Equipment for realizing FLASH radiotherapy of small animals by using single-tube X-ray source

By designing a single-tube X-ray source in a small animal radiotherapy device, using a high-voltage generator to power the X-ray tube, and setting an exit port on the side wall of the tube shell to shorten the distance of X-rays to the target, the problem that existing equipment cannot meet the needs of FLASH radiotherapy is solved, high dose rate X-ray irradiation is achieved, and the advancement of Flash radiotherapy technology is promoted.

CN224113129UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-14XIDIAN UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-02
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing small animal radiotherapy equipment cannot meet the requirements of FLASH radiotherapy in terms of dose rate and irradiation speed, which limits its application in basic research.

Method used

A single-tube X-ray source device was designed, including an X-ray tube, a tube housing, an X-ray shielding chamber, and a target carrier. By setting an inwardly recessed light outlet on the side wall of the tube housing and using a high-voltage generator to power the X-ray tube, the distance of X-rays to the target is shortened and the dose rate is increased.

Benefits of technology

It achieves high dose rate X-ray irradiation, meets the requirements of FLASH radiotherapy, and has low equipment cost and is easy to maintain, thus promoting the research and development of Flash radiotherapy technology.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a device for realizing small animal FLASH radiotherapy by using a single-tube X-ray source, comprising an X-ray source which comprises an X-ray bulb tube and a bulb tube shell, the side wall of the bulb tube shell is provided with an area which is recessed towards the inside of the shell, and the area is provided with a light outlet; the high-voltage generating device is used for supplying power to the X-ray bulb tube; the X-ray shielding bin is arranged outside the bulb tube shell and is attached to the area; the target bearing device is used for bearing a small animal receiving FLASH radiotherapy and enabling the distance between the light outlet and the small animal to be adjustable; the size of the area is matched with the size of the small animal, so that the part, recessed into the shell, of the area can partially accommodate the small animal. According to the utility model, by shortening the distance from the X-ray bulb tube to an experimental target, the dose rate of radiotherapy is effectively improved, the requirement of FLASH radiotherapy is met, and the design is helpful for promoting the fundamental research of the FLASH radiotherapy technology and brings positive influence to medical research and clinical practice.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of X-ray radiotherapy equipment, specifically relating to a device for realizing FLASH (ultra-high dose rate) radiotherapy in small animals using a single-tube X-ray source. Background Technology

[0002] FLASH radiotherapy, as an emerging treatment method, can deliver high doses of radiation in a very short time, demonstrating an effective ability to kill tumor cells while significantly reducing damage to normal tissues. This unique advantage has led to increasing attention in cancer treatment, prompting researchers to seek more efficient and safer radiotherapy solutions.

[0003] However, existing small animal radiotherapy equipment often fails to meet the specific needs of small animal FLASH radiotherapy in terms of dose rate and irradiation speed, limiting its application in basic research. Therefore, developing a novel small animal radiotherapy device capable of achieving high dose rates and rapid irradiation has become an urgent technical challenge. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the existing technology, this utility model provides a device for realizing FLASH radiotherapy in small animals using a single-tube X-ray source.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source, the device comprising:

[0007] The X-ray source includes an X-ray tube and a tube housing. The X-ray tube is located inside the tube housing. A region on the side wall of the tube housing is recessed into the housing, and this region is provided with a light outlet. The X-ray tube is placed inside the tube housing in close contact with this region.

[0008] A high-voltage generator is used to supply power to the X-ray tube;

[0009] An X-ray shielding chamber is used to prevent X-ray leakage; the X-ray shielding chamber is placed in the area that is attached to the outer shell of the X-ray tube.

[0010] Target support device; the target support device is located inside the X-ray shielding chamber and is used to support small animals receiving FLASH radiotherapy, and the distance between the light outlet and the small animal is adjustable; the size of the area is matched with the volume of the small animal, so that the recessed part of the area can partially accommodate the small animal.

