Patent ID: 6728335
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A system for delivering therapeutic radiation to a treatment region, the system comprising:A. an array of therapeutic radiation sources, comprising: a. a plurality of therapeutic radiation sources selectively and moveably disposed along an axis so as to form an array, wherein each therapeutic radiation source comprises: i. an electron source for emitting electrons to generate an electron beam along a beam path; and ii. a target element positioned in said beam path, said target element including at least one radiation emissive material adapted to emit therapeutic radiation in response to incident electrons from said electron beam; and b. means for providing an accelerating electric field which acts to accelerate electrons generated by said electron source toward said associated target element; and B. a controller for selectively operating each therapeutic radiation source so as to generate therapeutic radiation at selected time intervals, said controller comprising: a. intensity control circuitry for controlling the intensity of the therapeutic radiation generated by each radiation source; and b. duration control circuitry for controlling the duration of the therapeutic radiation generated by each radiation source.