Probe for radiation detection

The invention relates to a probe for detecting ionizing radiation in the context of radiotherapy procedures. It includes a flexible support and a detection apparatus.

How does it work?

In brachytherapy – or internal radiotherapy – the radiation source is placed inside or near a tumor mass to be treated, making it complex to obtain a direct measurement of the radiation dose irradiated on the tumor mass. Therefore, there is a need for instruments to precisely monitor the emitted radiation dose and the decay state of the radiation sources.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a probe capable of accurately measuring the radiation dose it is exposed to and generating a reliable measurement signal. The probe includes an elongated flexible support and a detection apparatus. The detection apparatus comprises a sensor suitable for generating a signal indicative of the intensity of ionizing radiation impacting the detection apparatus, and a signal processing module. The probe according to this invention provides a stable and robust output signal.

Applications

• monitoring the radiation field within the human body in radiotherapy and brachytherapy.

Advantages

• stable and robust signal;
• compact and small-sized probe;
• reliable and precise system;
• easy sliding of the probe in catheters and similar spaces.