[0011] Optionally, no filter is provided at the light outlet.

[0012] Optionally, the X-ray shielding chamber is connected to the outside of a curved pipe, which connects to the interior of the X-ray shielding chamber, and the connection between the curved pipe and the X-ray shielding chamber is seamless. The curved pipe is used to pass a connecting wire and / or a connecting pipe into the X-ray shielding chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the area is provided with a steel ring; the device further includes an X-ray beam limiting device, which includes multiple magnets and a lead plate, one side of the multiple magnets being attached to the steel ring and the other side being attached to the lead plate; the lead plate is provided with a light exit hole.

[0014] Optionally, the device further includes an X-ray tube control device and a radiation dose measurement device. The radiation dose measurement device is located inside the X-ray shielding chamber and is used to measure the radiation dose received by the target. The X-ray tube control device is used to control the working status and parameters of the X-ray tube.

[0015] Optionally, the device further includes a heat dissipation device and a temperature detection device; the heat dissipation device is used to dissipate heat from the X-ray source; and the temperature detection device is used to monitor the temperature of the X-ray source.

[0016] Optionally, the device further includes an aluminum alloy cabinet; the internal space of the aluminum alloy cabinet is arranged in layers by partitions, with the X-ray source located in the first layer and the X-ray shielding chamber located in the second layer; the first layer and the second layer are adjacent, and the partition between them is provided with holes to allow the radiation-carrying small animal to pass through;

[0017] The heat dissipation device includes a fan and an air outlet; the air outlet is located on the first layer of the aluminum alloy cabinet; the fan, the air outlet, and the aluminum alloy cabinet work together to dissipate the heat generated by the X-ray source.

[0018] Optionally, the target support device includes a driver and a moving stage. The moving stage is used to support the small animal. The driver drives the moving stage to move the small animal to the light outlet for FLASH radiotherapy, and the distance between the light outlet and the small animal is adjustable.

[0019] Optionally, the equipment further includes a high-voltage electrical box for housing the high-voltage generating device; the high-voltage electrical box is located on the third layer of the aluminum alloy cabinet.

[0020] Optionally, the bottom of the aluminum alloy cabinet is equipped with casters.

[0021] The single-tube X-ray source device for small animal FLASH radiotherapy provided by this invention utilizes a high-voltage generator to power the X-ray tube, enabling it to produce high-dose-rate X-rays. A recessed area (matching the size of the small animal) is provided on the side wall of the tube shell, with an outlet located therein. The X-ray tube is placed inside the tube shell against this area, allowing the recessed portion to partially accommodate the small animal. This significantly shortens the distance between the X-rays emitted by the tube and the outlet, thus minimizing the distance to the small animal. Consequently, the X-rays emitted from a single tube do not undergo long-distance attenuation before directly irradiating the target on the target carrier, ensuring that the radiation dose rate of the X-rays emitted from a single tube meets the requirements of FLASH radiotherapy. Therefore, the device provided by this invention enables Flash radiotherapy research on small animal models. Furthermore, the device has the advantages of low cost and easy maintenance, which helps researchers conduct more extensive research on Flash radiotherapy and thus promotes the advancement of Flash radiotherapy technology.

[0022] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the packaging structure of the X-ray source in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front structural schematic diagram of a device for achieving FLASH radiotherapy in small animals using a single-tube X-ray source, as provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source, as provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an X-ray beam limiter proposed in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0028] With the continuous advancement of high-power X-ray source technology, researchers have begun to explore the use of dual X-ray sources for FLASH radiotherapy. This invention employs a novel X-ray source packaging structure, optimizing its structure and performance to provide the required high dose rate to meet the specific requirements of small animal FLASH radiotherapy.

[0029] See Figures 1-3This utility model provides a device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source. The device includes: an X-ray source 2, a high-voltage generator 9, an X-ray shielding chamber 5, and a target carrier 8.

