Magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device and system based on electron pencil beam

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electron beam therapy device and system, and the device of the present invention includes an electron beam output unit that generates, accelerates and outputs an electron beam, a catheter unit that is connected to the electron beam output unit on one side and receives the electron beam output from the electron beam output unit and passes the electron beam through a hollow tunnel of the catheter, a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for refracting the electron beam passing through the hollow tunnel of the catheter, and a joint driving unit that provides freedom of organic movement of the electron beam output unit, the catheter and the magnetic field generating unit, and the catheter unit can adjust the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to control of a control unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electron beam therapy device and system, and more particularly to an electron beam pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device and system that can irradiate electron beams to areas outside the linear irradiation range of the electron beam, such as deep subcutaneous areas and spherically curved areas in a patient's body, while adjusting the direction and dose of the electron beam, and can minimize electron beam losses to reduce power consumption. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the advent of an aging society and the improvement of the standard of living of the people, there has been a gradual increase in interest in early diagnosis and treatment of diseases in order to live a healthy life.

[0003] In particular, a radiotherapy device is a medical device that uses radiation to treat illness, and is a therapeutic device that uses radiation such as X-rays, electron beams, and proton beams to retard or destroy the growth of malignant tumor tissue, such as cancer.

[0004] However, when normal tissues of the human body are exposed to excessive amounts of high-energy radiation, the normal tissue cells may die, or may develop genetic defects or cancer.

[0005] When normal tissue and tumor tissue are close to each other, side effects of radiation can cause problems such as not being able to deliver a sufficient dose of radiation therapy.

[0006] Therefore, radiation therapy must be timed to ensure that the tumor to be destroyed receives sufficient radiation while minimizing damage to the normal tissue surrounding the tumor.

[0007] Electron beam therapy, a type of radiation therapy used to treat tumors, can deliver a higher dose of radiation to the skin, which is the surface of the human body, and to the depths below the skin layer (e.g., 1 to 5 cm below the skin surface), compared to X-ray therapy.

[0008] Another advantage is that the amount of radiation irradiated to normal tissues deeper than the treatment target can be minimized.

[0009] However, conventional electron beam therapy was limited in that it was only possible to treat flat areas of the treatment target, and was unable to treat cases that required entering narrow passages, such as uterine cancer, or cases where irradiation in a curved direction was required to treat areas in blind spots outside the linear irradiation range of the electron beam, such as oral cancer.

[0010] In addition, the size of the tumor and the degree of disease progression vary depending on the location of the treatment target, so the amount of radiation needs to be adjusted, but conventional electron beam therapy had the disadvantage of making it difficult to adjust the radiation amount depending on the location.

[0011] In particular, in the case of electron intraoperative radiation therapy (electron IORT) using electron beams during surgery, there has been a problem in that it is difficult to administer electron beam therapy to curved spaces formed in a spherical or U-shape on the surface of treatment targets such as breast cancer and brain tumors, or to deep spaces through narrow passages in minimally incisional surgeries, laparoscopic / thoracoscopic surgeries, and robotic surgeries for organs such as the prostate, lungs, liver, pancreas, and colon.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a conventional electron beam therapy device, where Figure 1 includes an electron beam output section 10, an electron scattering section 20, a first applicator (electron applicator / cone) 30, skin, and a treatment target, and Figure 2 includes an electron beam output section 10, an electron scattering section 20, a second applicator 40, skin, and a treatment target.

[0013] First, in FIG. 1, an electron beam output unit 10 generates, accelerates, and outputs an electron beam, and an electron scattering unit 20 located below the electron beam output unit 10 scatters the electrons in response to the applied voltage, thereby emitting a plurality of electron beams.

[0014] The first applicator 30 located below the electron scattering unit 20 receives and guides a plurality of electron beams scattered by the electron scattering unit 20, and blocks the electron beams from being emitted outside the electron beam therapy device.

[0015] The multiple electron beams guided through the first applicator 30 are directed at the skin and the treatment target.

