0102121
`
`-3-
`
`should be minimized.
`
`In the case of the above-mentioned
`
`gold—lQSE isotope having a half—life of approximately 30
`
`seconds, it is very much desired,
`
`if not necessary,
`
`to
`
`administer said isotope directly from the generator to the
`
`patient.
`
`In a clinic in which radioactive isotopes for
`
`diagnostic purposes are usedl
`
`the apparatus necessary for
`
`detection. for example. a gamma camera with special colli-
`
`mator and a computer,
`
`is usually fixedly arranged. For a
`
`w
`
`radiodiagnostio examination the patient is then brought
`
`(wheeled)
`
`to the detection apparatus.
`
`It is therefore obvious to give the very short—
`
`living material to be used for the examination,
`
`in parti—
`
`cular a generator for producing a very short-living iso-
`tope, a fixed place close to the detection apparatus. It
`
`E
`
`is feasible that high requirements as regards the shiel-
`
`ding from radioactive radiation have to be imposed upon
`such a device beside the patient to be examined (”bed—side
`
`arrangement“). In fact, not only the hospital personnel
`
`20
`
`familiar with handling radioactive material will have to
`
`be presenf'near the radiation source for a longer period
`
`of time, but also other personnel accompanying the patient
`
`will have to be shielded from unnecessary radioactiVe ra-
`
`diation. Moreover it is of utmost
`
`importance for the exa—
`
`25
`
`mination that the source of radiation should be shielded
`
`carefully from the gamma camera which is very disturbance-
`
`—sensitive to background radiation.
`
`A fixed arrangement as suggested above which
`
`would satisfy these requirements, however. has important
`
`30
`
`practical disadvantages, namely:
`
`(1} it is not possible to nova the device around the
`
`patient's bed. This is a disadvantage because in exa~
`
`minations with very short—living radioactive isotopes,
`
`the organ,
`
`for example.
`
`the heart. has to be inspected
`
`35
`
`usually in varioua directions by means of the gamma
`
`camera. so as to gain optimum insight in the function
`
`of the organ. A fixed bed—side arrangement of the ra—
`
`dioactive material to be administered considerably
`
`
`
`.._no"-¢-—--——
`
`1559 of 1754
`l1559 of 1754
`
`

`

`.
`
`0102121
`
`-4-
`
`restricts the possibilities of moving the bed with the
`
`patient with respect to the gamma camera. This disad-
`
`vantage is the larger since,
`
`for reasons which will
`
`be statEd hereinafter.
`
`the cOnneotion between the
`
`source of the radioactive material and the patient
`
`should be as short as possible.
`
`{2) Assembling of the device must take place for the
`
`greater part under aseptic conditions because the
`
`radioactive material must be introduced into the
`patient's body directly and cannot be previously sub—
`
`jected to a separate sterilization.
`
`Because the device with radioactive material,
`
`in par-
`
`ticular the radio isotope generator, will be used for
`
`a longer period of time, such an assembling should'be
`carried out under so—called laminar flow conditions.
`
`-
`
`and therefore requires provisiOns which are particu-
`
`larly difficult to realize in an examination room.
`
`(3) Another important disadvantage relates to the working
`
`with radioactive material upon assembling the device.
`he a matter of fact,
`the shielding from radioactive
`
`radiation is not yet optimum during the assembly.
`
`so
`
`that such an assembly.
`
`in Which large quantities of
`
`not yet optimally shielded activity are handled,
`
`should therefore take place in a so-called hot-lab of
`a nuclear medical department of a clinic and not in an
`
`examination room for patients where in addition dis-
`
`turbance—Sensitive detection apparatus is arranged;
`
`It is the object of the present invention to pro—
`
`10
`
`15
`
`2“
`
`25
`
`30 vide a shielding deVice for a reservoir comprising radio—
`active materialr in particular a column for a radioisotope
`generator, which does not exhibit the above—mentioned dis—
`
`advantages.
`
`For that purpose.
`
`the shielding device according
`
`35
`
`to the invention is provided with means with which the
`
`device can be mOVed forward. The cemplete device compri—
`
`sing radioactive material can now be assembled in suitable
`
`rooms intended for this purpose and can then he wheeled to
`
`1560 of 1754
`15600f1754
`
`

