System and method for multiple particle therapy
US5866912A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1095
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for delivering two types of particles to a target within the body of a patient. A proton beam therapy system produces a beam of protons that is directed from a nozzle towards a target isocenter located within the body of a patient. The beam of protons can pass directly to the patient or pass through a neutron source comprised of a plate of neutron-rich material. Collisions between some of the protons and neutrons cause neutrons to be emitted from the material thereby generating a multiple particle beam comprised of both protons and neutrons. Preferably, the neutrons comprise only a small percent of the total particles in the beam. In the preferred embodiment, the neutron source is comprised of a plate of Beryllium that is interposed between the nozzle and the patient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.