[0030] The X-ray source 2 includes an X-ray tube 22 and a tube housing 21. The X-ray tube 22 is located inside the tube housing 21. Figure 1 As shown, there is a region 24 on the side wall of the X-ray tube shell 21 that is recessed into the shell. This region 24 is provided with a light outlet 3. The X-ray tube 22 is placed inside the X-ray tube shell 21 in close contact with this region 24. The diameter of the light outlet 3 can be 10cm, which is 10cm larger than the 4cm in the existing X-ray source. At this time, it is convenient to put in a small experimental animal (such as a mouse).

[0031] A high-voltage generator 9 is used to supply power to the X-ray tube 22; the high-voltage generator 9 is located outside the X-ray shielding chamber 5.

[0032] X-ray shielding chamber 5 is used to prevent X-ray leakage; the X-ray shielding chamber 5 is placed on the outside of the X-ray tube shell in the aforementioned recessed area.

[0033] The target support device 8 is located inside the X-ray shielding chamber 5 and is used to support small animals receiving FLASH radiotherapy. The distance between the light outlet 3 and the small animal is adjustable. The size of the aforementioned region 24 is matched with the volume of the small animal, so that the recessed part of the region 24 can partially accommodate the small animal.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, the light outlet 3 is directly opposite the target support device 8, and the distance between the two can be shortened to a maximum of 33mm compared to the 53mm in the existing X-ray source, resulting in a 3 to 4 times increase in dose rate, thereby minimizing the radiotherapy distance and increasing the dose rate of the radiation.

[0035] The X-ray tube casing 21 has closed ends and a sidewall with an exit port 3 in the middle. The exit port 3 is located on the sidewall of the casing 21, and the X-ray tube 22 is placed close to this sidewall, significantly shortening the path distance of the X-rays from the emission point to the exit port 3 and reducing energy attenuation. Simultaneously, the exit port 3 of the casing 21 is designed with an enlarged diameter, optimizing the X-ray emission efficiency and irradiation range. The exit port 3 faces the target support device 8 and maintains a minimum distance of 33 mm between them, further shortening the transmission distance of the X-rays from the X-ray tube 22 to the small animal and effectively reducing energy loss during transmission. Through this structural design, the rays emitted by a single X-ray tube 22 can directly and efficiently irradiate the target on the target support device 8, achieving the high dose rate requirements of FLASH radiotherapy.

[0036] In practice, to ensure the safe operation of the X-ray tube 22 under high voltage conditions, the tube shell 21 is filled with insulating oil to avoid sparks generated by high voltage and to disperse the heat generated by the tube.

[0037] Regarding the X-ray shielding chamber 5, it needs to meet certain shielding performance requirements. X-rays can kill normal tissue cells and also cause cell mutations due to radiation. For laboratory-grade small animal radiotherapy equipment, shielding design is crucial. Considering that the maximum voltage of the X-ray tube 22 used in the X-ray source 2 is 225kV, based on the half-value layer of lead shielding, a lead box made of 8mm lead plate is preferred as the X-ray shielding chamber 5, thereby effectively preventing X-ray leakage. In addition, the X-ray shielding chamber 5 is equipped with an X-ray shielding chamber door 4 to facilitate the entry and exit of small animals.

[0038] In addition, another issue to consider is that the X-ray shielding chamber 5 inevitably needs to be connected to the outside of the X-ray shielding chamber 5 through connecting wires (e.g., high-voltage wires that lead high-voltage electricity to the X-ray source 2) and / or connecting pipes (e.g., hoses that apply anesthetic gas to the target). Therefore, it is necessary to make openings in the X-ray shielding chamber 5. However, the openings will affect the shielding performance of the X-ray shielding chamber 5. Therefore, in practice, metallized rubber gaskets are also needed to fill the gaps between the openings and the connecting wires to prevent radiation leakage.

[0039] Regarding the high-voltage generator 9, it is mainly used to power the X-ray tube 22, specifically providing a maximum voltage of up to 225kV and a power exceeding 80kW. In actual equipment, a high-voltage electrical box can be installed to house the high-voltage generator.

