Real-time in vivo radiation dosimetry using scintillation detectors
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsA. Sam Beddar, Tina Marie Briere, Louis Archambault
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for measuring radiation levels in vivo in real time. Apparatus and methods include a scintillating material coupled to a retention member.
Claims38
An apparatus configured to measure radiation levels in vivo, the apparatus comprising:
- a retention member configured to retain the apparatus in a location in vivo;
- a scintillating material configured to emit light when irradiated;
- an optical guide configured to transport light emitted from the scintillating material;
- and
- a photodetector configured to detect light emitted from the scintillating material and transported by the optical guide.
A method of measuring radiation levels in vivo, the method comprising:
- providing a scintillating material, wherein the scintillating material is configured to emit light when exposed to radiation;
- coupling the scintillating material to a retention member;
- securing the retention member in a specific location in vivo;
- exposing the specific location and the scintillating material to radiation;
- measuring the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material;
- and
- calculating the level of radiation at the specific location based on the amount of light emitted from the scintillating material.
The method of claim further comprising comparing the calculated level of radiation at the specific location to a predetermined level of radiation.
The method of claim 34 further comprising automatically stopping the exposure of radiation when the level of calculated level of radiation at the specific location is equal to the predetermined level of radiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.