[0016] At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, among the multiple electron beams irradiated, many electron beams are absorbed by the electron scattering portion 20 and the first applicator 30, resulting in a problem of output loss.

[0017] Taking such output losses into consideration, the electron beam output section 10 may require a large amount of power in order for an electron beam of a certain intensity or more to reach a treatment target.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, there are many electron beams that reach the skin and subcutaneous tissue other than the treatment target, which causes the patient's body to be exposed to radiation, which is harmful to the body.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, unlike FIG. 1, the width of the second applicator 40 is too narrow to guide and irradiate the entire area of ​​the treatment target, but only a portion of it, resulting in insufficient electron beam therapy. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0020] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electron pencil beam-based magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device and system that can adjust the direction and dose of the electron beam to treat treatment targets in the patient's body, such as deep subcutaneous areas, spherical curved areas, and areas that require entry into narrow passages, and even when electron beam irradiation is required to areas that are blind spots outside the linear irradiation range of the electron beam.

[0021] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] In order to achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device based on the electron beam pencil beam according to the present invention includes an electron beam output unit which generates, accelerates and outputs an electron beam, a catheter unit which is connected to the electron beam output unit on one side and receives the electron beam output from the electron beam output unit and passes the electron beam through a hollow tunnel of the catheter, a magnetic field generating unit which generates a magnetic field for refracting the electron beam passing through the hollow tunnel of the catheter, and a joint driving unit which provides freedom of organic movement of the electron beam output unit, the catheter and the magnetic field generating unit, and the catheter unit can adjust the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to the control of a control unit.

[0023] In this case, the catheter unit can adjust the refraction angle of the magnetic field generator while fixing the position of the catheter at a certain depth in response to the control of the control unit, thereby adjusting the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target.

[0024] In addition, the catheter unit can adjust the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target by moving the magnetic field generator together with the up-down, left-right and rotation of the catheter in response to the control of the control unit.

[0025] On the other hand, the electron beam output section can output an electron beam in the form of a pencil beam.

[0026] Also, the magnetic field generating unit may be provided with a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole in the form of any one of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a hybrid in which both the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are used, at both ends of one side of the catheter. That is, when the magnetic field generating unit is in the form of a permanent magnet, the magnetic field generating unit may adjust the refraction angle of the electron beam by adjusting the positions of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole and the distance between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole. Furthermore, when the magnetic field generating unit is in the form of an electromagnet, the magnetic field generating unit may generate a magnetic field in synchronization with an electron beam pulse as a pulsed electromagnet, and adjust the refraction angle of the electron beam by adjusting the strength and direction of the generated magnetic field.

[0027] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy system based on an electron beam pencil beam according to the present invention includes an electron beam therapy device that generates and accelerates an electron beam to output it in the form of a pencil beam, and irradiates the output electron beam onto a treatment target by passing it through a hollow tunnel in a catheter, a control unit that is spaced apart from the electron beam therapy device and remotely controls the electron beam therapy device, and a power supply unit that supplies a power supply voltage required for the electron beam therapy device in response to control of the control unit, and the electron beam therapy device can adjust the movement and rotation angle of the catheter to drive the catheter in response to control of the control unit.

[0028] In this case, the control unit can control the energy intensity, dose, speed and output timing of the electron beam, and the intensity, direction and output timing of the magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generating unit in the electron beam therapy apparatus.

[0029] In addition, the control unit may control the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target by adjusting the refraction angle of the magnetic field generator while the position of the catheter is fixed at a certain depth.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit can control the magnetic field generating unit to adjust the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target while moving together with the up-down, left-right and rotational movements of the catheter.

