Real-time in vivo radiation dosimetry using scintillation detectors
First Claim
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1. An apparatus configured to measure radiation levels in vivo, the apparatus comprising:
- a retention member configured to retain the apparatus in a location in vivo;
a scintillating material configured to emit light when irradiated;
an optical guide configured to transport light emitted from the scintillating material;
a photodetector configured to detect light emitted from the scintillating material and transported by the optical guide; and
a data analyzer configured to analyze an output from the photodetector and configured to determine if the photodetector has been exposed to a threshold level of radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
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Reexamination
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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.
32 Citations
37 Claims
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1. An apparatus configured to measure radiation levels in vivo, the apparatus comprising:
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a retention member configured to retain the apparatus in a location in vivo; a scintillating material configured to emit light when irradiated; an optical guide configured to transport light emitted from the scintillating material; a photodetector configured to detect light emitted from the scintillating material and transported by the optical guide; and a data analyzer configured to analyze an output from the photodetector and configured to determine if the photodetector has been exposed to a threshold level of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus configured to measure radiation levels in vivo, the apparatus comprising:
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a retention member configured to retain the apparatus in a location in vivo; a scintillating material configured to emit light when irradiated; an optical guide configured to transport light emitted from the scintillating material; and
a photodetector configured to detect light emitted from the scintillating material and transported by the optical guide wherein the scintillating material is wrapped around the retention member to form a spiral about a primary axis of the retention member to provide information about a radiation dose delivered to all or part of the surface of the retention member.
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21. An apparatus configured to measure radiation levels in vivo, the apparatus comprising:
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a retention member configured to retain the apparatus in a location in vivo; a scintillating material configured to emit light when irradiated; an optical guide configured to transport light emitted from the scintillating material; and
a photodetector configured to detect light emitted from the scintillating material and transported by the optical guide wherein the scintillating material is wrapped around the retention member to form an annular arrangement about a primary axis of the retention member to provide information about a radiation dose delivered to the all or part of the surface of the retention member.
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22. A method of measuring radiation levels in vivo, the method comprising:
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providing a scintillating material, wherein the scintillating material is configured to emit light when exposed to radiation; coupling the scintillating material to a retention member; securing the retention member in a specific location in vivo; exposing the specific location and the scintillating material to a threshold level of radiation therapy for cancer treatment; measuring the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material; and
calculating the level of radiation at the specific location based on the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37)
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35. A method of measuring radiation levels in vivo, the method comprising:
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providing a scintillating material, wherein the scintillating material is configured to emit light when exposed to radiation; coupling the scintillating material to a retention member; securing the retention member in a specific location in vivo; exposing the specific location and the scintillating material to radiation; measuring the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material; and
calculating the level of radiation at the specific location based on the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material wherein coupling the scintillating material to the retention member comprises wrapping the scintillating material around the retention member.
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36. A method of measuring radiation levels in vivo, the method comprising:
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providing a scintillating material, wherein the scintillating material is configured to emit light when exposed to radiation; coupling the scintillating material to a retention member; securing the retention member in a specific location in vivo; exposing the specific location and the scintillating material to radiation; measuring the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material; and
calculating the level of radiation at the specific location based on the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material wherein the scintillating material is configured as one or more fibers, and wherein coupling the scintillating material to the retention member comprises arranging the one or more fibers in an annular arrangement about a primary axis of the retention member.
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Specification