SINGLE-USE INTERNAL DOSIMETERS FOR DETECTING RADIATION IN MEDICAL PROCEDURES/THERAPIES
Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation internal dosimeters with MOSFETs into a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The MOSFETs can be unpowered during irradiation.
This application is a second divisional of parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/865,312, filed Jun. 10, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,942, through co-pending first divisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/354,461, filed Jan. 15, 2009, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,591, filed Nov. 25, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,557,353, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/334,580, entitled Disposable Single-Use External Dosimeters for Use in Radiation Therapies, filed Nov. 30, 2001, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to the assessment and/or quantitative evaluation of the amount of radiation exposure a patient undergoing therapy receives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConventionally, radiation therapies are carried out over one or a successive series of treatment sessions. For certain radiation therapies, high-energy photons and/or electrons are carefully directed and/or focused from an ex vivo radiation source so that they travel into a targeted treatment area in a patient's body. In other radiation therapies, the radiation is delivered internally via planted radioactive seeds, radioactive analytes, and the like.
Generally stated, the size, shape, and position of the treatment area (typically where a tumor is or was) as well as its anatomical location in the body and its proximity to sensitive normal tissues are considered when generating a particular patient's treatment plan. That is, the treatment is planned so as to deliver a suitably high dose of radiation to the tumor or targeted tissue while minimizing the dose to nearby sensitive tissue that typically cannot be completely avoided. Directing radiation into non-affected regions may produce undesired side effects, particularly as it relates to tissue that may be sensitive to certain dosages of radiation. Unfortunately, even when the patient plan is carefully constructed to account for the location of the cancerous tissue and the sensitive non-affected regions, even small errors in set-up due to beam angle or patient position during delivery of the radiation therapy can inadvertently misdirect radiation into those regions or can influence the dose amount that is actually received by the targeted tissue. Further, the demand for radiation treatment equipment is typically relatively high and this demand may limit the set-up time allowed or allocated in the treatment room between patients.
In the past, implantable devices for oncology applications have been proposed to evaluate the radiation dose amount received in vivo at the tumor site. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,689 to Scarantino et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Measuring the radiation at the tumor site in vivo can provide improved estimates of doses received. However, for certain tumor types or situations, alternatively configured internal radiation dosimeters may be desirable and sufficient for clinical purposes.
In view of the foregoing, there remains a need for improved economical and easy to use internal radiation dosimeters.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIONCertain embodiments are directed to cost-effective internal radiation dosimeters that can be used to evaluate radiation dose exposure delivered to a patient in a single treatment session.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a memory storage device on a radiation dosimeter probe that can be used to record the dose history of the dosimeter probe. The dosimeter probe can be a single-use (used to obtain radiation data during a single treatment session) disposable, elongate internal probe that includes a memory storage device may be queried by a reader in order to obtain a record of the dose. Other information, such as patient identification, time, date, hospital, therapist, state of the device, dosed/undosed and calibration data may be stored in the memory storage device.
The internal probes can be used to provide an economic method of determining the amount of radiation delivered to a patient undergoing a medical treatment, such as an oncology patient in situ.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a disposable, single-use internal radiation dosimeter that and operates in a relatively easy to operate and read manner without requiring the use of lead wires (or even power) during irradiation.
The internal dosimeter may include at least one radiation sensor, each comprising a single MOSFET. The dosimeter can be positioned in the patient so as to place at least one of the radiation sensors in a location that is generally proximate to the target treatment site.
In some embodiments, the dosimeter radiation sensor may be pre-dosed and/or calibrated before the dosimeter probe is inserted into the patient. Certain data obtained may be stored in an electronic storage device provided on/in the dosimeter itself The storage device may be, for example, an EEPROM. Other information, such as the patient's name, the doctor's name, the test or treatment date and the like, may also be stored in the storage device provided in/on the dosimeter probe. Alternatively, the data can be stored on a computer readable memory integrated on a physical record sheet that can be placed in the patient's file.
Some embodiments are directed to methods for monitoring radiation exposure for a patient undergoing a medical procedure. The methods include: (a) inserting a single-use dosimeter into a patient; (b) exposing the patient to radiation in a medical procedure during a treatment session, wherein the at least one dosimeter comprises at least one radiation sensor circuit with a MOSFET and electronic memory that holds calibration data for the MOSFET; (c) transmitting data from the dosimeter to a dose-reader device after the exposing step to obtain the calibration data and data associated with a change in an operational parameter in the MOSFET of the dosimeter radiation sensor circuit; (d) removing the dosimeter from the patient proximate in time to and end of the treatment session; and (d) determining radiation received by the patient during the exposing step based on the change in the operational parameter of the MOSFET and the calibration data.
The internal dosimeter probe body can be configured to reside within a natural lumen or cavity, such as a mouthpiece and/or bite block, an ear plug, a nasal plug, a rectal plug, a male genourinary catheter, a female geno-urinary plug or catheter, and the like. In other embodiments, the dosimeter probe can be configured as a transcutaneous device.
Other embodiments are directed to systems for monitoring radiation administered to a patient during a diagnostic and/or therapeutic treatment. The systems include: (a) at least one single-use internal dosimeter, the internal dosimeter comprising at least one radiation sensor circuit comprising a MOSFET having an associated threshold voltage that changes when exposed to radiation and electronic memory comprising calibration data for determining radiation dose; and (b) a portable dose-reader configured to obtain voltage threshold data and calibration data from the at least one internal dosimeter corresponding to a dose amount of radiation exposure received during irradiation exposure.
The dosimeter can be configured with a body holding the at least one radiation sensor circuit having a MOSFET (typically a single unbiased MOSFET) and the electronic memory can include stored calibration coefficient for the respective MOSFET in the radiation sensor circuit for determining radiation dose. During irradiation, the dosimeter radiation circuit can be quiescent and unpowered with a perimeter that is devoid of outwardly extending loose lead wires. The radiation circuit and memory may be disposed on a substrate that is removeable from the probe body and may be retained in a patient data record/file allowing the probe body to be discarded.
In some embodiments, the system can also include at least one an external skin mounted patch dosimeter. The patch can include at least one radiation sensor circuit, each having a respective one MOSFET. Each MOSFET in respective radiation sensor circuits can be configured to independently detect radiation, and each of the radiation sensor circuits may share certain operative components, such as memory, or may operate independently.