[0031] Also, the magnetic field generating unit may be provided with a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole in the form of any one of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a hybrid in which both the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are used, at both ends of one side of the catheter. That is, when the magnetic field generating unit is in the form of a permanent magnet, the magnetic field generating unit may adjust the refraction angle of the electron beam by adjusting the positions of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole and the distance between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole. Furthermore, when the magnetic field generating unit is in the form of an electromagnet, the magnetic field generating unit may generate a magnetic field in synchronization with an electron beam pulse as a pulsed electromagnet, and adjust the refraction angle of the electron beam by adjusting the strength and direction of the generated magnetic field.

[0032] The electron beam therapy device can be manufactured as a modular device that can receive the electron beam through an electron beam output unit that outputs the electron beam while being separated from the electron beam output unit. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, since an electron scattering section and an applicator are not required, the loss or leakage of electron beams can be minimized. Therefore, when the same electron beam output is targeted, the power consumed by the electron beam output section can be reduced, and when the same power consumption is required, the output of the electron beam can be improved.

[0034] In addition, electron beam therapy can be performed not only on flat areas of the patient's body, but also deep subcutaneous areas and spherically curved areas, which has the effect of enabling medical professionals to perform electron beam therapy accurately and appropriately by adjusting the radiation dose to the area of ​​the treatment target area they desire.

[0035] Furthermore, because a pencil beam-shaped electron beam is generated, the size of the space requiring a magnetic field is reduced, making it possible to miniaturize the magnetic field generating unit, thereby enabling the treatment device to be inserted into narrow spaces inside the patient's body.

[0036] In addition, when used during radiation therapy during surgery, the reduction in leakage electron beams reduces the risk of radiation exposure for patients and medical staff, and the increased output of the electron beams shortens the time required for radiation therapy during surgery.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view explaining the operation of a conventional electron beam therapy device. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view explaining the operation of a conventional electron beam therapy device. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of an electron pencil beam-based magnetic adjustment electron beam therapy device according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an experimental model fabricated for the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4 and a curved treatment target. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing various modes of electron beams irradiated onto a planar treatment target a and a curved treatment target b by vertical movement of a magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing various modes of electron beams irradiated to a treatment target by the left and right movement of a magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy apparatus shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing various modes of electron beams irradiated onto a planar treatment target a and a curved treatment target b according to the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device shown in FIG. [Figure 9a] 5 is a diagram showing, from multiple angles, the state in which the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured into a modular form and a magnetic field generating unit is attached. [Figure 9b]5 is a diagram showing, from multiple angles, the state in which the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured into a modular form and a magnetic field generating unit is attached. [Figure 9c] 5 is a diagram showing, from multiple angles, the state in which the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured into a modular form and a magnetic field generating unit is attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing that an electron beam can be refracted at multiple angles by a magnetic field using the electron beam output unit 110, catheter 130, and magnetic field generating unit 140 shown in FIG. [Figure 11a] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the traces of the electron beam displayed on the subject 400 as a result of the experiment shown in FIG. [Figure 11b] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the traces of the electron beam displayed on the subject 400 as a result of the experiment shown in FIG. [Figure 11c] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the traces of the electron beam displayed on the subject 400 as a result of the experiment shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. However, the embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

[0040] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular includes the plural unless otherwise specified. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components other than the components mentioned. The same reference numerals throughout this specification refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each and every combination of one or more of the components mentioned. Even if "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used simply to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification are used as meanings commonly understood by ordinary skilled artisans in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly and specifically defined.

[0042] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used to easily describe the relationship of one component to another as shown. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of components in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown. For example, if the components shown are turned over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component may be placed "above" the other component. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both an orientation of below and above. Components may be oriented in other directions, and thus the spatially relative terms may be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electron beam pencil beam-based magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy system according to the present invention, which includes an electron beam therapy device 100, a control unit 200, and a power supply unit 300. As shown in FIG.

[0045] The electron beam therapy apparatus 100 includes an electron beam output unit 110 , a catheter unit 120 , a catheter 130 , a magnetic field generation unit 140 , and a joint drive unit 150 .

[0046] The electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system according to the present invention will be briefly described below with reference to FIG.