[0040] The single-tube X-ray source device for small animal FLASH radiotherapy provided by this invention utilizes a high-voltage generator to power the X-ray tube, enabling it to produce high-dose-rate X-rays. A recessed area (matching the size of the small animal) is provided on the side wall of the tube shell, with an outlet located therein. The X-ray tube is placed inside the tube shell against this area, allowing the recessed portion to partially accommodate the small animal. This significantly shortens the distance between the X-rays emitted by the tube and the outlet, thus minimizing the distance to the small animal. Consequently, the X-rays emitted from a single tube do not undergo long-distance attenuation before directly irradiating the target on the target carrier, ensuring that the radiation dose rate of the X-rays emitted from a single tube meets the requirements of FLASH radiotherapy.

[0041] Optionally, in one implementation, the device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source provided in this embodiment of the present invention does not have a filter at the light outlet, thereby reducing the X-ray loss caused by the filter and further improving the radiation dose rate of the X-rays emitted by a single X-ray tube.

[0042] Optionally, in one implementation, a bent pipe 1 can be connected to the outside of the X-ray shielding chamber 5. This bent pipe 1 connects to the interior of the X-ray shielding chamber 5, and the pipe wall at one end of the bent pipe 1 is seamlessly connected to the X-ray shielding chamber 5. Thus, connecting wires and / or connecting pipes can be introduced into the X-ray shielding chamber 5 through the bent pipe 1. Furthermore, based on the characteristic that X-rays propagate in a straight line, the presence of this bent pipe 1 ensures that the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source 2 are absorbed by the lead box to the greatest extent, avoiding radiation leakage caused by openings.

[0043] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes an aluminum alloy cabinet. The internal space of the aluminum alloy cabinet is arranged in layers by partitions. The X-ray source 2 is located in the first layer, and the X-ray shielding chamber 5 is located in the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are adjacent, and the partition between them is provided with holes to allow small animals to pass through. The heat dissipation device includes a fan and an air outlet. The air outlet is located on the cabinet of the first layer of the aluminum alloy cabinet. The fan, the air outlet, and the aluminum alloy cabinet work together to dissipate the heat generated by the X-ray source.

[0044] Regarding the heat dissipation device 10, a high-efficiency air-cooling design can be adopted, integrating a dual-layer fan structure. This generates a strong airflow, accelerating the flow of air around the X-ray tube and effectively removing the large amount of heat generated during tube operation. The vents feature a streamlined design to ensure unobstructed airflow, maximizing heat dissipation efficiency while preventing X-ray leakage. Furthermore, the aluminum alloy cabinet is made of aluminum alloy material, further enhancing heat transfer and dissipation capabilities. The bottom of the aluminum alloy cabinet can be equipped with casters for easy relocation.

[0045] In addition, based on the design of the aluminum alloy cabinet, the high-voltage electrical box can be located on the third layer of the aluminum alloy cabinet, thus integrating it with the X-ray source 2 and the X-ray shielding chamber 5 into the same cabinet.

[0046] Optionally, in one implementation, the device for small animal FLASH radiotherapy using a single-tube X-ray source provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes an X-ray beam limiting device for limiting the X-rays emitted from the novel packaged X-ray source 2.

[0047] During the radiotherapy cycle for tumors in small animals, tumor cells are gradually killed by X-rays, and the tumor area also shrinks. To avoid irradiating too many normal tissue cells, a beam limiter is used to limit the X-ray beam.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the X-ray beam confinement device may have various specific components.

[0049] For example, in one implementation, a steel ring is provided in a recessed area on the side wall of the X-ray tube housing; the X-ray beam confinement device includes multiple magnets and a lead plate, with one side of the multiple magnets adsorbed onto the steel ring and the other side adsorbed onto the lead plate; the lead plate is provided with light exit holes.

