Electron pencil beam based magnetically controlled electron beam therapy device and system

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

[0002] In recent years, with the advent of an aging society and improvements in 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 lead healthy lives.

[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 delay the growth of or destroy malignant tumor tissue such as cancer.

[0004] However, if 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, the side effects of radiation can cause problems such as insufficient radiation therapy doses being delivered.

[0006] Therefore, radiation therapy must be adjusted 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 on the surface of the human body and deep beneath 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 to treating only flat areas of the treatment target, and was unable to treat cases that required access to narrow passages, such as uterine cancer, or cases that required irradiation in a curved direction to reach areas in blind spots outside the electron beam's linear irradiation range, 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 radiation dose needs to be adjusted, but conventional electron beam therapy had the disadvantage of making it difficult to adjust the radiation dose depending on the location.

[0011] In particular, electron intraoperative radiation therapy (electron IORT) using electron beams has been difficult to administer to spherical or U-shaped curved spaces on the surface of treatment targets, such as breast cancer and brain tumors, or deep spaces through narrow passages in minimally invasive surgeries, laparoscopic / thoracoscopic surgeries, and robotic surgeries for organs such as the prostate, lungs, liver, pancreas, and colon.

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

[0013] First, in FIG. 1, the electron beam output unit 10 generates, accelerates, and outputs an electron beam, which is then applied to the electron scattering unit 20 located below the electron beam output unit 10, where the electrons are scattered and emitted as multiple electron beams.

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

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

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

[0017] Taking such output loss into consideration, the electron beam output unit 10 may require a large amount of power in order for an electron beam of a certain intensity or more to reach the 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 poses a problem of harm to the patient's body due to exposure to radiation in normal tissue.

[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, and only a portion of it is guided and irradiated, 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 a magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device and system based on an electron pencil beam 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, areas that require entry into narrow passages, and areas that require electron beam irradiation in 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 technical objectives, the present invention provides an electron beam pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device, which 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 generator that generates a magnetic field to refract the electron beam passing through the hollow tunnel of the catheter; and a joint driver that provides freedom of organic movement for the electron beam output unit, the catheter, and the magnetic field generator, and the catheter unit can adjust the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to control by a controller.

[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 onto 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 unit can output a pencil beam-shaped electron beam.

[0026] The magnetic field generator may be provided with first and second magnetic poles in the form of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a hybrid in which both the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are used, respectively, at both ends of one side of the catheter. That is, when the magnetic field generator is in the form of a permanent magnet, it can adjust the refraction angle of the electron beam by adjusting the positions of the first and second magnetic poles and the distance between the first and second magnetic poles. Furthermore, when the magnetic field generator is in the form of an electromagnet, it can generate a magnetic field synchronized 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, 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, outputs the electron beam in the form of a pencil beam, and irradiates the output electron beam onto a treatment target by passing the output electron beam 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 by the control unit, and the electron beam therapy device can adjust the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to control by the control unit to drive the catheter.

[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 the magnetic field generation unit in the electron beam therapy device.

[0029] In addition, the control unit can adjust the refraction angle of the magnetic field generator 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.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit can control the magnetic field generator to adjust the distribution of electron beams irradiated onto the treatment target while moving together with the up / down, left / right, and rotation of the catheter.

[0031] The magnetic field generator may be provided with first and second magnetic poles in the form of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a hybrid in which both the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are used, respectively, at both ends of one side of the catheter. That is, when the magnetic field generator is in the form of a permanent magnet, it can adjust the refraction angle of the electron beam by adjusting the positions of the first and second magnetic poles and the distance between the first and second magnetic poles. Furthermore, when the magnetic field generator is in the form of an electromagnet, it can generate a magnetic field synchronized 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 while being separated from the electron beam output unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, since an electron scattering unit 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 unit can be reduced, and when the same power consumption is required, the electron beam output 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 allowing medical professionals to accurately and appropriately perform electron beam therapy by adjusting the radiation dose to the area of ​​the treatment target area they intend.

[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, which has the effect of enabling the treatment device to enter narrow spaces inside the patient's body.

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

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

[0038] [Figure 1] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a conventional electron beam therapy device. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a conventional electron beam therapy device. [Figure 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 magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device according to the present invention; [Figure 5] 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. FIG. [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 adjusted electron beam therapy apparatus shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing various modes of electron beams irradiated onto a treatment target by the left and right movement of a magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically adjusted 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 depending on the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 9a] 5 is a diagram showing, from multiple angles, the state in which the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device 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 adjusted electron beam therapy device 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 adjusted electron beam therapy device 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. 8. [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. 8. [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. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as 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 present 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 defined only 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 elements other than the elements listed. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout this specification, and "and / or" includes each and every combination of one or more of the listed elements. Even if "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that a first element referred to below may also be a second element 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 in the sense that they can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless they are clearly and specifically defined.

[0042] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to easily describe the relationship of one component to another, as illustrated. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of components in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the components shown are turned over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component may be positioned "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 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.