`

`01021 21
`
`—.5_
`
`the examination room beside the patient's bed. Because the
`
`shielding device can be freely shifted,
`
`the device can be
`
`moved at will around the patient during the examination.
`
`Such a nevable shielding device for a column for a radio—
`
`isotope generator is moreover more f1exihle because the
`
`device can be used, if desired, for any generator, for
`
`example. a rubidium-krypton~8l£. a strontium—rubidium 82
`
`or a mercury—gold 1953 generator.
`It is of course necessary that the shielding de—
`
`vice should also satisfy all conventional safety require-
`
`ments in additiOn to the above-mentioned radiological Ba-
`
`fety requirements. This involvesIr
`
`for example,
`
`that the
`
`device should be sufficiently stable and be protected as
`
`well as possible from calamities,
`
`for example. a fire; in
`
`the latter case. of course. it should be prevented that
`
`the radioactive radiation can pass the-shielding device
`and enter the examination room.
`
`W
`
`m
`
`_Preferebly the device in addition comprises pro—
`
`20
`
`visions for the safe handling of radioactive material.
`
`such as s’receptacle for waste fluid, a work—top. etc.
`
`These provisions enable the user to carry out various ma—
`
`nipulations with radioactive materials at different places
`
`without risky manually displacing these materials, be—
`
`25
`
`cause. as a matter of fact,
`ward.
`
`the device can be moved fer-
`
`On its lower side the shielding device preferably
`
`comprises at least three. preferably five. casters to be
`
`able to easily turn and manoeuvre the heavy device in the
`
`restricted space around a patient. As a result of the lead
`
`cover. a shielding device according to the invention ap-
`
`Proaches a weight of approximately 360 kg.
`
`Furthermore it is desired to provide the device
`
`with a grip at a height which is suitable for hand~move~
`
`35
`
`ment. For this purpose. a grip consisting of a circumfe~
`
`rential tubular or rod—shaped member connected to the out—
`
`side of the lead cover has proVed particularly suitable.
`
`When such a grip having no projections is used, it is
`
`1561 of 1754
`1561of1754
`
`

`

`0132121
`
`-6—
`
`avoided that compOnentB of the device or connections can
`
`be drawn along or loose during movement of the shielding
`
`device.
`
`When using the device it is often necessary to
`
`temporarily store radioactive waste material. For example.
`
`the generator column
`when a gold—1953 generator is used,
`must first be rinsed several times with eluent before an
`
`eluate is obtained having a composition which is suffi—
`
`ciently constant for administration to a patient. It is
`
`therefore advantageous that the device moreover cemprises
`
`a separate lead-shielded space for a receptacle for radio—
`—active waste material.
`
`Because the radioactive liquid has to be introdu-
`
`ced directly into the patient's body,
`
`the means for doing
`
`this are preferably connected on or to the shielding-de—
`
`10
`
`E
`
`vice.
`
`In a suitable embodiment
`
`the shielding device
`
`according_to the invention comprises a base in which the
`
`20
`
`means to move the device are present, a central part of
`
`reduced outside diameter in which the lead cover for the
`
`reservoir containing radioactive material is present, and
`
`a top part which comprises:
`
`the lead closure for the ac—
`
`sees in the cover,
`
`the grip,
`
`the access to the shielded
`
`25
`
`space for the waste reservoir and the means to introduce a
`
`radioactiVe liquid into a patient's body.
`
`As a result of the large diameter of grip and
`
`base as compared with that of the reservoir shielded by
`
`means of a lead cover.r
`
`the distance betwaen the radiation
`
`3E
`
`source and the operating personnel is increased.r for
`
`example,_by a factor of approximately 2. As a result of
`this the radiation received is still further reduced, for
`
`example. by a factor of approximately 4 as compared with
`
`the radiation at the outer surface of the shielded reser—
`
`35
`
`voir.
`
`Lead is vulnerable because is is a soft metal.
`
`Moreover. it has a low melting—point, 327°C, so that in
`
`the case of a fire. it will melt and drip away,
`
`thus allo—
`
`1562 of 1754
`15620f1754
`
`