[0050] In another implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, an X-ray beam confinement device may include two lead plates with notches. By splicing these two lead plates together and adjusting their relative positions to adjust the size of the light outlet, the purpose of X-ray beam confinement can also be achieved.

[0051] There are various ways to implement the target support device 8. For example, in one implementation, the target support device includes a driver 7 and a moving stage. The moving stage is used to carry the small animal. The driver 7 drives the moving stage to move the small animal to the light outlet for FLASH radiotherapy, and the distance between the light outlet and the small animal is adjustable.

[0052] The target support device 8 may also include a radiation chamber 8. The radiation chamber 8 is constructed of welded lead plates, with flexible tube openings in its side walls for introducing anesthetic gas. The top of the radiation chamber consists of two movable lead plates with adjustable holes at their joints. By adjusting the hole diameter, the size of the irradiation area can be precisely controlled. A driver moves a stage to expose the radiation chamber's radiation port to the X-ray focal point. Adjusting the stage position precisely positions the tumor site of the small animal at the X-ray focal point. Furthermore, to ensure the small animal remains still during radiotherapy, it can be anesthetized during the procedure. Therefore, the side walls of the radiation chamber may have curved gas anesthesia tube openings. One end of the flexible tube carrying the anesthetic gas is connected to the anesthesia device 6, and the other end connects to the radiation chamber via a curved tube 1 on the X-ray shielding chamber 5 and the gas anesthesia tube opening on the radiation chamber, thus providing continuous anesthesia for the experimental animal.

[0053] In addition, a small camera 12 is installed inside the X-ray shielding chamber to observe the target's status in real time.

[0054] In summary, the device provided by this invention enables Flash radiotherapy research on small animal models. Furthermore, the device has the advantages of low cost and easy maintenance, which helps researchers conduct more extensive research on Flash radiotherapy and thus promotes the advancement of Flash radiotherapy technology.

[0055] Optionally, the above-mentioned equipment also includes: a tube control device and a radiation dose measurement device; wherein, the radiation dose measurement device is located inside the X-ray shielding chamber 5 and is used to measure the radiation dose received by the target; the tube control device is used to control the working state and working parameters of the X-ray tube 22, such as controlling the voltage, current, working time, and switching status of the X-ray tube 22. Since the X-ray tube 22 will basically reach its maximum withstand range during Flash radiotherapy, it is best to preheat the X-ray tube 22 before each Flash radiotherapy experiment, and gradually train the X-ray tube 22 from low voltage and low current to high voltage and high current during radiotherapy.

[0056] For example, the X-ray tube control device may include a control panel, a microcontroller (e.g., STM32), and relays. The control panel allows for easy configuration of the voltage, current, and activation status of the X-ray tube 22. The control panel communicates in real-time with the microcontroller and radiation dose measurement device via a serial port; a screen can also be integrated on the control panel to display the measurement data from the radiation dose measurement device, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the radiation dose received by the small animal.

[0057] In one implementation of radiation dose measurement devices, an ionization chamber can be used. The ionization chamber consists of two electrodes, with air or an inert gas filled between them and a voltage applied to create an electric field. When radiation passes through the ionization chamber, it ionizes atoms or molecules in the gas, generating positive ions and free electrons. Under the influence of the electric field, positive ions are attracted to the negative electrode, and free electrons are attracted to the positive electrode, generating a current. Because the magnitude of the current is proportional to the radiation dose rate, the radiation dose can be determined by measuring the intensity of this current. Ionization chambers have a short response time, making them suitable for real-time dose monitoring.

[0058] In another implementation, radiation dose can be measured using an X-ray detector. The detector is calibrated with EBT3 film before the experiment, and the detector readings are converted into real-time dose. Furthermore, to avoid detector saturation, the dose can be monitored in real-time using an intermittent activation method.

[0059] During each radiotherapy experiment, the radiation dose measurement device can be turned on every 1 second to monitor the absorbed dose every 50ms, thus achieving the purpose of real-time monitoring of the radiotherapy dose.