Still other embodiments are directed to internal single-use radiation dosimeters. The dosimeters include: (a) at least one radiation sensor circuit with a MOSFET having an associated threshold voltage that changes when exposed to radiation to provide quantifiable radiation exposure data, wherein the radiation sensor circuit is unpowered during irradiation; (b) electronic memory having radiation calibration data for the MOSFET; and (c) a reader contact zone on the dosimeter configured to allow a portable reader to electrically engage the dosimeter to obtain the radiation exposure and calibration data. The radiation dosimeter is a single-use dosimeter configured for use during a single medical treatment session.
The calibration data can include a zero temperature coefficient and the electronic memory may include electronic instructions for automatically directing a remote reader on how to communicate with the dosimeter.
Other embodiments are directed to portable medical radiation dose readers. The readers include: a portable housing and a circuit held in the portable housing. The circuit is configured to communicate with an electronic memory of at least one single use internal dosimeter to obtain voltage threshold data corresponding to a dose amount of radiation exposure that the at least one dosimeter is exposed to during irradiation and to prompt a user to input predetermined data associated with dose evaluation, patient data and/or clinic data.
In some embodiments, the reader is also configured to communicate with an electronic memory of at least one single use external skin mount radiation dosimeter patch to obtain voltage threshold data corresponding to a dose amount of radiation exposure that the at least one patch is exposed to during irradiation and to prompt a user to input predetermined data associated with dose evaluation, patient data and/or clinic data.
The reader can include computer program code for identifying what type of dosimeter is undergoing evaluation, and computer program code that provides a selectable list of differently configured dosimeters, including an external skin mount patch and a plurality of different internal dosimeters, all configured to be evaluated by the same dose reader.
Another embodiment is directed to a computer program product for evaluating a radiation dose delivered to a patient. The computer program product comprises a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied in the medium. The computer-readable program code comprises: (a) computer readable program code for receiving pre-irradiation threshold voltage data associated with an internal dosimeter having at least one (but can have a plurality of spaced apart) radiation sensor circuit(s) (b) computer readable program code for directing a reader to communicate with the dosimeter to obtain radiation data from the at least one (or plurality of different) radiation sensor circuit(s); and (c) computer readable program code for determining the voltage threshold shift of the at least one radiation sensor circuit(s) after radiation to determine the radiation exposure.
In still further embodiments of the present invention, a dose-reader may be adapted to communicate with the dosimeter via a sensor port. The dose-reader can be a pocket or palm sized portable device. The dose-reader may also include a communications port, for example, a universal serial port (USB), RS 232 and the like, for downloading obtained data to a computer application or remote computer. The dose-reader functionality may be incorporated into a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other pervasive computer device.
In particular embodiments, the dose-reader may be a multi-purpose reader configured to communicate with surface mount sensor patches as well as the internal dosimeter configurations contemplated by embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, both a surface mount dosimeter patch and an internal dosimeter can be used and read by the same reader.
In further embodiments the dosimeter may be configured to communicate with the dose-reader wirelessly. For example, the sensor patch and the dose-reader may both be equipped with a radio frequency (RF) interface so that information may be shared between the two devices.
The foregoing and other objects and aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, certain components, features, or layers may be exaggerated for clarity. In the block diagrams or flow charts, broken lines indicate optional operations, or features unless stated otherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense expressly so defined herein.
With reference to certain particular embodiments, the description of a radiation sensor circuit having a single operative MOSFET means that the circuit may include a semiconductor component that has more than one MOSFET thereon/therein, but only a single MOSFET is operatively required to obtain the radiation data for a single radiation circuit (biasing of two MOSFETS is not required). The term “probe” describes a body member that is sized and configured for internal positioning inside an object, typically an animal, and more typically a human subject. The term “probe” is meant to be broadly interpreted and includes, but is not limited to, catheters (slender, flexible tubes), stents, plugs, suppository and/or tampon-like bodies that hold at least one radiation sensor circuit thereon or therein. The probes can be sized and configured for intracavity or natural lumen placement. In some embodiments the probes are configured to be releaseably securable and/or in a generally fixed target location in the body, in a natural lumen or cavity during the irradiation. In other embodiments, the probes may be sized and configured for transcutaneuous and/or subcutanteous placement. Biocompatible materials and/or coatings can be used to allow for placement in an in vivo body. The term “genourinary” includes the gender-specific natural lumens and cavities, such as, for females, the vagina, the cervix, the uterus, the urethra, and the bladder, and for males, the urethra and the bladder (including the urethra proximate the prostate). However, in certain embodiments, the probes of the present invention may be alternately configured and adapted as appropriate for insertion in other natural lumens or body cavities such as, but not limited to, the rectum, the colon, the uterus, the cervix, the throat, the mouth, the ear, the nose, the esophagus or other fluid or respiratory passages, and the like.
The statements characterizing one or more of the priority applications as a “continuation-in-part” application of a prior application listed under the “Related Applications” section above is used to indicate that additional subject matter was added to the specification of the prior application but does not necessarily mean that the entire invention described and claimed in the present application is not supported in full by the prior application(s).
In some embodiments, the internal dosimeters 30i contemplated by the instant invention can be used in Quality Assurance evaluations of planned radiation therapies for dose verification. Thus, the internal dosimeters can be used during a dose planning session (such as for Quality Assurance in set-up, confirmation-to-plan analysis, and the like, whether in a phantom and/or an actual subject to compare the planned dose to the actual dose) and/or used during active radiation therapy sessions.
In the embodiment shown in
It is noted that the memory 67 may be located proximate the MOSFET 63m such as shown in
To help monitor or estimate the amount of radiation that is delivered to the patient during a treatment session, at least one disposable single-use dosimeter 30, 30i can be used. As used herein, “single-use” is used to refer to a use for a single patient during a treatment session. The internal dosimeter 30i is typically used only once proximate in time and during a treatment. The internal dosimeter 30i may be removed after the treatment or sometime during the treatment, typically removed at the end of a single treatment session. It will be understood that a treatment session may include an active radiotherapy administration during a single treatment session or serially spaced apart treatment sessions. The treatment session may have a duration of minutes, hours, days and the like. The memory 67 or other electronic components may be configured to inhibit or prevent reuse. Furthermore, a calibration dose obtained before the external sensor 30 and/or internal dosimeter 30i is positioned on/in a patient is not to be considered the “single-use.” The dosimeters 30i can be configured from biocompatible materials and sterilized prior to use. The dosimeters 30i can be packaged in sterilized packages for medical use. The dosimeters 30i can be packaged in a medical kit of at least one external mount skin patch 30 and at least one internal dosimeter 30i, and can, in certain embodiments, include two differently configured internal dosimeters (i.e., one for the mouth cavity and one for the ear cavity).
