Catheter tip x-ray source
US6661875B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/0236
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a catheter having an x-ray generator unit at its tip which generates x-ray radiation having a wavelength in a range effective for treating biological tissue. In one embodiment, the x-ray generator unit includes a miniature x-ray generator and a miniature transformer that form, in combination, a monolithic device. The transformer includes a primary winding that receives an input voltage in a range of 100 V to 4 kV from a power source, via a flexible cable that runs from the proximal end of the catheter body to its distal end. The transformer further includes a secondary winding that up-converts the input voltage to generate an output voltage in a range of 10 kV to 40 kV to be applied to a cathode of the x-ray generator. The cathode emits electrons in response to the applied voltage, and an extraction electrode guides the emitted electrons to an anode, which is preferably formed of a high-Z refractory metal. The impact of the electrons with the anode effects generation of x-ray radiation, a portion of which is transmitted via an x-ray transmissive window to the outside environment. One significant advantage of the device of the invention is that by empl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.