Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Stiftung Des Offentlichen Rechts

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Stiftung Des Oeffentlichen Rechts

Otto Pastyr

Wolfgang Schlegel

Gernot Echner

Wolfgang Maier-Borst

Karl-Heinz Hover

Walter Lorenz

Hans-Joachim Zabel

Horst Weber

Reiner Bader

Günther Hartmann

Simone Barthold

Karl-Heinz H&ouml;ver

Walter Ganter

Peter Fritschy

Jurgen Richter

Volker Sturm

The invention relates to a collimator () for defining a beam of energetic rays () which is emitted from an essentially punctiform radiation source () and is oriented onto an object () to be treated. The collimator is especially used for the stereotactic conformation radiotherapy of tumors. The collimator () is embodied in such a way that an irregular object () can be scanned by rays (') which are defined by an opening in the collimator. The invention also relates to a program for controlling the collimator. In order to define the contours (&#x2033;) of the objects () to be irradiated in a simple but highly accurate manner, especially with a precise definition of the irradiation fields, the collimator comprises a plurality of different sized openings (&#x2033;). One of the openings (&#x2033;) can be selectively displaced in a polydirectional manner on a strip () having a spherical surface, and the central axis () thereof is oriented towards the radiation source (). The other collimator openings (&#x2033;) are shielded form the rays (). A control system () acts on the drives () of a drive device () in such a way that large openings (&#x2032;) are used to scan large irradiation surfaces () of the object to be treated (), and small openings (&#x2033;) are used for precise definition at the edge of the irradiation surfaces () of the object to be treated (), especially in the event of irregular contours (&#x2033;).

Collimator for high-energy radiation and program for controlling said collimator

The invention relates to a collimator ( ) for limiting a bundle of high-energy rays ( ), which is emitted by a substantially point-like radiation source ( ) and directed towards a treatment object ( ) and used in particular for the stereotactic conformation radiotherapy of tumors. According to the invention the collimator ( ) comprises a plurality of diaphragm leaves ( &prime;) which are arranged opposite each other and which are made of a radiation-absorbing material and which, by means of drive mechanisms, can be moved into the optical path in such a way that the contours and/or exposure period of said optical path can be freely defined, the front edges ( &prime;) of the diaphragm leaves ( &prime;) being parallel to the optical path at all times. Avoiding penumbral shadows with this kind of collimator ( ) is made considerably easier if the diaphragm leaves ( &prime;) consists of a rear partial element ( &prime;) which can be linearly displaced and a front partial element ( &prime;) which is hinged to same. Drive means adjust the front partial element ( &prime;) in accordance with the prevailing position of the rear partial element ( &prime;) in such a way that the front edges ( &prime;) are parallel to the optical path at all times.

Collimator for limiting a bundle of high-energy rays

A contour collimator for radiation therapy has a plurality of diaphragm elements that are movable with respect to each other by means of drive units. The diaphragm elements of the invention are supported only on the side near the drive units for ease of movement. This allows larger contour collimators to be constructed having relatively heavy diaphragm elements while retaining relatively small motors.

Contour collimator for use in radiotherapy

The invention relates to a displacement-detecting element ( ) comprising a measuring resistance ( ), voltage source ( ) and a displacement-dependent voltage pick off ( ). The measuring resistance ( ) is embodied in the form of a strip. The length of the resistor ( ) corresponds to at least the maximal length of displacement ( ) of the component to be detected. The invention also relates to a multileaf collimator ( ) having such a displacement-detecting element ( ). The aim of the invention is to produce a displacement-detecting element (a) for detecting the position of the leaves ( ) in a multileaf collimator ( ) in a precise and faultless manner. The displacement detecting element ( ) is designed for detecting the displacement ( &prime;) of the leaves ( ) in a multileaf collimator ( ) in the following manner: the measuring resistance ( ) or the voltage pick off point ( ) are connected in a rigid manner to the leaves ( ) in order to detect the displacement and another functioning element ( or ) is arranged in a fixed manner. At least one of these functioning elements ( ) is disposed in an area ( &Prime;) of the leaves ( ), which is not exposed to main radiation ( ).

Displacement detecting element

The radiation system has several radiation sources aimed toward a central point. These radiation sources are on arc element that pivots on an axis. The center can hence be irradiated from different sides. The radiation sources preferably have irregularly adjustable diaphragms. The system is suitable for irradiating any part of the human body. It is easy to manufacture and simple to used.

Radiation system with several radiation sources directed to a control point

A contour collimator has a plurality of plate-shaped diaphragm elements movably arranged with respect to each other in a guiding block to form a contour diaphragm for a radiation beam emitted by a radiation source towards the collimator, and at least one drive for moving the diaphragm elements. A drive is associated with each diaphragm element with the drives of a group of diaphragm elements being substantially adjacent, and a driving transmission arranged between each drive and the associated diaphragm element.

Contour collimator for radiotherapy

Whole body stereotaxic device

A contour collimator for shaping a radiation beam for radiation therapy has two sets of radiation-impermeable lamellae disposed opposite each other, with each lamella being individually displaceable toward and away from its counterpart lamella in the other set. The sets of lamella are disposed between lateral walls of holder, at least one of which can be loosened and tightened. The lamellae are normally urged against each other by a spring force acting on each lamella. A user-manipulable mechanism is operable for displacing all of the lamellae in both sets away from each other, so that a form conforming to the desired contour can be placed between the lamellae. The mechanism is then moved to permit the spring force to act on each lamella, causing the lamellae to abut the form. The lamellae are then clamped in position.

Contour collimator for radiation therapy

An intervivo probe for a nuclear magnetic resonance tomographic apparatus has a measuring coil carried at one end of a thin plastic carrier, the coil having a cross-sectional area in the range of approximately a few square millimeters and a length of approximately 10 to 20 mm. The measuring probe is inserted in body organs, such as the brain, liver and kidney by means of cannulae or channels which have been surgically or otherwise inserted in the organ for other purposes.

Intervivo coil for a nuclear magnetic resonance tomographic apparatus

A contour collimator has diaphragm plates arranged in displaceable fashion relative to one another. Each diaphragm plate is individually engageable with an adjustment element shared by all of the diaphragm plates for displacing one diaphragm plate relative to the remaining diaphragm plates. An interlock mechanism in engagement with the remaining diaphragm plates retains those plates in their respectively existing positions during displacement of the one plate. The adjustment element is displaceable from the one diaphragm plate to another diaphragm plate which can then be displaced by the adjustment element while the other plates are retained in position.

Growing community of inventors

Leimen, Germany

Otto Pastyr