[0047] The electron beam therapy device 100 generates and accelerates a pencil beam of electrons, which passes through a hollow tunnel of a catheter 130 and irradiates the treatment target.

[0048] The control unit 200 is a user terminal that is separated from the electron beam therapy apparatus 100 and can remotely control the electron beam therapy apparatus 100 and the power supply unit 300, and includes input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output means such as a display unit.

[0049] That is, the control unit 200 controls the energy intensity, dose, speed and output timing of the electron beam output from the electron beam output unit 110, and the intensity, direction and output timing of the magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generating unit 140 in the electron beam therapy device 100.

[0050] The power supply unit 300 supplies a necessary power supply voltage to the electron beam therapy apparatus 100 in response to the control of the control unit 200 .

[0051] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view explaining the operation of an electron beam pencil beam-based magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device according to the present invention, and includes an electron beam output unit 110, a catheter unit 120, a catheter 130, a magnetic field generating unit 140, skin and a treatment target.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a photograph of an experimental model fabricated for the electron beam therapy apparatus 100 and curved treatment target T shown in FIG. 4, which includes the electron beam output unit 110, the catheter unit 120, the catheter 130, the magnetic field generating unit 140, and the treatment target model.

[0053] In the treatment target model, the U-shaped white area at the bottom represents the space inside the patient's body, and the yellow-green area T within the white area represents the treatment target that requires radiation therapy.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing various forms of electron beams irradiated to a planar treatment target a and a curved treatment target b by the vertical movement of the magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device 100 shown in FIG. 4, and includes the magnetic field generating units 140-1 to 140-6, the skin, and the treatment targets.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing various modes of electron beams irradiated to a treatment target by the left-right movement of magnetic field generating unit 140 in magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device 100 shown in FIG. 4, and includes magnetic field generating units 140-1' to 140-3', skin, and the treatment target.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing various modes of electron beams irradiated to a planar treatment target a and a curved treatment target b depending on the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device shown in FIG. 4, and includes magnetic field generating units 140-7, 140-8, skin and the treatment targets.

[0057] The configuration and function of each component of the electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy apparatus according to the present invention will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS.

[0058] The electron beam output unit 110 generates, accelerates, and outputs an electron beam.

[0059] The catheter section 120 has one side (upper side) connected to the lower part of the electron beam output section 110 and the other side (lower side) connected to the catheter 130, and receives the electron beam output from the electron beam output section 110 and passes it through the hollow tunnel 135 of the catheter 130.

[0060] The magnetic field generating unit 140 is connected to one side (lower side) of the catheter 130 and generates a magnetic field for refracting the electron beam passing through the hollow tunnel 135 of the catheter 130 .

[0061] The joint drive unit 150 has one side connected to the electron beam output unit 110 and provides the electron beam output unit 110, the catheter 130, and the magnetic field generating unit 140 with an organic degree of freedom of movement.

[0062] At this time, the catheter unit 120 responds to the control of the control unit 200 to adjust the movement and rotation angle of the catheter 130 to drive the catheter 130 .

[0063] Figures 9a to 9c are views showing the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device shown in Figure 4 in a modular form with a magnetic field generating unit attached, from multiple angles. Figure 9a shows the position of the magnetic field generating unit of the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device shown in Figure 4 photographed from below on the side at a predetermined (or already set) angle, Figure 9b shows the position of the magnetic field generating unit of the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device shown in Figure 4 photographed from below on the top at a predetermined (or already set) angle, and Figure 9c shows the lower part of the magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device photographed from the front, and includes a catheter 130 and a magnetic field generating unit 140, which includes first and second magnetic poles 141, 142.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows that the electron beam can be refracted at various angles by a magnetic field using the electron beam output unit 110, catheter 130, and magnetic field generating unit 140 shown in FIG. 4, and includes the electron beam output unit 110, catheter 130, magnetic field generating unit 140, and subject 400.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a photograph of the electron beam traces displayed on the subject 400 as a result of the experiment shown in FIG.

