X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY METHOD AND APPARATUS USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CHARGED PARTICLE CANCER THERAPY SYSTEM
First Claim
1. An apparatus for positioning a patient for imaging of a tumor with X-rays, comprising:
- a statically positioned X-ray source;
a lower support unit;
at least one patient positioning device, said lower support unit supporting said patient positioning device; and
means for rotating said lower support unit about an about vertical axis to a plurality of rotation positions,wherein said plurality of rotation positions comprises at least five computer controlled rotation positions in a period of less than two minutes during imaging of the tumor by the X-rays, said X-ray source configured to deliver the X-rays along an about horizontal axis over a portion of said lower support unit.
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Abstract
The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for positioning a patient for imaging of a tumor with X-rays, comprising:
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a statically positioned X-ray source; a lower support unit; at least one patient positioning device, said lower support unit supporting said patient positioning device; and means for rotating said lower support unit about an about vertical axis to a plurality of rotation positions, wherein said plurality of rotation positions comprises at least five computer controlled rotation positions in a period of less than two minutes during imaging of the tumor by the X-rays, said X-ray source configured to deliver the X-rays along an about horizontal axis over a portion of said lower support unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for positioning a patient for imaging of a tumor with X-rays, comprising the steps of:
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supporting the patient on a platform; computer controlling at least one of a vertical position of said platform and a rotation position of said platform, wherein at least a portion of said platform comprises a position under an about horizontal beam path of the X-rays originating at an X-ray source; rotating said platform, under computer control, to at least ten rotation positions over at least about one hundred eighty degrees of rotation during an X-ray imaging period; detecting X-rays transmitted through the patient with a detector; and generating an image of the tumor using signal observed with said detector. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification