Intra-operative radiation therapy capsule with cylindrical shell radiation containment shutter system

Abstract

This invention proposes a capsule to administer radiation to a patient to be mounted on an arm, preferably a robotic arm such as on and in coordination with a Da Vinci® Surgical Robot, in order to control radiation exposure using a cylindrical shell shutter system designed to minimize leakage from a centrally located radiation source, while permitting full exposure of irradiated subject material or space when the cylindrical shell shutter system is opened. Using a series of concentric cylindrical shells which each contain an offset conically-shaped aperture from that of an adjacent cylindrical shell, when the cylindrical shells rotate into an 'open' position, the apertures form a smooth cone to an outer emission aperture and expose the radiation source to adjacent tissue. When rotated to be “closed” or “off, the offset apertures and shells occlude the source, preventing full-strength radiation exposure and minimizing radiation leakage.