[0066] The magnetically regulated electron beam therapy apparatus based on the electron pencil beam according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0067] In FIG. 3, an electron beam output unit 110 generates an electron beam in the shape of a pencil beam, and accelerates and outputs the generated pencil beam-shaped electron beam.

[0068] In this case, the energy of the electron beam can be set to 1 to 15 MeV, and the diameter can be set to 0.1 to 3 cm.

[0069] The catheter unit 120 is connected to the lower part of the electron beam output unit 110 and receives the electron beam output from the electron beam output unit 110 to adjust the movement and rotation angle of the catheter 130 and adjust the bending angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140.

[0070] The catheter 130 has a hollow tunnel 135, which is a cylindrical empty space in the center, and is connected to the lower part of the catheter section 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the catheter 130 rotates in response to the control of the catheter section 120 to allow the electron beam to pass through.

[0071] At this time, the catheter 130 can be driven independently of the electron beam output unit 110 in a modular form and move separately, or can be fixed integrally to the electron beam output unit 110 and move up and down together.

[0072] Additionally, the gas composition can be changed, such as to helium gas or vacuum, to reduce scattering of the electron beam passing through the interior of catheter 130 .

[0073] The magnetic field generating unit 140 is connected to one end of the catheter 130 and generates a magnetic field for refracting the electron beam passing through the internal space of the catheter 130 so as to adjust the refraction angle in response to the control of the catheter portion 120.

[0074] The electron beam, the refraction angle of which is adjusted by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 140, is uniformly irradiated to various parts of the treatment target as shown in FIG. 4, and the distribution of the electron beam irradiation is adjusted.

[0075] At this time, the magnetic field generating unit 140 can adjust the distribution of the electron beam irradiation by moving together with the up and down movement of the catheter 130, or the distribution of the electron beam irradiation can be adjusted by adjusting the refraction angle while keeping the position of the catheter 130 fixed at a certain depth.

[0076] That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6, when the treatment target is present on the surface of a part of the patient's body (e.g., skin cancer, large-sized organ surgery, etc.), the position of the magnetic field generating unit 140 is changed to the first depth to the third depth 140-1 to 140-3 by moving the catheter 130 up and down to irradiate the electron beam, thereby enabling uniform treatment to be performed on all parts of the treatment target having a planar shape.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, when the treatment target is present on a spherical curved surface at a specific depth from the patient's subcutaneous tissue (e.g., breast cancer, brain tumor, etc.), the position of the magnetic field generating unit 140 can be moved up and down to the fourth to sixth depths 140-4 to 140-6 by moving the catheter 130 up and down to irradiate the electron beam, thereby enabling uniform treatment to be performed on all parts of the treatment target.

[0078] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the position of the magnetic field generating unit 140 can be changed to a first position to a third position 140-1' to 140-3' by moving the catheter 130 left and right, and the amount of radiation generated by the magnetic field generating unit 140 can be adjusted to a low dose smaller than at least one preset standard or a high dose larger than the standard, or the electron beam can be irradiated while avoiding a specific area, thereby providing treatment with different intensities depending on the position on a treatment target area having a planar shape (or curved shape).

[0079] Alternatively, as shown in (a) of FIG. 8, even if the treatment target is present on the surface of the patient's skin, the position of the catheter 130 is fixed at a pre-set depth 140-7, and the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 is variably adjusted while the electron beam is irradiated, thereby enabling uniform treatment to be performed on all parts of the planar treatment target.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, even if the treatment target is present on a spherical curved surface at a position a certain depth away from the patient's subcutaneous tissue, the position of the catheter 130 is fixed at a previously set depth 140-8, and the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 is variably adjusted while the electron beam is irradiated, thereby enabling uniform treatment to be performed on all parts of the treatment target having a spherical curved surface shape.