`

`
`
`01 021 21
`
`“7—
`
`wing radioactiVe radiation to be released from the cover.
`
`Therefore.
`
`the lead cover for the reservoir consists pre—
`
`ferably and in agreement with the requirements which are
`
`imposed upon the storage of radioactive material in
`
`various countries. of a lead vessel which is open at its
`
`top and which is enclosed between sheet material of iron
`
`.Ia'n-r']
`
`-
`
`u"
`
`.
`
`or steel, protected on the outside against corrosion. or
`
`of stainless steel, while the open top end accessible for
`
`the reservoir can be closed by a lead lid provided with
`
`the same sheet material on the outside, an aperture for a
`
`connection betWeen the reservoir and the means for_
`
`introducing a radioactive liquid into a patient‘s body
`
`being present
`
`in the lid or between the Vessel and the
`
`lid. The sheet material which can withstand high
`
`-
`
`temperatures ensures sufficient safety for the ambiance in-
`
`the case of a calamity. for example. a fire, so that the
`lead shielding remains contained and no undesired
`
`radioactive radiation can get out of the shielding system.
`
`It cannot always be avoided that a little radio—
`
`active liquid is spilled when installing or using the
`
`source of the radioactive material. Then it is difficult
`
`to thoroughly clean the vessel which forms part of the
`heavy shielding device. Therefore. a stainless steel ves—
`
`_
`
`I
`
`i
`
`sel is preferably present between the substantially lead
`
`vessel and the reservoir. which stainless steel vessel
`
`comprises on its open top a radially outwardly projecting
`
`flange to which the lid can he sealingly connected.
`
`The shielding device in accordance with the in—
`
`m
`
`H
`
`20
`
`25
`
`3B
`
`vention serves in particular for shielding a radio isotope
`
`generator. The provisions necessary upon eluting a genera"
`
`tor column are Preferably connected on or to the above—
`
`~mentioned top part of the device, namely a reservoir for
`
`the eluent for the generator column which communicates
`with the column: means for pumping or injecting the eluent
`
`35
`
`_
`
`_
`
`i
`
`.
`
`out of the eluent reservoir into the column; means for
`
`bringing the resulting eluate out of the column into a_
`
`patient's body; means for adding a rinsing of formulating
`
`1563 of 1754
`15630f1754
`
`

`

`0102121
`
`-3-
`
`liquid to the eluate: and a tube which is connected on one
`
`side to the means for adding the rinsing or formulating
`
`liquid and which on its other side has a member which can
`
`be connected to an auxiliary means to admit liquids to the
`
`blood vessels or body CBVities of a patient.
`
`In order to be able to handle all operating mem—
`
`bers easily, rapidly and safely, a connection and opera-
`
`ting block or tray is connected to the top part.
`
`in which
`
`block are accommodated injection means for the eluent and
`
`the eluate. valves to prevent undesired directiOns of flow
`
`of liquids. cocks to enable or block the passage of ii-
`
`quids. and connection provisions for the means provided in
`
`the block both mutually and to the tubes which are
`
`connected to the reservoirs,
`
`the column and the auxiliary
`
`means to he used for the administration to a patient.
`
`—
`
`Preferably the operating block or tray is attached on top
`
`of the lid of the lead vessel and the lid is provided with
`
`a bore to let pass connecting tubes from the generator to
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`the auxiliary means for injection and from the auxiliary
`
`means to tfié Waste fluid receptacle thereby shielding the
`
`environment as far as possible from radiation emanating
`
`from these tubes when radioactive liquid passes through
`
`them. The above embodiment has the advantage that an
`
`25
`
`optimum safety can be reached inspite of the excess
`
`pressure at which generally the radioactive liquid is
`
`administered to a patient. Moreover.
`
`the path which the
`
`eluate has to cover, hence the distance between the
`
`generator and the patient, can be kept as short as
`
`BB
`
`possible. This latter is of importance in particular
`
`because, when very short—living radio—isotopes are used.
`
`high requirements are generally imposed upon the volume to
`
`be administered to the patient and in which the
`
`radioactiva material is present- As described in the
`
`35
`
`above—mentioned Netherlands Patent Application 8201591,.
`
`repeated administrations within a short period of time are
`
`necessary for various applications.
`
`In order to enable
`
`such examinations,
`
`the volume in which the reactivity is
`
`1564 of 1754
`1564 of 1754
`
`

