radiation to a treatment region in a body in accordance with a prescribed dose distribution includes a source of therapeutic radiation, and an image-guided surgery system. The image-guided surgery system includes a position tracking system for tracking a position of the source with respect to the treatment region, and an imaging system for generating visual images in response to input data. A method is disclosed for delivering a prescribed dose of therapeutic radiation to a treatment region having an arbitrary geometry. A visual image representing a prescribed dose distribution within the treatment region is generated. Therapeutic radiation is delivered to the treatment region, and a cumulative dose of the radiation actually delievered to desired points within the treatment region is calculated. A visual image representing the delivered cumulative dose of radiation is generated and displayed. The amount of therapeutic radiation delivered to the treatment region is adjusted so that the delivered dose substantially matches the prescribed dose distribution at any desired point within the treatment region.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed for producing images representing radiation dose distribution in order to verify the radiation dose applied to a target area. The system uses a phantom assembly constructed of material that is the radiological equivalent of live tissue. The phantom assembly has slits where radiation sensitive film (28) can be inserted and can include a channel for an insertable radiation generating device. The treatment dose is then applied to the phantom and the radiation sensitive film records the dose. A CCD camera (20) microdensitometer is then used to read the exposed radiation sensitive film. The CCD microdensitomer includes a computer system (60) which processes the image to remove artifacts and generate isodose contours for the radiation treatment applied. In addition, several pieces of radiation sensitive film in different planes can be exposed and processed in order to produce images representing the radiation dose distribution in three dimensions.
Abstract:
A low-level, electron beam (16) activated source (10) of preselected or programmable duration and intensity x-rays. The source may be fully or partially implanted into, or surface-mounted onto a desired area to effect a preselected irradiated region. In medical applications, a method of treating malignant cells, such as tumors, in vivo, utilizing the apparatus described above.
Abstract:
A low-level, electron beam activated source of preselected or programmable duration and intensity x-rays. The source may be fully or partially implanted into, or surface-mounted onto a desired area to affect a preselected irradiated region. In medical applications, a method of treating malignant cells, such as tumors, in vivo, utilizing the apparatus described above.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed for producing images representing radiation dose distribution in order to verify the radiation dose applied to a large area. The system uses a phantom assembly (10) constructed of material that is radiological equivalent to live tissue. The phantom assembly has slits (32, 34 and 36) where radiation sensitive film can be inserted and can include a channel for an insertable radiation generating device (20). The treatment dose is then applied to the phantom and the radiation sensitive film records the dose. A CCD camera microdensitometer is then used to read the exposed radiation sensitive film. The CCD camera microdensitometer includes a computer system which processes the image to remove artifacts and generates isodose contours for the radiation treatment applied. In addition, several pieces of radiation sensitive film in different planes can be exposed and processed in order to produce images representing the radiation dose distribution in three dimensions.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to an x-ray source comprising a housing (12), a power supply (12A), an elongated tubular probe (14), a target assembly (26), and a beam steering assembly (29). The housing encloses an electron beam source (22), and has elements for generating an electron beam along a beam path. The power supply (12A) is programmable to control the voltage, current and timing of an electron beam. The elongated tubular probe (14) extends along a central axis from the housing (12) about the beam path. The target assembly (26) extends along the central axis and is adapted for coupling to end of the probe (14) distal from the housing (12). The target assembly (26) includes target element (26A) positioned along the beam path, wherein the target element (26A) is adapted to emit x-rays in a predetermined spectral range in response to incident electrons. The beam steering assembly (29) includes a deflection element (30), a feedback network (31) and a deflection controller (144). The deflection element (30) deflects the beam from a nominal axis to a selected surface region on the target element (26) in response to a deflection control signal. The feedback network (31) includes deflection sensing elements for sensing the deflection of the beam and elements for generating a feedback signal representative thereof.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an x-ray source (10) for irradiating a surface defining a body cavity. The source comprises a housing (12), an elongated tubular probe (14), a target assembly (26), and an inflatable balloon (410). The housing (12) encloses an electron beam source (22) and includes elements (23) for generating an electron beam along a beam path. The tubular probe (14) extends along a central axis from the housing (12) about the beam path. The target assembly (26) extends along the central axis and is coupled to the probe distal end. The target assembly (26) includes a target element (26A, 26B) adapted to emit x-rays in response to electrons incident thereon. The probe tip assembly and associated control electronics include elements for positioning the target element in the beam path, and is substantially x-ray transparent. The balloon (410) affixed to the distal end is inflatable so as to be inflated to stretch the cavity to a shape, thus allowing a uniform delivery of dose of radiation to the surface defining a body cavity.
Abstract:
A radiation applicator system is structured to be mounted to a radiation source for producing a predefined dose of radiation for treating a localized volume of tissue, such as the tissue surrounding the site of an excised tumor. The applicator system includes an applicator and, in some embodiments, an adapter. The adapter is formed for fixedly securing the applicator to a radiation source, such as the x-ray source of a radiosurgery system which produces a predefined radiation dose profile with respect to a predefined location along its radiation producing probe. The applicator includes a shank and an applicator head, wherein the head is located at a distal end of the applicator shank. A proximate end of the applicator shank couples to the adapter. A distal end of the shank includes the applicator head, which defines a concave treatment surface for engaging and, preferably, supporting the area to be treated with a predefined does of radiation. The applicator can include a low energy radiation filter inside of the applicator head to reduce undesirable low energy radiation emissions. A plurality of applicators having applicator heads of different sizes and shapes can be provided to accommodate treatment sites of various sizes and shapes. And, an adaptable applicator having a plurality of radiation positions can be provided to deliver a substantially cylindrical dose of radiation.