As discussed above, the internal dosimeter 30i is configured to change in an operational parameter in a predictable manner that correlates to the radiation dose it receives, as will be discussed further below. The internal dosimeter 30i can be configured so as to be self-contained and discrete and devoid of dangling lead wires extending to a remote power source or operating system during irradiation in position on the patient. As such, a reader, for example, reader 75 (
As used herein, the reference number “75” will be used to refer generally to a reader device according to embodiments of the present invention. Particular embodiments of a reader device 75 may be referred to using the reference number 75 and followed by one or more apostrophes (or primes) attached thereto. For example, particular embodiments of the reader device may be denoted 75′ or 75″. This convention may similarly be used with respect to other features of the present invention. For example, the reference number “30′” will be used to refer to particular embodiments of an external skin mountable sensor patch and “30i” will be used to refer to embodiments of an internal dosimeter, herein. It will be understood that features discussed with respect to any embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present invention even if these features are not discussed specifically with reference to each individual embodiment.
In some embodiments, the MOSFET 63m is embedded as an integral component in the body of the mouthpiece. In other components, the MOSFET 63m and radiation circuit 30c can be held on a substrate that can be inserted into the mouthpiece (cutting into the body of the mouthpiece or into a channel formed into the mouthpiece). The mouthpiece can be configured to fit over the upper bite or lower bite of the user. The MOSFET 63m can be positioned in the body 531 so that the body shape and/or body tissue provides a suitable build-up therefor (see below for more discussion of build-up configurations).
In some embodiments, as shown in
As shown in
The catheter dosimeter 730 can be provided in a range of different sizes (with the widths varying as well as the placement/size of the balloon) to accommodate different size males and different size prostates, particularly where the treatment under evaluation is the prostate. For example, the catheter 730 can be sized as an elongated tubular body with a relatively small cross-sectional area having a thin outer wall so as to be able to be inserted into and extend along a length of the desired lumen to reach the desired treatment site. As used herein, the term “thin outer wall” means a wall having a thickness of about 2 mm or less, and preferably about 1.2 mm or less, and can be, in certain embodiments about 0.5 mm or less. For prostate or male urinary applications, the cross-sectional width or outer diameter of the catheter tubular body, is typically between about 6-8 mm (18-24 French). Of course, as noted above, the flexible catheter 730 can be alternatively sized and dimensioned to fit other lumens, cavities and/or treatment applications.
In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
The internal dosimeter is typically removed during, at the end of, or after the first treatment session (providing a single use evaluation) (block 126). A clinician can be automatically prompted by the reader to enter specific data into the reader, some of which can be stored in the memory in the dosimeter (block 121). In addition, at least one skin mounted dosimeter patch may be placed on the subject (block 122) and the same reader can be used to contact the patch to obtain additional radiation data, that may be used to determine a radiation dose (block 123). The prompting operation can be carried out prior to, during, and/or after the treatment session. Similarly, the dosimeter can be removed prior to reading by the reader or read in position in the body.
In certain embodiments, as noted above, the internal dosimeter may be calibrated and/or pre-dosed and/or the zero temperature coefficient can be measured and stored in the memory before being inserted into the patient. The calibration and/or pre-dosing of the sensor patch may be done on an individual patch basis or many sensor patches may be calibrated and/or pre-dosed in batches simultaneously as discussed further below.
In certain particular embodiments, the reading may be able to be obtained in situ during the treatment session (without removing the sensor patch(es) from the patient) to provide real-time feedback to the clinician estimating whether the desired dose is being administered to the patient. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the sensor patch (such as at a location adjacent the circuitry) or of the subject (skin or core body) can also be ascertained or obtained and taken into account when calculating the radiation dose. In any event the dose reading can be obtained without requiring external powering or externally applied biasing of the MOSFET 63m in the sensor circuit 30c during the radiation treatment.
In certain embodiments, a plurality of discrete sensor patches 30 can be positioned to cover a region on the skin that is in the radiation beam path so as to reside over a target treatment site (typically diseased tissue associated with a tumor site). Further, in particular embodiments, one or more sensor patches 30 can also be positioned in radiation sensitive areas of the body to confirm stray radiation is not unduly transmitted thereto. Sensitive regions include, but are not limited to, the thyroid, the spine, the heart, the lungs, the brain, and the like.
In any event, radiation is administered to the patient in a first treatment session. Data associated with a change in an operational parameter in the patch radiation circuit and the internal dosimeter radiation circuit may be obtained from the sensor patch using the reader after/during administering the radiation to the patient. In further embodiments, the reader may contact the sensor patch as discussed further below. However, it is noted, that in other embodiments, the reader may transfer data from the internal dosimeter and/or sensor patch wirelessly. The radiation dose received by the patient can be determined based on the obtained data.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the obtained data may include a voltage threshold of a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) included in the radiation circuit 30c of the internal dosimeter 30i and, where used, on the at least one sensor patch 30. In these embodiments of the present invention, a pre-radiation voltage threshold of the MOSFET and a zero temperature coefficient of the MOSFET may be measured before the patient undergoes radiation therapy. The pre-radiation threshold voltage and the zero temperature coefficient of the MOSFET may be stored in the electronic memory of the dosimeter. The stored zero temperature coefficient may be used to bias the MOSFET on the internal dosimeter 30i and the least one sensor patch 30 (where used) after the patient undergoes radiation therapy and before the post-radiation threshold voltage is measured as discussed further below.
It will be understood that the radiation dose may be automatically determined by the reader 75 without any input by a doctor or technician. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the doctor or technician may be prompted for additional information by the reader 75 to determine the radiation dose. For example, the reader 75 may prompt the technician for a correction factor related to a particular set-up or radiation equipment type employed or a particular configuration of the dosimeter (i.e, whether internal 30i or external 30). Once the clinician supplies the requested additional information, the reader 75 may automatically determine the radiation dose using the additional information provided. The obtained data, as well as other information, may be stored in an electronic memory (memory device) included on the dosimeter (patch or internal).
In particular, the electronic memory may include methodology data that instructs the reader 75 how to interface with, i.e., obtain data from the radiation circuit 30c. Thus, for example, if the radiation circuit 30c changes electronic configuration, the memory 67 can be configured to automatically instruct the reader 75 on how to obtain the radiation and other patch data of interest, allowing the reader 75 to operate with different versions of patches. In other embodiments, the reader 75 can be periodically upgraded with software to communicate with the different versions of patches. Combinations of these configurations may also be used.
