II New Patents

anode electrode constituting a target and a grid between the cathode and anode electrodes. For X-ray tomography, X-rays are projected onto the objects from the circle concentric therewith by sequentially temporarily removing a bias vol- tage applied to the grids of the respective X-ray generators for suppressing an electron beam directed from the cathode electrode to the anode electrode of each X-ray generator.

4866750

IMAGE RECEPTOR HOLDER AND BITE BLOCK DEVICE

Lazaro Chavarria, Tommie J Morgan assigned to Board of Regents The University of Texas System

An image receptor holder and bite block device for positioning x-ray film in the mouth for radiography. The device permits the horizontal and vertical movement of the image receptor, which may be film or non-film, with respect to the x-ray source. The bite block is comprised of an upper and lower member which can rotate planarly with respect to each other. Multiple apertures along a vertical face of the bite block permits the vertical positioning of the bite block with respect to the x-ray source. The image receptor holder may also be rotatably connected to the bite block to permit vertical and horizon- tal movement of the image receptor holder with respect to the bite block. Articulation of the x- ray image receptor is made by pivoting various members of the device. Therefore, the device may be adjusted to accommodate the contours of a particular patient’s mouth. The area of radiation can be minimized because the relative movement of the image receptor to the x-ray source is greatly reduced. Consequently the radiation exposure of the patient is reduced.

4867742

RETROGRADE PERFUSION

Reynaldo Calderon

Tumors in the body of a situ by a monitor, such

patient are studied in as computer assisted

tomography, X-ray or the like, while optimal flow paths through the tumor area are established. A catheter with a suction lumen and an infusion lumen, with seals associated with each, is placed in the patient’s vein near the tumor. Flow is then sealed in the vein with the in-

fusion seal. A carrier medium dye is injected into the tumor at selected flow rates and differential pressures. Flow of the dye through the tumor is observed on the monitor to determine optimal retrograde perfusion paths through the tumor for the selected flow rates and differential pre- ssures. Once the optimal perfusion paths are noted, microspheres with active ingredients, such as chemotherapy, can be selectively per- fused through each of the paths in the tumor at desired flow rates, pressures and active ingred- ient dosages. Alternatively, microspheres with different active ingredients can be selectively in- troduced through the tumor in different paths at desired active ingredient dosages and established flow rates and pressures.

4867963

ENHANCEMENT OF NMR IMAGING OF TISSUE BY

PARAMAGNETIC PYROPHOSPHATE CONTRAST

AGENT

Alan H Maurer, Linda Knight, Jeffrey A Siegel assigned to Temple University of the Com- monwealth System of Higher Education

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of animal or human tissue is enhanced when a para- magnetic pyrophosphate compound is ad- ministered intraveneously as a contrast agent. The contrast agent is particularly useful in magnetic resonance imaging of area of tissue caI- cification, such as acute myocardial infarctions. Specific localization of paramagnetic pyrophos- phate in ischemic and necrotic muscle cells at the periphery of a myocardial infarction makes ac- curate localization and sizing of the central in- farct and peri-infarct zones possible.

4868399

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH ENERGY RADIOGRAPHY

Robert G Sephton, Ivanhoe, Australia assigned to The Cancer Institute Board

Apparatus for use as a detection system in the production of portal radiographs in high energy radiography, comprising an assembly con- taining a metal screen (7), a fluorescent screen (8), and a high contrast photographic film (6). A method for production of portal radiographs using this apparatus is also disclosed.