Apparatus and methods for detecting, localizing, and imaging of radiation in biological systems
First Claim
1. A well shielded collimating probe for detecting radiation emanating from a hidden source, said probe comprising a small probe body formed of a radiation blocking material and arranged to be held adjacent said hidden source, radiation detecting means located within said probe body, window means covering aperture means confronting said detecting means through which radiation may pass, and adjustment means for adjusting the solid angle which radiation may pass through said aperture means to said detecting means, said solid angle being continuously variable between a predetermined maximum angle and a predetermined minimum angle and vice versa, whereupon the only radiation reaching said detecting means is that which is within said solid angle.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A collimating probe and methods of use for detecting, localizing, and mapping or imaging radiation emanating from a hidden source, such as within the body of a living being. The probe comprises a radiation detector and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the solid angle through which radiation may pass to the detector. That solid angle is continuously variable. The probe is constructed so that the only radiation reaching the detector is that which is within said solid angle. By adjusting the solid angle from a maximum to a minimum while moving the probe adjacent the source of radiation and sensing the detected radiation, one is able to precisely locate the probe at the source of radiation. The probe can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A receptacle is also provided to hold a specimen on the probe to detect the presence of radiation emanating therefrom. A printer and RS 232 data ports are provided. This collimating probe is typically used with the same radiopharmaceuticals used for nuclear medicine imaging.
-
Citations
45 Claims
- 1. A well shielded collimating probe for detecting radiation emanating from a hidden source, said probe comprising a small probe body formed of a radiation blocking material and arranged to be held adjacent said hidden source, radiation detecting means located within said probe body, window means covering aperture means confronting said detecting means through which radiation may pass, and adjustment means for adjusting the solid angle which radiation may pass through said aperture means to said detecting means, said solid angle being continuously variable between a predetermined maximum angle and a predetermined minimum angle and vice versa, whereupon the only radiation reaching said detecting means is that which is within said solid angle.
- 27. A method of detecting and localizing radiation emanating from a hidden source utilizing a collimating probe, said probe comprising a small probe body formed of a radiation blocking material, radiation detecting means located within said probe body, window means confronting said detecting means through which radiation may pass, and adjustment means for adjusting the solid angle which radiation may pass through said window means to said detecting means, said solid angle being continuously variable between a predetermined maximum angle and a predetermined minimum angle and vice versa, whereupon the only radiation reaching said detecting means is that which is within said solid angle, said method comprising the steps of adjusting said adjustment means so that said solid angle is at or close to said maximum solid angle, disposing said probe so that said window means is generally adjacent said hidden source to enable said detector to detect any radiation within said solid angle, moving said probe until said detector detects such radiation, adjusting said adjustment means to reduce said solid angle and moving said probe with respect to said source of radiation until said detector detects such radiation, continuing said process until said adjustment means is at or close to said minimum solid angle, whereupon said probe is located confronting said source of radiation to precisely identify its location.
Specification