The electronic memory may further include radiation-dose data, patient data, time and date of a radiation reading, calibration data and the like. Furthermore, as discussed above, the electronic memory may include the zero temperature coefficient of a MOSFET included in the radiation circuit 30c. This zero temperature coefficient may be used to bias the MOSFET after the radiation treatment before a post-radiation threshold voltage is obtained as discussed further below.
The internal dosimeter 30i (and, where used, the sensor patch 30) does not require lead wires extending from a remote power source or computer system to operate (i.e., is basically inactive and/or unpowered) during irradiation. For example, where a MOSFET-based radiation sensor circuit is used, the MOSFET is generally passive but collects a permanent space charge as a result of the passage of ionizing radiation. After radiation exposure or at a desired evaluation time, the biosensor(s) can be inductively powered and the MOSFET-based radiation data can be transferred to a remote reader.
In some embodiments, the dosimeter 30i can transmit or relay radiation data upon contact with and/or insertion into a reader device 75 and may store data in an electronic memory device 67 included in the dosimeter 30i. As discussed above, in other embodiments, the internal dosimeter 30i may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the reader 75. The radiation dose received by the dosimeter 30i and/or sensor patch 30 can be determined and used to estimate the dose received by the patient during the radiation therapy session based on the data obtained by the reader. The reader 75 itself can be a handheld portable unit that may or may not require wires to connect with a remote controller or computer or may use a standard communication port as will be discussed further below. The reader 75 can include a user input such as a touch screen and/or keypad entry. In any event, the operations can be carried out for each or a selected radiation treatment session. If the operations are repeated for each treatment session, a cumulative amount of delivered radiation can be estimated/confirmed to allow a clinician to evaluate whether additional treatments are desired.
In certain embodiments, data may be included in the memory storage device 67, for example, an electrically programmable memory such as an electrically erasable read only programmable memory (EEPROM), for each dosimeter 30i. The memory storage device 67 may include information such as patient identification, time, date, hospital, therapist, state of the device, dosed/undosed sensor data and calibration data. The memory storage device 67 may further be used to store bias parameters and/or information with respect to measurement methodology for a particular individual dosimeter 30i. For example, the measurement methodology may include instructions for the reader 75 on how to communicate with the radiation circuit 30c in the dosimeter 30i. Including these instructions in the memory storage device may allow the reader 75 to operate with any version of the dosimeter 30i and/or sensor patch 30 as the reader 75 may not have to be configured for the specifications of a particular dosimeter. The memory 67 may also include data that identifies the type of internal dosimeter it is. In some embodiments of the present invention, the memory storage device 67 of the sensor patch 30 may have at least 2K of storage thereon.
The MOSFET 63m in the radiation circuit 30c can have an individual calibration coefficient, dose data or characterizing data. In other embodiments, those MOSFETS produced in a common production run (off of the same wafer or chip) with substantially similar characterizing data may have common single calibration characterizing data. In certain embodiments, the calibration related characterizing data can include the pre-irradiation threshold voltage value of a MOSFET(s) that is measured at an OEM and provided in the memory 67.
In some embodiments, the memory storage device 67 may include a zero temperature bias parameters associated with the MOSFET included in the dosimeter 30i. The zero temperature coefficient of the MOSFET may be measured prior to administration of radiation therapy to the patient and stored in the memory storage device 67. The zero temperature coefficient of the MOSFET may be used to bias the MOSFET before obtaining a post-radiation threshold voltage value of the MOSFET as discussed further below.
Referring now to
In certain embodiments, a first set-up pre-dose verification protocol can be carried out to deliver a first radiation dose and a first radiation dose value can be obtained for at least one selected patch 30 and/or internal dosimeter 30i to confirm that the radiation beam focus location is correct or suitable (or whether a sensitive area is receiving radiation). In addition, the system can be configured to map a dose gradient by correlating the determined radiation dose values at each patch location to the anatomical location on the subject of each patch.
In certain embodiments, the storage or memory device 67 (
Referring now to
Referring to
The function of the reader 75 may be incorporated into any portable device adapted to communicate with an internal dosimeter 30i (and, in certain embodiments also a sensor patch 30). For example, the reader 75 functionality/circuitry could be disposed in a personal digital assistant (PDA) that is adapted to include a radiation sensor port 32. The reader 75 may further include a remote computer port 33. The port 33 may be, for example, RS 232, infrared data association (IrDA) or universal serial bus (USB), and may be used to download radiation and/or other selected data from the internal dosimeter 30i to a computer application or remote computer.
In certain embodiments, the reader 75 may be configured to obtain data stored in the memory device 67 of the dosimeter 30i using, for example, electrical contacts on the reader 75 and the dosimeter 30i, to transfer the data stored in the memory device 67. This data obtained from the memory device 67 may, for example, be stored locally on the reader 75 or be downloaded to an application on, for example, a remote computer using a port 33 provided in the reader 75. The memory device 67 may serve as a permanent record of the radiation dose and may contain a real time clock such that the obtained data may include a time and date stamp.
An exemplary block diagram of a reader 75 and an internal dosimeter 30i including a RADFET 63 and an electronic memory 67 according to some embodiments of the present invention is provided in
The sensor patch(es) 30 can be configured as a discrete, low profile, compact non-invasive and minimally obtrusive device that conforms to the skin of the patient. The sensor patch(es) may be less from about 0.25 to about 1.5 inches long and wide and have a thin thickness of from about 1 to about 5 mm or less. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the sensor patch 30 can be attached to the patient so that it makes and retains snug contact with the patient's skin. Air gaps between the sensor 30 and the patient's skin may cause complications with respect to obtaining the estimated dosage data.