[0045] The electron beam therapy device 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 in 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 is equipped with 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 generation unit 140 in the electron beam therapy device 100.

[0050] The power supply unit 300 supplies the 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 illustrating the operation of the electron beam pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device according to the present invention, which 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 device 100 and curved treatment target T shown in FIG. 4, and includes the electron beam output unit 110, catheter unit 120, catheter 130, magnetic field generation unit 140, and 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] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing various modes of electron beams irradiated onto a planar treatment target a and a curved treatment target b by vertical movement of the magnetic field generating unit 140 in the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device 100 shown in Figure 4, and includes magnetic field generating units 140-1 to 140-6, skin, and treatment targets.

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

[0056] Figure 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 adjusted electron beam therapy device shown in Figure 4, and includes magnetic field generating units 140-7, 140-8, skin, and treatment targets.

[0057] The configuration and function of each component of the electron pencil beam-based magnetically controlled electron beam therapy device 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 (bottom 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 freedom of movement.

[0062] At this time, the catheter unit 120 adjusts the movement and rotation angle of the catheter 130 in response to the control of the control unit 200 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. 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, and the magnetic field generating unit 140 includes first and second magnetic poles 141 and 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 electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

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

[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 refraction angle of the magnetic field generation unit 140.

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

[0071] In this case, the catheter 130 can be driven independently of the electron beam output unit 110 in a modular form and move independently, 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 unit 120.

[0074] The electron beams, the refraction angles of which are controlled by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 140, are uniformly irradiated onto various parts of the treatment target as shown in FIG. 4, and the distribution of the electron beam irradiation is controlled.

[0075] In this case, the magnetic field generator 140 can adjust the distribution of electron beam irradiation by moving along with the up and down movement of the catheter 130, or the distribution of electron beam irradiation can be adjusted by adjusting the refraction angle while the position of the catheter 130 is fixed at a certain depth.

[0076] That is, as shown in (a) of Figure 6, when the treatment target is present on the surface of a part of the patient's body (e.g., skin cancer, large 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, and electron beam irradiation is performed, 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 Figure 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 varied to the fourth to sixth depths 140-4 to 140-6 by moving the catheter 130 up and down, and electron beam irradiation can be performed, 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 varied from the first position to the third position 140-1' to 140-3' by moving the catheter 130 left and right, and the radiation dose generated by the magnetic field generating unit 140 can be adjusted to a low dose less than at least one preset standard or a high dose greater than the standard, or the electron beam can be irradiated while avoiding a specific region, thereby enabling treatment with different intensities depending on the position on a treatment target region having a planar shape (or a curved shape).

[0079] Alternatively, as shown in (a) of Figure 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 predetermined depth 140-7, and the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 is variably adjusted while irradiating the electron beam, thereby enabling uniform treatment to be performed on all parts of the planar treatment target.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in (b) of Figure 8, even if the treatment target is located on a spherical curved surface at a specific depth from the patient's subcutaneous tissue, the position of the catheter 130 is fixed at a pre-set depth 140-8, and the electron beam is irradiated while the refraction angle of the magnetic field generating unit 140 is adjusted in various ways, 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 treat deep subcutaneous areas and spherically curved areas of the patient's body with electron beams, and allows medical professionals to accurately and appropriately perform electron beam therapy by adjusting the radiation dose to the entire or partial area of ​​the treatment target area as desired by the medical professional.

[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 both the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are used.

[0085] In this case, when the magnetic field generating unit 140 is configured in the form of a permanent magnet, the refraction angle of the electron beams can be adjusted by adjusting the velocity of the electron beams 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 influence of the magnetic field in the magnetic field generating unit 140 on the electron beam can be reduced by adjusting the positions of the first and second magnetic poles 141 and 142 so that the first and second magnetic poles 141 and 142 are out of the path through which the electron beam passes.

[0087] Furthermore, when the magnetic field generator 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, increasing the distance reduces the strength of the magnetic field, and decreasing the distance increases the strength of the magnetic field.

[0088] Meanwhile, when the magnetic field generator 140 is configured as an electromagnet, it generates a magnetic field synchronized 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 refraction angle of the magnetic field generator 140, thereby adjusting the radiation dose for each position of the affected area so that a predetermined radiation dose is delivered to each part of the treatment target. This makes it possible to treat areas with electron beams of various shapes and positions, such as spherical, narrow passages, and curved areas, which were previously 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 can move organically.

[0093] As described above, the magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy device of the present invention does not require the electron scattering unit and applicator that are provided in conventional electron beam therapy devices, and therefore, of the electron beams generated by the electron beam output unit 110, none are absorbed by the electron scattering unit and applicator, and the electron beam losses can be minimized. Therefore, when the same output is targeted, the power consumed by the electron beam output unit 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 dose absorption rate in the conventional electron scattering area is about 50%, and at the same time, the treatment area is 6,400 times larger (40x40cm compared to conventional treatment). 2 Considering that the pencil beam treatment area is reduced by a factor of 0.5 × 0.5 cm², each unit area (0.5 × 0.5 cm²) 2) it can be seen that the treatment speed increases by about 10,000 times compared to conventional methods.

