Patent ID: 6195411
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A61N,H01J

Abstract:
A miniature radiation source comprising:a flexible catheter extending along a probe axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the catheter;a radiation source having a substantially rigid housing defining a substantially evacuated interior region extending along a beam axis between an electron source at an input end of the housing and a radiation transmissive window at an output end of the housing, the housing having a transmission target adjacent to said radiation transmissive window and responsive to incident accelerated free electrons to emit radiation whereby the radiation emitted therefrom is directed through the radiation transmissive window, the housing having the input end affixed to the distal end of the catheter;means responsive to a signal at the proximal end of the catheter for selectively activating the electron source to emit free electrons in the interior regiona channel electron multiplier adapted for receiving electrons from the electron source, at an input end, and adapted for producing free electrons at an output end; andan electron accelerator adapted for establishing a potential difference in the interior region of the radiation source whereby the free electrons are accelerated toward the target in a beam in which the electrons in said beam propagate along paths substantially parallel to said beam axis.