[0081] This makes it possible to fully administer electron beam therapy to deep subcutaneous areas and spherically curved areas of the patient's body, and allows medical professionals to accurately and appropriately administer electron beam therapy to the intended area of ​​the treatment target region, either in whole or in part, by adjusting the radiation dose.

[0082] At this time, in order to ensure sufficient treatment space, auxiliary medical devices such as balloons or plastic polyhedrons can be attached in the space close to the treatment target.

[0083] In addition, due to the risk of radiation exposure to medical personnel, medical personnel generally must be in a separate space from the patient during intraoperative radiation therapy, and the longer the intraoperative radiation therapy time, the greater the risk to the patient. However, according to the present invention, the intraoperative radiation therapy time can be shortened, thereby reducing the risk to the patient.

[0084] The magnetic field generating unit 140 may be configured in any one of the following forms: a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a hybrid in which a permanent magnet and an electromagnet are used together.

[0085] At this time, when the magnetic field generating unit 140 is configured in the form of a permanent magnet, the refraction angle of the electron beam can be adjusted by adjusting the speed of the electron beam generated by the electron beam output unit 110 .

[0086] In addition, when the magnetic field generating unit 140 is configured in the form of a permanent magnet, the positions of the first and second magnetic poles 141, 142 can be adjusted so that the first and second magnetic poles 141, 142 are out of the path through which the electron beam passes, thereby reducing the effect of the magnetic field in the magnetic field generating unit 140 on the electron beam.

[0087] Furthermore, when the magnetic field generating unit 140 is configured in the form of a permanent magnet, the refraction angle of the electron beam can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the first and second magnetic poles 141 and 142. That is, by adjusting the distance between the first and second magnetic poles 141 and 142, the strength of the magnetic field decreases when the distance is increased, and increases when the distance is decreased.

[0088] Meanwhile, when the magnetic field generating unit 140 is composed of an electromagnet, it generates a magnetic field in synchronization with the electron beam pulse as a pulsed electromagnet, and the refraction angle of the electron beam can be adjusted by adjusting the strength and direction of the generated magnetic field.

[0089] This allows the heat generation to be reduced when the same magnetic field is generated, and allows the magnetic field output to be increased under the same heat generation conditions.

[0090] The strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 140 can be set to 0.1 to 1.0 Tesla.

[0091] The control unit 200 not only controls the operation of the electron beam output unit 110 and the magnetic field generator 140, but also adjusts the moving distance and speed, rotation angle and angular velocity of the catheter 130, and the bending angle of the magnetic field generator 140, and adjusts the radiation dose for each position of the affected area so that a preset radiation dose is delivered to each part of the treatment target. This makes it possible to perform electron beam treatment on areas of various shapes and positions, such as spherical, narrow passages, and curved areas, which were impossible to treat with conventional electron beam therapy devices.

[0092] The joint driver 150 has one side connected to the electron beam output unit 110 and the other side connected to the power supply unit 300, and provides a degree of freedom so that the electron beam output unit 110, the catheter 130, and the magnetic field generator 140 move organically.

[0093] In this way, the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device of the present invention does not require the electron scattering section and applicator that are provided in conventional electron beam therapy devices, and therefore, of the electron beams generated by the electron beam output section 110, none are absorbed by the electron scattering section or applicator, and the electron beam losses can be minimized. Therefore, when the same output is targeted, the power consumed by the electron beam output section 110 can be reduced, and when the same power consumption is required, the electron beam output can be improved.

[0094] The electron beam therapy device 100 of the present invention is based on an electron pencil beam, but generally has a large overall area (e.g., 40×40 cm 2 In contrast to conventional electron beam therapy, which simultaneously treats a small unit area (e.g., 0.5×0.5 cm or more), the pencil beam-based electron beam therapy of the present invention can simultaneously treat a small unit area (e.g., 0.5×0.5 cm or more). 2 The following points are irradiated in a concentrated manner, and then the subsequent points are irradiated sequentially to treat the entire area.

