SBIR-STTR Award

The main objective of this project is to design, fabricate and experimentally research the application of capillary x-ray optics as a means of elevating the dose rate of the radiation produced by a needle-based x-ray system. The goal is to reach the dose rate of 10 Gy/hour at a distance 5 mm from the pseudo-target. The other objective is to apply capillary x-ray optics to creating a high intensity x-ray source that can produce a narrow (diameter lesser than 1.0 ram) quasi-parallel x-ray beam for possible usage in neurosurgery. The offered x-ray system is based on an insertable needle x-ray source with which the x-ray beam properties such as (energy), intensity (delivery time), and beam orientation (exposure region) could be controlled. To achieve the aims of the project I, we will: (1) design, build and test a capillary x-ray lens, (2) incorporate the capillary lens into an optical collimator, (3) integrate the collimator into a prototype needle-based x-ray system; (3) perform calculations of x-ray dose distribution from the pseudo-target using Monte-Carlo simulation; (4) carry out experiments to characterize dose and dose rate distribution of the radiation produced by the pseudo-target, and (5) measure scattering of a sharply focused x-ray beam in tissue imitating materials. Phase II of the project will be devoted to building an extended energy range (8keV-60 keV), high dose rate x-ray system incorporating new x-ray focusing/collimating optics. A treatment planning system for the needle x-ray device will be developed.

Thesaurus Terms:
X ray, biomedical equipment development, clinical biomedical equipment, neoplasm /cancer radiation therapy, optics, radiation therapy dosage neurosurgery, phantom model, radionuclide implant, statistics /biometry bioengineering /biomedical engineering

The long-term objective of the project is to develop, clinically test and commercialize the novel insertable x-ray device developed by AXT. This portable x-ray needle, is intended for delivery of low energy, high RBE radiation directly to the tumour beds and is considered to be a viable alternative to radioactive sources used in the High Dose Rate Brachytherapy. The main advantages of AXT's x-ray device include such features as a controllable on/off mode, exceptional stability of the produced radiation, adjustable dose rate, and the ability to function in a conventional operating room with almost no radiological exposure to staff. The initial application of the device is the accelerated partial breast irradiation. The main goal of the Phase II project is to design, build and test a new model of the x-ray needle with an elevated dose rate of the produced radiation (1Gy/min at 10mm in tissue). Other goals include the development of low-energy (8-18 keV) dosimetry protocols and a treatment planning approach involving the x-ray needle. To achieve the stated goals the following specific aims of the project have to be fulfilled. The specific aims of the project are: (i) design, build and test an ellipsoidal and Johansson type concentrators fabricated from a Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite, (2) incorporate the concentrators into an optical collimator, (3) integrate the collimators into an x-ray needle, (4) perform measurements of dose rate and dose rate spatial distribution (isodose), (5) design and build a balloon applicator and test it jointed with an x-ray needle, (6) install an x-ray needle device in a conventional movable arm. The potential market for such device is significant. It is estimated that more than 275,000 women in the United States are annually diagnosed with breast cancer and about 50% of them are treated with radiotherapy. Development of the new model of AXT's insertable x-ray device offers hope and promise for cure and improvement to the quality of life for many affected people.

Thesaurus Terms:
There Are No Thesaurus Terms On File For This Project.