US 7,127,033 B2 · Miniature x-ray tube cooling system

Abstract

A miniature x-ray tube is cooled using a catheter preferably having multiple small lumens for inflow and outflow of coolant. Inflow may be through an outer lumen(s) in a concentric-extrusion catheter, the liquid turning back at the distal end of the catheter to a proximal flow over the anode end of the x-ray tube and through an inner lumen within which the x-ray tube is positioned. A coolant distribution head may engage with the anode end of the x-ray tube, with small orifices so as to distribute coolant essentially evenly over the anode surface. Temperature and flow rate of the inflowing coolant liquid are balanced so as to optimize heat transfer while efficiently carrying coolant through small lumens without the need for high pressures. Some embodiments use the inflation liquid in an applicator balloon as the coolant, with the liquid actively flowing or, in a simplified system, with the liquid static.

Claims45

Dependent claims

A cooling system for a miniature x-ray tube capable of being delivered in a catheter to a desired location in a lumen of the human body, comprising:

a catheter having multiple lumens for carrying a liquid coolant, with the x-ray tube contained in a distal end of the catheter,
the x-ray tube having an anode end near the distal end of the catheter,
the catheter including a coolant delivery head distal relative to the anode, for receiving coolant from at least one inflow lumen of the catheter and for delivering a distributed flow of coolant liquid over the anode end of the x-ray tube, the delivery head having a coolant entry end fluidly connected to said inflow lumen and having a wall with a series of orifices for delivery of the coolant liquid toward a proximal direction of the catheter, toward and over said anode end, the orifices being spaced apart and distributed in position so as to spread the coolant liquid over substantially the entire area of the anode end so as efficiently to cool the anode, and
a coolant return space around the x-ray tube for collecting coolant liquid that has flowed over the anode, said return space being connected to an outflow lumen in the catheter for returning the coolant liquid through the catheter toward a proximal end of the catheter and out of a human body.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Miniature x-ray tube cooling system

Life of this patent

Miniature x-ray tube cooling system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims45