Catheterized plasma X-ray source

DWPI Title: X-ray-generating apparatus for e.g. cancer treatment of living subject has nozzle situated within plasma discharge chamber and conformed to inject flow of plasma-forming fluid into gap at velocity in predetermined range
Abstract: A radiation generator useful for medical applications, among others, is provided. The radiation generator includes a catheter; a plasma discharge chamber situated within a terminal portion of the catheter, a cathode and an anode positioned within the plasma discharge chamber and separated by a gap, and a high-voltage transmission line extensive through the interior of the catheter and terminating on the cathode and anode so as to deliver, in operation, one or more voltage pulses across the gap.
Use: X-ray-generating apparatus for e.g. cancer treatment of living subject.
Advantage: Reduces dose delivered to the patient, relative to conventional isotopic and other sources by delivering localized radiation dose from the end of catheter. The dense plasma focus configurations dynamically approach quasispherical behavior. The response time of gas supply is minimized by incorporating the valve in nozzle chip.
Novelty: The X-ray-generating apparatus has a catheter (400), a plasma discharge chamber situated within terminal portion of catheter, a cathode and an anode positioned within the plasma discharge chamber and separated by a gap, and a high-voltage transmission line extensive through the interior of catheter and terminating on the cathode and anode so as to deliver, in operation, one or more voltage pulses across the gap. A nozzle is situated within the plasma discharge chamber and conformed to inject flow of plasma-forming fluid into the gap at a velocity in the range Mach 0.5 to Mach 10.
Filed: 12/10/2013
Application Number: US14102422A
Tech ID: SD 12598.0
This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention.
Data from Derwent World Patents Index, provided by Clarivate
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