Some embodiments of the present invention include the placement of an overlay material over the sensor patch 30 to, for example, simulate placement of the sensor patch 30 beneath the patient's skin. This type of simulation may inhibit scatter of the radiation beam and/or establish electronic equilibrium in proximity to the sensor patch 30 and, therefore, increase the reliability of radiation measurement. Radiation measurement using the sensor electronics may be optimal at from about 0.5 to about 3 cm beneath the patient's skin, but typically is from about 1 to about 1.5 cm beneath the patient's skin. Accordingly, the overlay material may be from about 0.5 to about 3 cm thick to simulate subsurface depth measurement conditions. The presence of this overlay material may decrease the influence of air gaps between the sensor 30 and the patient's skin. The overlay material may be, for example, a resilient flubber like or flexible material that will conform to the skin such as an elastomeric or the like. Some embodiments of the present invention include the placement of a buildup cap over the sensor patch 30 to, for example, simulate placement of the sensor patch 30 beneath the patient's skin. This type of simulation may help to focus a narrow portion of the radiation beam in proximity to the sensor patch 30 and, therefore, increase the reliability of radiation measurement. The buildup cap may have a hemispherical shape and may simulate placement of the sensor patch 30 inside the body to a depth called “Dmax”. Dmax may be, for example, from about 1 to about 3 cm and is the depth at which the absorbed dose reaches a maximum for a given energy. The buildup cap may include a material equivalent to water and a metallic material. For example, the buildup cap may include a layer of polystyrene having a diameter of from about 6 to about 7 mm and a layer of copper on the polystyrene have a thickness of about 0.5 to about 1 mm. The buildup cap may include a small lip (not shown) that hooks onto the front edge of the patch for consistent alignment. The buildup cap may have a medical grade adhesive that would stick well, but not permanently, to the top face of the sensor patch 30. In some embodiments of the present invention, the geometry of the cap could be made to help with isotropy. The buildup cap may be placed on the sensor patch 30 separately based on the energy range of the buildup cap, thereby allowing the underlying sensor patch 30 to be used with different buildup caps for different energy ranges. In some embodiments of the present invention, the buildup caps may be provided in different colors, the colors indicating the energy range of the buildup cap. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the bulk of the buildup cap may be injection molded polystyrene that is coated with a copper layer and some rubbery or elastomeric surface paint applied in different colors corresponding to the different energy ranges provided by the buildup cap. The buildup cap can also be shaped to provide a measurement that is independent of X-ray beam entry angle. With respect to the discussion in the preceeding paragraphs, it is noted that for internal dosimeters 30i, their build-up can be provided by shape and material of the probe body, alone or in combination with the tissue at the target internal location.
In other particular embodiments, the sensor circuit 30c can be configured with two or more MOSFETS. In embodiments configured to have two MOSFETS, one may be positioned over the other on opposing sides of the substrate in face-to-face alignment to inhibit orientation influence of the substrate. (not shown). Additionally, other materials, e.g., certain epoxies, can be used to both encapsulate the MOSFETs and provide further scattering influence to facilitate isotropic response of the MOSFETs (this feature may particularly apply to the skin patch dosimeters 30). In addition, there are well known influences of radiation backscatter from the surface of patients on whom surface-mounted dosimeters are used. The backscatter effect can be taken into account when calculating an entrance or exit dose or sufficient build-up may be provided on the top of the dosimeter to promote the equilibration of scattered electrons. See, Cancer, Principles and Practice of Oncology, 3d edition, ed. V T DeVita, S. Hellman, and S A Rosenberg (JB Lippincott Co., Phila., 1989), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. The underside or bottom of the sensor patch 30 may include a medical grade releasable adhesive to allow the sensor patch 30 to be secured to the skin during the treatment session and then easily removed without harming the skin.
Radiation circuits 30c according to embodiments of the present invention may be provided individually or in sheets containing multiple circuits 30c. In particular, the sensor flex substrates 30s may be fabricated in high-density sheets. As used herein, “high density” refers to multiple sensor patches provided on a unitary sheet. High density is intended to encompass very large sheets containing, for example, hundreds or thousands of sensors, as well as, for example, 3×3 regions of these very large sheets typically including 6 or more sensors per region. Providing the sensor circuit substrates 30s including memory devices 67, for example EEPROMs, on high density sheets 200 as illustrated in
As further illustrated in
Each of the sensors 30c or the entire sheet 200 of sensor circuits 30c may be calibrated by providing a wire(s) 205 illustrated in
As discussed above, the sensor circuits 30c may be pre-dosed, i.e. dosed prior to placement on the patient. Dosing a sensor patch may include, for example, setting the amount of radiation to be delivered to a patient and the particular region(s) on the patient to which the radiation should be delivered. This process is typically performed by a physicist and can be very time consuming. The possibility of accurately pre-dosing a sensor circuit 30c may reduce the need for a physicist to be involved in the dosimetry confirmation process. In other words, using reliable dose patches can reduce the time a physicist expends to confirm the treatment beam and path dose.
It will be understood that dosimeters 30i adapted to be received by a reader 75 are not limited to the configuration illustrated in the figures provided herein. These figures are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not meant to limit the present invention.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a test strip 2200 as illustrated in
As stated above, the test strip 2200 may be similar to the sensor patch 30 and/or selected internal dosimeter 30i, except the RADFET may be replaced with a series combination of a voltage reference and a resistance, for example, a 1.2V shunt reference (specified at 0.1% tolerance such as an LM4051-1.2) and a 10 KΩ resistor (0.1% tolerance). In some embodiments of the present invention, the gate/drain connection may have a 39 KΩ, 0.1% tolerance resistor coupled to ground on the test strip 2200. The 39 KΩ resistor may provide an additional 52 μA bias to the series 1.2V reference and 10 KΩ resistor.
The test strip 2200 may include a memory map, which may include, among other things, the defaults from the base load (at the ZTC process), i.e. the pre-radiation data. Table 7 of
The reader 75 may interrogate the test strip memory and request that a doctor technician perform a “zeroing operation” discussed further below. The test strip 2200 may be zeroed and the resulting digital to analog conversion (DACB) value may be compared to the DACB value determined at the factory. The result may indicate, for example, “Reader OK” if the DACB value is within a set of limits provided or “Reader needs Cal” if the DACB value is outside the set of limits. It will be understood that the limits may be determined on a per-reader basis during factory calibration.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the test strip 2200 may be configured to prevent modification by the reader 75. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reader may be configured to indicate “Reader OK” when the test strip 2200 is inserted and a predetermined reference voltage, such as about 4.096 V, is within a predetermined range. The reader may be further configured to indicate “Reader needs Cal” if the reference voltage is outside of the predetermined range. In some embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined range may be from about 4.075 to about 4.116V. The tolerance on the limits may be about +/−0.005V.
It is noted that the remainder of the specification may discuss the sensor circuit 30c and/or MOSFET 63m in relation to the sensor patch 30, but the same concepts and/or functions can be used for certain embodiments of the circuit 30c of the internal dosimeters 30i.
