Method and apparatus for producing radioactive materials for medical treatment using x-rays produced by an electron accelerator
US6907106B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21G4/08
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for irradiating target objects, especially medical stents for in vivo implantation. A linear accelerator provides a high energy electron beam that impinges upon and is received by an x-ray conversion target. The x-ray conversion target is activated by either a static or dynamically moveable electron beam to generate and emit an x-ray flux so as to efficiently intercept the target object. The x-ray flux is directed to the target object for a desired time period and is of sufficiently high energy to efficiently impart radioactive properties to the target object. Alternatively, the target object is positioned within the path of the x-ray flux or is translated within the path during irradiation. Mechanical transport assemblies such as a carousel, rotational and/or linear translator and/or movement tube system also may be provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.