[0095] In addition, the radiation absorption rate in the conventional electron scattering area is about 50%, and the treatment area is 6,400 times larger (40 x 40 cm) than the conventional treatment area. 2 Pencil beam treatment area for area 0.5 x 0.5 cm 2 Considering that the area decreases by a factor of 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 ) it can be seen that the treatment speed is about 10,000 times faster than before.

[0096] Therefore, considering that the output of general radiation therapy is 0.1 Gy / s, and about 10 Gy / s under special conditions, the electron beam therapy device 100 of the present invention based on the electron beam pencil beam is capable of outputting 1,000-100,000 Gy / s, and can obtain a flash effect that is known to occur during treatment at a speed of 40 Gy / s or more. By partially lowering the output, it can be made small and mobile, so it can also be used for radiation therapy during surgery.

[0097] The electron pencil beam can enter narrow spaces via the catheter 130, and because the electron pencil beam is irradiated with a small diameter, the size of the space requiring a magnetic field is also reduced, and the magnetic field generating unit 140 can be made smaller, allowing both the catheter and the magnetic field generating unit to enter narrow spaces inside the patient's body.

[0098] Furthermore, the electron beam therapy device 100 of the present invention has the advantage that it can be manufactured not only as a stand-alone device including the electron beam output section 110 as shown in Figures 9a to 9c, but also as a modular device that can receive electron beams at a distance from an existing electron beam generating device as shown in Figure 5.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 9a to 9c, first and second magnetic poles 141 and 142 of a magnetic field generating unit 140 are attached to both ends of one side of a catheter 130 having a certain shape.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 10, the electron beam therapy device 100 of the present invention is integrated with the electron beam output unit 110 to generate electron beams, and the control unit 200 can irradiate the electron beams while variably adjusting the refraction angle of the magnetic field generation unit 140.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 10, when the electron beam therapy device 100 is integrated with the electron beam output unit 110, the rotation of the catheter 130 and the magnetic field generating unit 140 is controlled by the catheter unit 120, and the vertical movement is controlled by the entire electron beam modular therapy device 100 moving together.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 11a, when no magnetic field is generated, the trace of the electron beam displayed on the subject is displayed at a first position P1, which is the lowest position.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 11b, when a magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generating unit 140 in response to the control of the control unit 200, the magnetic field is displayed at a second position P2, which is an intermediate height.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 11c, when the height at which the electron beam is irradiated is moved upward by 1.5 cm by adjusting the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 and / or adjusting the position of the magnetic field generating unit 140 under the control of the control unit 200, it can be confirmed that the electron beam is displayed at the third position P3, which is the highest position.

[0105] In this way, the present invention provides an electron beam pencil beam-based electron beam therapy device and system that can adjust the direction and dose of the electron beam to treat areas deep under the skin, areas with spherical curves, areas that need to enter narrow passages, and areas that need to be irradiated with the electron beam to blind spots outside the linear irradiation range of the electron beam among treatment targets in the patient's body.

[0106] This eliminates the need for an electron scattering section and applicator, and minimizes electron beam loss or leakage, thereby reducing the power consumed by the electron beam output section when the same electron beam output is targeted, and improving the electron beam output when the same power consumption is required.

[0107] In addition, it will become possible to perform electron beam therapy not only on flat areas of the patient's body, but also deep subcutaneous areas and spherically curved areas, allowing medical professionals to perform electron beam therapy accurately and appropriately by adjusting the radiation dose to the desired area of ​​the treatment target area.

[0108] Furthermore, because a pencil beam of electrons is generated, the size of the space requiring a magnetic field is reduced, making it possible to miniaturize the magnetic field generating unit, which allows the treatment device to enter narrow spaces inside the patient's body.

[0109] In addition, when used during radiation therapy during surgery, the reduction in leaking electron beams reduces the risk of radiation exposure for patients and medical staff, and the increased output of the electron beams shortens the time required for radiation therapy during surgery.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects.