As shown in
As shown by the graph in
As shown in
In some embodiments of the present invention, the zero temperature coefficient of the MOSFET/RADFET 63m (
The memory device 67 may include a memory map identifying memory locations and contents thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the memory map may resemble a spreadsheet. The memory map may include one or more fields containing data, such as serial numbers, calibration factors, dose records, time stamps, biasing parameters, factory calibration information and the like. The reader 75 may access data stored in the memory map using, for example, a standard I2C protocol as discussed further below. Details with respect to memory maps will be understood by those having skill in the art and will not be discussed further herein.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the dose may be calculated using Equation 1 set out below:
Dose=kenergy*krate*kSSD*kfieldsize*ktemp*kwedge*kfade*[a(vshift)3+b(vshift)2+c(vshift)+d] (Equation 1)
Vshift is the voltage difference (as seen by the 24-bit A/D converter) between the pre-radiation and post-radiation threshold voltage when measured at the zero temperature coefficient current (IBiasZTC) discussed below. kenergy (Energy), krate (Dose Rate), kSSD, kfieldsize (Field Size), ktemp (Temperature), kwedge (Wedge Angle), kfade (Fade Time) (See
As necessary, correction factors may be applied for energy, dose rate, field size, temperature, wedge factors, fading or other user-defined corrections. The reader 75 can be configured to provide automatic prompts to a user or a station to obtain the desired patient-specific or equipment inputs. Coefficients for the correction factors may be stored in the electronic memory 67. User-input correction factors may also be stored in the reader 75 non-volatile memory and may be copied into the electronic memory 67 as a record if the correction factors are used in the dose calculation. A graph set out in
Referring to
In particular, temperature correction factor coefficients may be stored in the memory locations of the memory map stored in the electronic memory 67. In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature correction factor coefficients may be stored in a floating point format. The coefficients may be stored in the order illustrated in Table 3 of
The standard temperature may be normalized to about 20° C. The correction factors may be curve-fitted to a 3rd-order polynomial and the coefficients may be stored in the memory map 67. The default values may be, for example, set to 0, 0, 0, 1 for a, b, c, and d, respectively. The input to the equation may be the temperature in ° C. determined by calculating the temperature (° C.). This is calculated from the difference in a diode reference voltage and a diode voltage measured during the post-radiation process. The difference may be multiplied by the diode temperature coefficient stored in the memory 67 and added to 27° C. plus 1/10th of TOffset discussed below.
For example, the patch temperature may be determined according to Equations 2 and 3 set out below:
VDiode=2.048−(VADC
Temperature=27+10*(TOffset)+(VDiode−Diode Voltage Reference)/Temp Coeff. of the Diode (Equation 3)
Furthermore, fade correction factor coefficients, i.e., coefficients of the correction factors for fading of the RADFET voltage, may be stored in the memory locations of the memory map stored in the electronic memory 67. In some embodiments of the present invention, the fade correction factor coefficients may be stored in a floating point format. The coefficients may be stored in the order illustrated in Table 4 of
The standard time may be normalized to about 300 seconds (5 minutes). The correction factors may be curve-fitted to a 3rd-order polynomial and the coefficients may be stored in the respective locations in the patch memory 67. The default values may be set to 0, 0, 0, 1 for a, b, c, and d, respectively. The input to the dose equation (Equation 1) is the difference in time (seconds) between the Dose-End timestamp and the Reading Time versus the 300 second normalized time. For example, if the reading takes place 5 minutes and 30 seconds after the dose end time, the input to the dose equation (Equation 1) would be 30 seconds. If the reading takes place 4 minutes after the dose end time, then the input to the equation would be −60 seconds.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the user may be prompted to input, such as via a touch sensor or a keypad, to indicate the end of the dose treatment. If there are multiple fields of radiation involved, the user may be instructed to press the timestamp button during the last treatment field. The time difference may be calculated (in seconds) between the dose end time and the reading time and may be used to correct for fade. If the prompt for dose time is not configured (in the reader) then the Zero-reading time plus 300 seconds may be used as the dose end time. A graph set out in
The cells of the memory map may further include a standardized hex-coded D/A Converter value that may be used to bias the RADFET 63 to the factory-determined zero temperature bias current (ZTC). The value of the ZTC current may be determined at the factory and may be stored in the memory device 67 during the calibration process for each individual sensor. The value that may be stored in the memory device 67 is the D/A value and would be written if the particular reader reference voltages, D/A (assume 16-bit), resistor values, offset voltages and bias currents are ideal. For example, if the factory determined ZTC current is:
iBias
The value of the ZTC current stored in the memory device 67 (IBiasZTC) during the calibration process for each individual sensor may be calculated using Equation 5 set out below.
IBiasZTC=((V4.096−iBias
In some embodiments of the present invention, the parameters used in this calculation maybe: V4.096=4.096 V, V2.048=2.048 V and RBias=10.00 KΩ. Inserting these values into Equation 5, IBiasZTC may be 79 C0H.
The actual DAC value that may be used for a particular reader 75 depends on the reader calibration coefficients. The actual DAC value may be adjusted so that the effects of the non-ideal, such as 4.096 and 2.048 VDC references, 10.00 KΩ resistor, op-amp input offset voltage and/or bias current of each particular reader 75 may be corrected. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reader calibration coefficients for the IBiasZTC current are “IBias
Ibias−ztcreader(x)=IBiasZTC*IBias
Table 5 of
In some embodiments of the present invention, the bias current accuracy for any individual reader 75 may be specified at about +/−100 nA. The trans-conductance of the RADFET may be specified at about 1/100 KΩ max at the ZTC bias current. If the bias current changes between the “pre-radiation” and “post-radiation” dose readings due to, for example, switching readers, there may be a potential voltage error of about 100 nA*100 KΩ=10 mV. Since the initial sensitivity of the RADFET may be specified at about 0.25 mV/cGy, this represents a potential 40 cGy error. The specified error for the system may be about +/−1 cGy for a 20 cGy dose. The repeatability of the bias current (between “pre” and “post” dose measurements) on an individual reader 75 may be specified at about +/−1 nA so that the error due to a “trans-conductance effect” may be limited to about 1 nA*100 KΩ=100 μV.
