Photoelectron Corporation

Francis M Feda

James Kelland

Dave Violette

Mark Rocco Ciravolo

The invention is directed toward an X-ray treatment kit to be used in an X-ray treatment apparatus. The X-ray treatment kit includes at least one of an improved biocompatible sheath or an improved probe, wherein an airflow path is maintained between the sheath and probe to allow air present within a void region of the sheath to escape as the probe is inserted therein. In various embodiments, the sheath includes a securing assembly which removably secures the sheath to the probe and provides an airflow path, e.g. an internally disposed annular ring with air shunts. Such a sheath may be used with a typical smooth probe to form an X-ray treatment kit. In other embodiments, an improved probe includes an air channel formed substantially along its length. In such a case, the improved probe may be used with a typical sheath, i.e., a sheath having a solid annular ring at its open end, to form an X-ray treatment kit.

X-ray probe sheath apparatus

X-Ray probe sheath apparatus

An X-ray source interlock kit includes a probe-based portion integral with an X-ray source in communication with a peripheral-based portion, the interlock kit serving as an interface between an X-ray treatment system and a given class of peripheral devices. Peripheral devices are classified based on their shielding characteristics and whether or not radiation is permitted with the device, and include, for example, a stereotactic frame, a probe adjuster, and a photodiode array. The probe-based portion includes a probe side bushing having two optical source-detector pairs housed therein and interlock electronics, which accomplish signal processing as required. The peripheral-based portion is the form of a peripheral side bushing which is coded with the shielding and radiation information for a given class of peripheral devices. The peripheral side bushing of the interlock kit is mounted to a peripheral device of the appropriate class and the X-ray source incorporating the probe side bushing and the interlock electronics is then positioned against the peripheral side bushing to form the assembled interlock kit. When assembled, the probe side bushing and peripheral side bushing remain substantially in contact. Based on the coding of the peripheral side bushing, an optical path is established for one, both, or none of the optical source detector pairs. The X-ray source then radiates or is prevented from radiating, depending on the number of established optical paths, and satisfaction of other necessary system conditions.

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Maynard, MA, United States of America

Francis M Feda