Catheter Electron Beam Steering for Internal Lesion Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical electron beam output devices struggle to deliver targeted electron beams to internal target sites due to scattering and absorption, limiting treatment efficacy and requiring high-power devices for minimally invasive surgeries, and cannot adjust doses based on lesion size or progression.
Innovation Solution
An electron beam output device with a pencil beam shape, utilizing a magnetic field generator to refract electron beams through a catheter, allowing directional control and intensity adjustment for precise delivery to target sites, minimizing scattering and absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional electron beam output devices scatter and spray electron beams toward a wide area, then the electron beams can cover a larger area, but the output area is restricted to the forward-facing plane area and cannot reach internal target sites through narrow entryways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional wide-area scattering approach (2D plane coverage) to a focused pencil beam approach that can be directed through narrow entryways into 3D internal target sites. The magnetic field generator enables the electron beam to be steered and focused in three-dimensional space, allowing delivery to internal targets while maintaining beam concentration.
2Ease of operation
If an applicator that absorbs electron beams is installed on lateral sides of the entryway to facilitate passage, then the electron beams can pass through the narrow entryway, but the approach limits electron beam delivery only to a limited area located at the front of the entryway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional applicator that absorbs electron beams from the lateral sides of the entryway. Instead, it uses a magnetic field generator to control and focus the electron beam, eliminating the need for beam-absorbing structures that limit the treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical applicator system (physical beam-absorbing structures) with a magnetic field-based control system. The magnetic field generator steers and focuses the electron beam without requiring physical barriers, enabling greater flexibility in beam delivery geometry and access to internal target sites.
3Area of stationary object
If the applicator that absorbs electron beams is not installed on the lateral sides, then the electron beams can be delivered to a wider area, but the electron beams are irradiated to normal sites in addition to the target site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a magnetic field generator to create a highly localized electron beam (pencil beam) that can be precisely directed at the target site. This localized beam delivery allows the electron beams to cover a wider effective treatment area while maintaining concentration at the target, thereby avoiding irradiation of surrounding normal tissues.
4Reliability
If conventional devices scatter electron beams through various parts, then the electron beams can be delivered to the target site, but the output efficiency of electron beams decreases due to absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical scattering system (which causes beam absorption and energy loss) with a magnetic field-based focusing system. The magnetic field generator maintains beam direction and focus without requiring scattering foils or absorptive elements, thereby eliminating unnecessary energy loss while ensuring reliable beam delivery to the target site.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise electron beam delivery to internal target sites, reducing power consumption, enhancing treatment efficacy, and allowing for dose adjustment based on target site zones, thus improving therapeutic outcomes and reducing side effects.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic field generator provided in and connected with the catheter, and configured to generate a magnetic field that refracts the electron beam
Implementation Method 2
an electron beam accelerator that receives the electron beam generated by the electron beam generator and accelerate the received electron beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electron beam output device for medical use. The electron beam output device includes at least: an electron beam generator that generates an electron beam having a pencil beam shape; an electron beam accelerator that receives the electron beam generated by the electron beam generator and accelerates the received electron beam; a catheter, through which the electron beam received from the electron beam accelerator passes, the catheter is placed to be directed toward a target site, or is configured to enter an inner passage of the target site; and a first magnetic field generator that is provided in the catheter and generates a magnetic field that refracts the electron beam that is outputted from the catheter.