Claims

1. an electron beam output unit that generates, accelerates, and outputs an electron beam; a catheter portion having one side connected to the electron beam output portion, receiving the electron beam output from the electron beam output portion and passing the electron beam through a hollow tunnel of the catheter; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for refracting the electron beam passing through the hollow tunnel of the catheter; a joint drive unit that provides organic freedom of movement of the electron beam output unit, the catheter, and the magnetic field generating unit; Including, The catheter unit adjusts the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to the control of the control unit. A magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device based on an electron pencil beam.

2. The catheter portion includes:

2. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device of claim 1, characterized in that the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target is adjusted by adjusting the refraction angle of the magnetic field generator while fixing the position of the catheter at a certain depth in response to the control of the control unit.

3. The catheter portion includes:

2. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device of claim 1, characterized in that the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target can be adjusted by moving the magnetic field generating unit together with the vertical, horizontal and rotational movements of the catheter in response to the control of the control unit.

4. The electron beam output unit includes:

2. The magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device according to claim 1, which outputs a pencil-beam-shaped electron beam.

5. The magnetic field generating unit is The magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device according to claim 2, wherein a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole in the form of any one of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a hybrid in which both the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are used are respectively attached to both ends of one side of the catheter.

6. The magnetic field generating unit is 6. The magnetically adjustable electron beam therapy device according to claim 5, wherein, in the case of the permanent magnet, the refraction angle of the electron beam is adjusted by adjusting the positions of the first and second magnetic poles and the distance between the first and second magnetic poles.

7. The magnetic field generating unit is The magnetically adjustable electron beam therapy device according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the case of the electromagnet form, a pulsed electromagnet is used to generate a magnetic field synchronized with the electron beam pulse, and the refraction angle of the electron beam is adjusted by adjusting the strength and direction of the generated magnetic field.

8. an electron beam therapy device that generates and accelerates an electron beam, outputs the electron beam in a pencil beam shape, and irradiates a treatment target by passing the output electron beam through a hollow tunnel of a catheter; a control unit that is spaced apart from the electron beam therapy apparatus and remotely controls the electron beam therapy apparatus; a power supply unit that supplies a power supply voltage required for the electron beam therapy apparatus in response to control by the control unit; Including, The electron beam therapy apparatus is characterized in that the movement and rotation angle of the catheter are adjusted in response to the control of the control unit. A magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system based on an electron pencil beam.

9. The control unit is 9. The magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy system according to claim 8, characterized in that it controls the energy intensity, dose, speed and output timing of the electron beam, and the intensity, direction and output timing of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit in the electron beam therapy device.

10. The control unit is 10. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy system of claim 9, characterized in that the refraction angle of the magnetic field generator is adjusted while the position of the catheter is fixed at a certain depth, thereby controlling the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target.

11. The control unit is 10. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic field generator is controlled to move together with the catheter in accordance with its vertical, horizontal and rotational movements to adjust the distribution of the electron beam irradiated to the treatment target.

12. The magnetic field generating unit is The magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system according to claim 9, characterized in that a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole in the form of any one of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a hybrid in which both the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are used are respectively attached to both ends of one side of the catheter.

13. The magnetic field generating unit is 13. The electron pencil beam-based magnetic adjustment electron beam therapy system of claim 12, characterized in that, in the case of the permanent magnet, the refraction angle of the electron beam is adjusted by adjusting the positions of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole and the distance between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole.

14. The magnetic field generating unit is The magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system according to claim 12, characterized in that, in the case of the electromagnet, a pulsed electromagnet is used to generate a magnetic field synchronized with the electron beam pulse, and the refraction angle of the electron beam is adjusted by adjusting the strength and direction of the generated magnetic field.

15. The electron beam therapy apparatus comprises: The electron pencil beam-based magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy system of claim 8, characterized in that it can be manufactured as a modular device that can receive the electron beam through the electron beam output unit while being separated from the electron beam output unit that outputs the electron beam.

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