The reader 75 may initially “zero” an un-dosed sensor patch 30 by adjusting the output of a digital to analog converter (DAC) so that the analog to digital (A/D) converter input is near zero. The DAC is the standardized bias current setting that may be used for the A/D readings for the pre-radiation and post-radiation threshold voltage measurements. The “zeroed” value may be stored in the electronic memory 67 and the patch status register may be updated to indicate that the patch has been “zeroed”. The zeroing operation may limit the range of the RADFET bias current source. After the patch has been dosed and reinserted, the reader 75 may reset the DAC-B channel to a previous level using data stored in the memory location of the electronic memory 67 so that the voltage measured by the A/D converter may represent the shift in voltage due to radiation. The scaling may be arranged in hardware so that the voltage generated by the DAC-B is approximately ⅓ of the threshold voltage at the RADFET. The A/D conversion result and the standardized bias current (DAC or DAC-A) may be stored in cells of the electronic memory 67.
The Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) may provide two functions. The first is to establish the bias current in the RADFET based on a factory-derived bias current setting. This current may be established so that there is a minimum influence of temperature on the RADFET threshold voltage. The second DAC, OFFSET DAC, may provide a means to offset the RADFET initial threshold voltage in the “zeroing” procedure. In other words, prior to dosing, the patch may be zeroed by adjusting the OFFSET DAC so that the output of the summing amplifier is about 2.048V+/−100 mV when the patch RADFET is connected. The summing amplifier subtracts the voltage from the OFFSET DAC from the RADFET and applies the difference to the A/D Converter. This DAC setting may be stored in electronic memory 67 and reused after dose is applied to bias the RADFET. The difference in the pre-dose and post-dose RADFET threshold voltages measured by the A/D Converter may be used to calculate the measured dose.
The memory map may also include a memory cell including Toffset, which may be, for example, a byte representing the temperature at which the diode voltage of the RADFET may be measured. In some embodiments of the present invention, the offset may be based on a nominal temperature of about 27.0° C. Accordingly, if, for example, the actual temperature during the RADFET diode measurement (during the ZTC process) is 27.0° C., then the offset will be 00h.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the diode voltage may be measured (at the IBias
VDiode@Temp=800000h+(2.048−VDiode(measured))*224/4.096 (Equation 7)
This value may be stored in memory locations of the memory map in the electronic memory 67.
As noted above, the MOSFET bias parameters, along with customized calibration coefficients, are stored in the EEPROM memory provided on each patch. The patch memory also includes a patch identifier or serial number, and instructions on how the reader interfaces with the patch. Provision of these instructions allows the reader to work with multiple generations of patches without necessitating upgrades to the reader. The patch memory also stores the detected and calculated radiation dosages, the date and time of the treatment, and a clinician-entered patient identifier and/or record number. After use, the patch can be placed in the patient file or medical record to form a part of the archived patient treatment history, or may be discarded.
In the embodiment shown in
As shown by the dotted line boxes in
In some embodiments, in operation, the reader 75 can be configured to supply a bias current to the RADFET by attaching to the sensor patch 30 and electrically contacting the conductive probe region 30p or the electrical contacts 31. The reader 75 can measure the voltage shift response of the RADFET on the sensor patch 30 and calculate radiation dose based on the shift and the dose conversion algorithm. The reader 75 can display the results to the clinician (such as on an integrated LCD screen 75d incorporated into the body of the reader) and may be configured to download or upload the data to another device (such as a computer or computer network) for electronic record generation or storage.
The reader may include an electronic memory map identifying memory locations and contents thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the memory map may resemble a spreadsheet. The memory map may include one or more fields containing data, such as serial numbers, revision number, reader calibration data, A/D gain correction, A/D offset correction, D/A gain correction, D/A offset correction, hospital ID and the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reader memory may be large enough to store at least 100, typically about 250 dose records of about 64 bytes each. The dose record may include items listed in Table 6 of
The dose amount can be calculated for each sensor 30c and/or dosimeter 30i used. In particular embodiments, the system can be configured to generate an average or weighted average of the dose amount determined over a plurality of the patches. In certain embodiments, where there is a large variation in values (or if it departs from a statistical norm or predicted value) the system can be configured to discard that sensor value or to alert the clinician of potential data corruption. Of course, much smaller values are predicted in sensitive areas away from the targeted zone and the system can be configured to evaluate whether the sensor is in a primary location or in a secondary zone as regards the radiation path.
It is noted that features described with respect to one embodiment of the sensor, reader and/or system may be incorporated into other embodiments and the description and illustrations of such features are not be construed as limited to the particular embodiment for which it was described.
As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a method, data or signal processing system, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code means embodied in the medium. Any suitable computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.
The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.
Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in an object oriented programming language such as LABVIEW, Java7, Smalltalk, Python, or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or even assembly language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user=s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user=s computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
As shown in
While the present invention is illustrated, for example, with reference to the radiation estimator module 350 being an application program in
For example, the radiation estimation module 350 may also be incorporated into the operating system 352, the I/O device drivers 358 or other such logical division of the data processing system. Thus, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the configuration of
In certain embodiments, the radiation estimation module 350 includes computer program code for estimating radiation dose based on the measured threshold voltage shift. The I/O data port can be used to transfer information between the data processing system and the reader data acquisition system 320 or another computer system or a network (e.g., the Internet) or to other devices controlled by the processor. These components may be conventional components such as those used in many conventional data processing systems that may be configured in accordance with the present invention to operate as described herein.
While the present invention is illustrated, for example, with reference to particular divisions of programs, functions and memories, the present invention should not be construed as limited to such logical divisions. Thus, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the configurations illustrated in the figures but is intended to encompass any configuration capable of carrying out the operations described herein.
The flowcharts and block diagrams of certain of the figures herein illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of radiation detection means according to the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flow charts or block diagrams represents a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.
The reader 75 also includes pre-radiation (zero dose) threshold voltage data 440, post radiation threshold voltage data 441, and a radiation estimation module 458. The pre-radiation threshold voltage data 440 and the post radiation threshold data 441 may be obtained when the MOSFET is biased with the zero temperature bias current discussed above. The zero temperature bias current may be obtained before the administration of the radiation therapy, stored in the sensor patch memory 67 (
Tables 8 and 9 of
Although primarily described for oncologic therapies, the devices can be used to monitor other radiation exposures, particularly exposures during medical procedures, such as fluoroscopy, brachytherapy, and the like.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, where used, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
Claims
1. An internal single-use radiation dosimeter, the dosimeter comprising:
- at least one radiation sensor circuit with a MOSFET having an associated threshold voltage that changes when exposed to radiation to provide quantifiable radiation exposure data, wherein the radiation sensor circuit is unpowered during irradiation;
- electronic memory having radiation calibration data for the MOSFET; and
- a reader contact zone on the dosimeter configured to allow a portable reader to electrically engage the dosimeter to obtain the radiation exposure and calibration data, wherein the radiation dosimeter is a single-use dosimeter configured for use during a single medical treatment session.
