Automatic source converter for gamma knife and method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic source converter for a gamma knife and a method thereof. The automatic source converter comprises a radioactive source protection plug shifter and a six-degree-of-freedom mechanical hand (15), wherein the protection plug shifter comprises a supporting plate (3) for supporting a radioactive source protection plug, an X-shaft guide rail (7) and a Y-shaft guide rail (4) which are communicated with each other and form a T-shaped guide rail as well as a traction mechanism (1) used for pressing closely, positioning and firmly being connected with the protection plug and then pulling the protection plug out of a mainframe of the gamma knife through the T-shaped guide rail; and the six-degree-of-freedom mechanical hand (15) is used for taking out and replacing radioactive sources. According to the invention, during shifting, the protection plug can be kept being positioned precisely so as to facilitate reinstallation, the source conversion operation is performed automatically, manual intervention can be performed at will, and the problem of radiation injury caused by manual source conversion is solved.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the field of radiation technology, and more particularly, relates to an automatic source changing device for gamma knife and a method thereof. Background technique [0002] Gamma Knife is a non-invasive radiotherapy device for the treatment of cancer. According to the principle of stereotaxic orientation, the diseased tissue in the brain or in the body is selectively determined as the target, and the gamma rays generated by cobalt-60 are used for the treatment. A one-time high-dose focused irradiation can cause focal necrosis or functional changes to achieve the purpose of treating diseases. It has the advantages of accurate target, high dose rate, short treatment time and high tumor control rate, so it has been widely used at home and abroad in recent years. However, since cobalt-60 as a radioactive source will gradually decay over time, its dose will be reduced by half every 5.27 years. Therefore, it is necessary to change t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This kind of operation process is complicated and takes several days to complete, and because the source replacement process is completed through human operation, the positioning accuracy is not enough, and the operation requirements are high. In addition, it is easy to cause radiation hazards to the source replacement technicians.

[0004] In addition, another way to replace the source is to take out the treatment head with the radioactive source as a whole, transport it to the source replacement manufacturer, and then perform the source replacement. It will cause great inconvenience in operation and increase in cost

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