[0060] Optionally, in one implementation, the device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes a heat dissipation device and a temperature detection device; the heat dissipation device is used to dissipate heat from the X-ray source; and the temperature detection device is used to monitor the temperature of the X-ray source.

[0061] For example, the temperature detection device can use a fiber optic temperature sensor 11, which can more accurately monitor the temperature of the X-ray tube and is unaffected by electromagnetic radiation. The temperature detection device communicates with a microcontroller, so that the detected temperature data can be transmitted back to the control panel screen for display. When the temperature exceeds the limit, the X-ray tube can be shut down to stop FLASH radiotherapy, and the operator can be reminded that the tube is overheating and needs to be cooled, thereby ensuring the operational stability and lifespan of the X-ray tube 22.

[0062] In summary, the device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source provided by this invention is not only an innovative response to existing radiotherapy technologies, but also an important step in promoting medical research and clinical practice. The development of this new device not only helps to improve treatment outcomes, but also lays a solid foundation for the future development of radiotherapy technologies.

[0063] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0065] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings and the disclosure, can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the description of this utility model, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and "a plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, while different embodiments may describe certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0066] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0067] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0069] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for FLASH radiotherapy of small animals using a single-tube X-ray source, characterized in that, The device includes: The X-ray source includes an X-ray tube and a tube housing. The X-ray tube is located inside the tube housing. A region on the side wall of the tube housing is recessed into the housing, and this region is provided with a light outlet. The X-ray tube is placed inside the tube housing in close contact with this region. A high-voltage generator is used to supply power to the X-ray tube; An X-ray shielding chamber is used to prevent X-ray leakage; the X-ray shielding chamber is placed in the area that is attached to the outer shell of the X-ray tube. Target support device; the target support device is located inside the X-ray shielding chamber and is used to support small animals receiving FLASH radiotherapy, and the distance between the light outlet and the small animal is adjustable; the size of the area is matched with the volume of the small animal, so that the recessed part of the area can partially accommodate the small animal.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, No filter is installed at the light outlet.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray shielding chamber is connected to the outside of a curved pipe, which connects to the interior of the X-ray shielding chamber. The curved pipe is seamlessly connected to the X-ray shielding chamber at the connection point. The curved pipe is used to pass a connecting wire and / or a connecting pipe into the X-ray shielding chamber.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The area is provided with a steel ring; the equipment also includes an X-ray beam limiting device, which includes multiple magnets and a lead plate. One side of the multiple magnets is attached to the steel ring, and the other side is attached to the lead plate; the lead plate is provided with light exit holes.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equipment also includes an X-ray tube control device and a radiation dose measurement device. The radiation dose measurement device is located inside the X-ray shielding chamber and is used to measure the radiation dose received by the target. The X-ray tube control device is used to control the working status and parameters of the X-ray tube.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a heat dissipation device and a temperature detection device; the heat dissipation device is used to dissipate heat from the X-ray source; the temperature detection device is used to monitor the temperature of the X-ray source.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The equipment also includes an aluminum alloy cabinet; the internal space of the aluminum alloy cabinet is arranged in layers by partitions, with the X-ray source located in the first layer and the X-ray shielding chamber located in the second layer; The first and second layers are adjacent to each other, and the partition between them has holes to allow the small animals to pass through; The heat dissipation device includes a fan and an air outlet; the air outlet is located on the first layer of the aluminum alloy cabinet; the fan, the air outlet, and the aluminum alloy cabinet work together to dissipate the heat generated by the X-ray source.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target support device includes a driver and a moving stage. The moving stage is used to carry the small animal. The driver drives the moving stage to move the small animal to the light outlet for FLASH radiotherapy, and the distance between the light outlet and the small animal is adjustable.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The equipment also includes a high-voltage electrical box for housing the high-voltage generating device; the high-voltage electrical box is located on the third layer of the aluminum alloy cabinet.

10. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the aluminum alloy cabinet is equipped with casters.