Xoft, Inc.

The Perkin-elmer Corporation

Xoft Microtube, Inc.

Thomas W Rusch

Paul A Lovoi

Alex L Lim

Daren Stewart

Darius Francescatti

Peter Clark Smith

Robert R Burnside

Steve Axelrod

Robert G Neimeyer

Randall W Holt

Steven D Hansen

Donald G Pellinen

John Rieke

Daren L Stewart

A device, system and method for administering radiation therapy to a tissue surface of a patient utilizes an applicator capable of controlled movement and repositioning over a selected area of tissue, under the control of a computer or controller. A servo-controlled manipulator can effect a raster scan of the desired area, such as an area of the skin, and this can be in any desired pattern such as serpentine, spiral, parallel but unidirectional, or irregular patterns. Preferably a third direction of control is included, i.e. a depth direction, with an appropriate form of depth sensor, a signal from which can be used to adjust the radiation source so that radiation of the tissue surface is consistent over varied contoured.

Apparatus and methods for radiation treatment of tissue surfaces

Methods and apparatus are described for irradiating living tissue via a cavity or lumen, using an inflatable balloon applicator. In a preferred embodiment the applicator balloon has a balloon skin with x-ray contrast material in relatively low concentration, so that an outline of the balloon will appear sharply when imaged externally. In another preferred embodiment the balloon catheter has a drain for withdrawing liquids from the cavity, which may include channels or texture on the exterior of the balloon. Methods are described for using a switchable miniature x-ray tube, variable as to voltage and current, to achieve accuracy in an isodose profile.

Radiation treatment using x-ray source

A miniature x-ray tube has an anode assembly capable of transmitting x-rays through the anode and over a wide angular range. The anode is in the shape of a cone or truncated cone with an axis on the x-ray tube frame axis, formed of low-Z material with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation. A target material on the anode body is in a thin layer, which may be approximately 0.5 to 5 microns thick. In one embodiment a tube evacuation exhaust port at the tail end of the anode assembly forms a cavity for a getter, with a pinched-off tubulation at the end of the cavity.

Anode assembly for an x-ray tube

A miniature x-ray tube is cooled using a catheter preferably having multiple small lumens for inflow and outflow of coolant. Inflow may be through an outer lumen(s) in a concentric-extrusion catheter, the liquid turning back at the distal end of the catheter to a proximal flow over the anode end of the x-ray tube and through an inner lumen within which the x-ray tube is positioned. A coolant distribution head may engage with the anode end of the x-ray tube, with small orifices so as to distribute coolant essentially evenly over the anode surface. Temperature and flow rate of the inflowing coolant liquid are balanced so as to optimize heat transfer while efficiently carrying coolant through small lumens without the need for high pressures. Some embodiments use the inflation liquid in an applicator balloon as the coolant, with the liquid actively flowing or, in a simplified system, with the liquid static.

Miniature x-ray tube cooling system

The present invention is directed to an energy analysis and detection system for surface chemical analysis which includes an input lens system for receiving charged particles, said lens system having a first lens stage for definition of analysis area and angular acceptance and a second lens stage for energy adjustment with an aperture assembly interposed between the first lens stage and second lens stage, a spherical capacitor energy analyzer for receiving the output from the input lens system and performing spectroscopic energy resolution, and a detector assembly for receiving the output from the spherical capacitor energy analyzer and detecting the charged particles.

Energy and analysis detection system for surface chemical analysis

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Hopkins, MN, United States of America

Thomas W Rusch