REAL-TIME IN VIVO RADIATION DOSIMETRY USING SCINTILLATION DETECTOR
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for measuring radiation levels in vivo in real time. Apparatus and methods include a scintillating material coupled to a retention member.
47 Citations
53 Claims
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1-38. -38. (canceled)
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39. A method of measuring radiation levels in real time during radiation therapy of a prostate, the method comprising:
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(a) inserting a rectal balloon into a rectum of a male patient having prostate cancer; (i) said rectal balloon having an external shape that conforms to a prostate; (ii) said rectal balloon coupled to a dosimeter comprising a plastic scintillating material coupled to an optical guide; (b) inflating said rectal balloon; (c) coupling said dosimeter to a photodetector coupled to a data analyzer; (d) initiating a radiation therapy of said prostate; (e) calculating a level of radiation at said prostate based on the amount of light detected by said photodetector; and (f) stopping said radiation therapy when said calculated level of radiation is equal to a predetermined level of radiation. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
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47. A device for in vivo real time dosimetry during radiation therapy, said device comprising:
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(a) an inflatable rectal balloon fluidly coupled to a conduit for inflating said balloon; (b) said balloon having an external shape that conforms to a prostate; (c) said balloon comprising a channel thereon, said channel containing a real time dosimeter; (d) said real time dosimeter comprising a water equivalent plastic scintillator coupled to an optical fiber; (e) wherein said real time dosimeter can monitor an in vivo dose of radiotherapy beams or brachytherapy in real time. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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Specification