[0096] Therefore, considering that the output of general radiation therapy is 0.1 Gy / s and around 10 Gy / s under special conditions, the electron beam therapy device 100 of the present invention, which is based on an electron 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 rate of 40 Gy / s or more.If the output is reduced slightly, it can be made small and portable, 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, allowing the magnetic field generating unit 140 to be miniaturized, making it possible for both the catheter and the magnetic field generating unit to enter narrow spaces inside the patient's body.

[0098] 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 unit 110 as shown in Figures 9a to 9c, but also as a modular device that can be separated from an existing electron beam generating device and receive electron beams, as shown in Figure 5.

[0099] 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 predetermined shape.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 10, the electron beam therapy device 100 of the present invention generates electron beams by integrating the electron beam output unit 110, and the electron beams can be irradiated while the refraction angle of the magnetic field generation unit 140 is variably adjusted by the control unit 200.

[0101] As shown in Figure 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 entire electron beam modular therapy device 100 moves together in the up and down direction.

[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 display is displayed at a second position P2, which is an intermediate height.

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

[0105] As described above, the present invention provides an electron beam therapy device and system based on an electron pencil beam 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 are blind spots outside the linear irradiation range of the electron beam.

[0106] This eliminates the need for an electron scattering unit and applicator, and minimizes the loss or leakage of electron beams, so that when the same electron beam output is targeted, the power consumed by the electron beam output unit can be reduced, and when the same power consumption is required, the electron beam output can be improved.

[0107] In addition, electron beam therapy can be fully applied not only to flat areas of the patient's body, but also to deep subcutaneous areas and spherically curved areas, allowing medical professionals to accurately and appropriately administer electron beam therapy by adjusting the radiation dose to the area of ​​the treatment target area they intend.

[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] Furthermore, when used during radiation therapy during surgery, the reduction in electron beam leakage reduces the risk of radiation exposure to patients and medical staff, and the increased electron beam output shortens the radiation therapy time 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 in all respects and not restrictive.

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 driving unit having one side connected to the electron beam output unit and the other side connected to a power supply unit, and configured to move the electron beam output unit, the catheter, and the magnetic field generating unit relative to the power supply unit; Including, The catheter portion includes: adjusting the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to control by a control unit; The magnetic field generating unit can be moved in response to the control of the control unit by vertically moving, horizontally moving, and rotating the catheter, thereby adjusting the distribution of the electron beam irradiated onto the treatment target. A magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device based on an electron pencil beam.

2. The catheter portion 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 electron beam output unit includes:

2. The electron beam pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the electron beam is output in a pencil beam shape.

4. The magnetic field generating unit is 3. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy device according to claim 2, wherein a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole 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.

5. The magnetic field generating unit is 5. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically adjustable electron beam therapy device according to claim 4, wherein, in the case of the permanent magnet form, 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.

6. The magnetic field generating unit is 5. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically controlled electron beam therapy device of claim 4, wherein, in the case of the electromagnet form, a pulsed electromagnet generates 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.

7. an electron beam therapy device that generates and accelerates an electron beam, outputs the electron beam in a pencil beam shape, and irradiates the output electron beam onto 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 device in response to control by the control unit; Including, the electron beam therapy device adjusts the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to control by the control unit; The control unit The electron beam therapy device is characterized by controlling 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. A magnetically controlled electron beam therapy system based on an electron pencil beam.

8. The control unit 8. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system of claim 7, wherein 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.

9. The control unit 8. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system of claim 7, wherein the magnetic field generator controls the catheter to move in accordance with its vertical, horizontal and rotational movements, thereby adjusting the distribution of the electron beams irradiated onto the treatment target.

10. The magnetic field generating unit is The electron beam pencil beam-based magnetically regulated electron beam therapy system of claim 7, wherein a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole 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.

11. The magnetic field generating unit is 11. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically adjustable electron beam therapy system of claim 10, wherein, 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.

12. The magnetic field generating unit is 11. The electron pencil beam-based magnetically controlled electron beam therapy system of claim 10, wherein, in the case of the electromagnet form, a pulsed electromagnet generates 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.

13. An electron beam therapy device that generates and accelerates an electron beam, outputs it in the form of a pencil beam, and irradiates a treatment target by passing the output electron beam through a hollow tunnel in 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 device in response to control by the control unit; Including, the electron beam therapy device adjusts the movement and rotation angle of the catheter in response to control by the control unit; The electron beam therapy device includes: An electron pencil beam-based magnetically adjusted electron beam therapy system, characterized in that it can be manufactured as a modular device that can receive the electron beam through an electron beam output unit while being separated from the electron beam output unit that outputs the electron beam.

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