2. An internal radiation dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the calibration data comprises a zero temperature coefficient.
3. An internal radiation dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the electronic memory comprises electronic instructions for automatically controlling how a remote reader communicates with the dosimeter.
4. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the electronic memory is configured to store patient specific data and radiation exposure data.
5. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the radiation dosimeter is configured to inhibit re-use of the dosimeter.
6. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein, in operation, the dosimeter electronic memory is configured to allow a portable reader to write patient specific data and radiation exposure calculation values to the electronic memory once.
7. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the dosimeter is sized and configured to reside in a natural body lumen with the MOSFET of the radiation sensor circuit held a distance in the natural body lumen and the reader contact zone held external of the body.
8. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the dosimeter is sized and configured as a transcutaneous or subcutaneous dosimeter probe with the MOSFET of the radiation sensor circuit held at a subsurface depth in tissue in the body and with the reader contact zone residing external of the body.
9. An internal dosimeter according to claim 7, wherein the dosimeter comprises an elongate flex circuit with the radiation circuit MOSFET held on a distal end portion thereof and the reader contact zone held on an opposing proximal portion, and with at least one electrical trace extending therebetween.
10. An internal dosimeter according to claim 9, wherein the elongate flex circuit is held inside a flexible elastomeric elongate probe body.
11. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the dosimeter comprises an elongate flex circuit with a plurality of axially spaced apart radiation sensor circuits, each radiation sensor circuit comprising a single operative MOSFET, and wherein the radiation sensor circuits comprise separate electrical traces that extend from a respective MOSFET to terminate at the reader contact zone.
12. An internal dosimeter according to claim 11, wherein the dosimeter is configured to provide data from each radiation sensor circuit for determining maxima, minima and average exposure.
13. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the internal dosimeter contact zone is configured and sized to enter a port in the portable dose-reader to transmit the voltage threshold data and the calibration data.
14. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the internal dosimeter is configured and sized to reside in a natural mouth cavity with the MOSFET of the radiation sensor circuit held a distance in the natural body lumen and the reader contact zone held external of the body.
15. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the dosimeter is integrated in and/or on a mouthpiece.
16. An internal dosimeter according to claim 15, wherein the mouthpiece is a bite block that includes at least one externally extending tab portion that defines the reader contact zone, and wherein at least one tab portion is configured to enter into a port in the reader to electronically engage the reader with the radiation sensor circuit and the electronic memory.
17. An internal dosimeter according to claim 16, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to hold a plurality of spaced apart radiation sensor circuits, each with a respective MOSFET, each having a separate outwardly extending tab for allowing contact with the portable reader.
18. An internal dosimeter according to claim 17, wherein the tab portions comprise a removeable cover that remains in position when the bite block is in a mouth cavity during irradiation, and is removeable for electronic access thereto after irradiation.
19. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the internal dosimeter has a body that is configured as a generally conformable nose cavity plug.
20. An internal dosimeter according to claim 19, wherein the nose cavity plug includes a tab portion that defines the reader contact zone and is configured to enter a port in the reader to electronically engage the reader with the radiation sensor circuit and the electronic memory.
21. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the internal dosimeter has a body that is configured as a generally conformable ear plug.
22. An internal dosimeter according to claim 21, wherein the ear plug includes an outwardly extending tab portion that defines the reader contact zone and is configured to enter a port in the portable reader to electronically engage the reader with the radiation sensor circuit and the electronic memory.
23. An internal dosimeter according to claim 22, wherein the dosimeter is held in and/or on a flexible male genourinary catheter.
24. An internal dosimeter according to claim 23, wherein the dosimeter comprises a flex circuit with a MOSFET held at a distal end portion of the catheter and a tab portion located at a proximal end portion of the catheter that defines the reader contact zone and is configured to enter a port in the portable reader to electronically engage the reader with the radiation sensor circuit and the electronic memory.
25. An internal dosimeter according to claim 24, wherein the catheter comprises an expandable balloon that is expanded during irradiation to position the MOSFET in at least one of the at least one radiation sensor circuits proximate a prostate of a male patient above the urinary sphincter.
26. An internal dosimeter according to claim 25, wherein the flex circuit is configured to be slidably received in the catheter to allow in situ axially adjustable placement of at least one of the radiation sensor circuits.
27. An internal dosimeter according to claim 26, wherein the flex circuit comprises a plurality of axially spaced apart radiation sensor circuits that include electrical traces that terminate at the tab portion.
28. An internal dosimeter according to claim 27, wherein the dosimeter is configured to obtain radiation data during brachytherapy and/or external radiation beam therapy.
29. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the dosimeter has a body that is configured as a flexible female genourinary probe.
30. An internal dosimeter according to claim 29, wherein the probe is sized and configured as a vaginal probe.
31. An internal dosimeter according to claim 29, wherein the probe is sized and configured as a urethral probe.
32. An internal dosimeter according to claim 29, wherein the dosimeter includes a tab portion that defines the reader contact zone and is configured to enter a port in the portable reader to electronically engage the reader with the radiation sensor circuit and the electronic memory.
33. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the dosimeter has a body that is configured as a rectal probe.
34. An internal dosimeter according to claim 33, wherein the rectal probe includes an outwardly extending tab portion that defines the reader contact zone and is configured to enter a port in the portable reader to electronically engage the reader with the radiation sensor circuit and the electronic memory.
35. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the dosimeter is biocompatible and sterilized and held in a sealed package for medical use.
36. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radiation circuit is configured to detect radiation doses in the range of at least one of: from about 20 to about 1500 cGy, from about 20-500 cGy, and from about 500-1500 cGy.
37. An internal dosimeter according to claim 1, wherein the radiation sensor circuit includes a MOSFET that is devoid of floating gate structures and is unbiased during radiation.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 31, 2011
Publication Date: May 26, 2011
Inventors: Robert D. Black (Raleigh, NC), Steven R. Widener (Wake Forest, NC), John Carroll (Wake Forest, NC), Gregory Glenwood Mann (Raleigh, NC), Phillip M. Lehman (Raleigh, NC)
Application Number: 13/017,493
International Classification: G01T 1/02 (20060101);