`

`O1 021 21
`
`.—9_
`
`present must be as small as poasible.
`
`The invention will now be described in greater
`
`detail with reference to an embodiment which is shown in
`
`___._.
`'11:.-
`
`the accompanying drawings.
`
`Figure 1 is a side—view of a shielding device according to
`
`the invention; figure 2 shows the same shielding device
`
`from top. Figure l is for the greater part a longitudinal
`
`sectional view of the shielding device taken on the line
`
`'IIJ
`
`I—I of fig. 2, viewed in the direction of the arrows. Fi—
`
`gure 3 is a longitudinal sectional View of a part of the
`
`device taken on the line III~III of fig. 2.
`
`The operation of the device will be described in detail
`
`with reference to figure 4. Figure 4 shows an exploded
`
`15
`
`View o£ a part of the device.
`
`The base 21 of the screening device shown in Fi-
`
`gure 1 comprises a base plate 23 which is hooded with a
`
`stove-enamelled sheet iron cap 22 below which five casters
`24 are connected so as to be rotatable.
`
`20
`
`The central part 25 is mounted on said base plate
`
`and comprises a lead vessel 26 which is enclosed between
`
`stove—enamelled sheet iron 27. A second sessel 29 which is
`
`manufactured from stainless steel and comprises a radially
`
`outwardly projecting flange 28 is provided in the vessel.
`
`25
`
`The generator 31 is placed in vessel 29. Between the hot—
`
`toms of the vessels 2? and 29 a space 30 remains in which
`
`heating elements, for example a heating plate. can be ac-
`
`commodated. As described in the above—mentioned Nether—
`
`lands Patent Application 8202407 it may be useful when
`
`SI]
`
`certain radio isotope generators are used.
`
`for example, a
`
`the generator column during
`to heat
`gold—195E generator,
`the elution. If desired, a bore may be recessed in vessel
`
`26 for leading through a supply for the heating means.
`
`As shown in figures 1 and 2 a grip 33 in the form
`
`35
`
`of a circumferential tube which is connected to the vessel
`
`by means of three spoke-shaped elements 34 is previded
`
`aIDUnd the top part of the device. The vessel 26 can be
`
`closed on its top side by means of a lead lid 36 mounted
`
`1565 of 1754
`15650f1754
`
`

`

`O1 021 21
`
`'10-
`
`in stove—enamelled sheet iron 35 and connected to the ves-
`
`sel so as to be pivotable at 37. For compensation of the
`
`weight of the lid. a spring mechanism 38 is provided. The
`
`lid can be clamped sealingly on the vessel (flange 28) by
`
`means of a clamping lock 39 provided with a handle. A bore
`
`32 is present in lid 36 for leading through two connection
`
`tubes.
`
`the outlets of which are framed in a suitable mount
`
`45, comprising a steel tube encased in lead, erected on
`
`m
`
`the lid of the lead vessel and forming a base for an ope-
`
`rating block or tray. Between the circumferential grip and
`
`the upper edge of the lead vessel, a circumferential
`
`stainless steel top 40 having upright edges is present on
`
`which auxiliary means necessary for using the device can
`
`E
`
`be placed.
`
`A small lead vessel 41, also mounted in stove-
`
`for a receptacle 123 for waste ma—
`iron,
`—ename11ed Sheet
`terial is present in an aperture of the top 40; which ves—
`
`sel is connected to the large vessel 27 and can be closed
`
`20
`
`by means of a lead lid 43 Provided with a grip 44.
`
`On—top of mount 45 is connected an operating
`
`block or tray 46 in or on which two syringes can be acco—
`
`nodated. as well as other auxiliary means needed during
`
`operation of the device.
`
`25
`
`Figure 3 shows a waste overflow bottle 12E placed
`
`on top 40. The inlet of the overflow bottle is connected
`
`to the outlet tube 112 of receptacle 125.
`
`As shown in Figure 1.
`
`two reservoirs 1 and 2 for
`
`eluent and rinsing or formulating liquid, respectively,
`
`30
`
`are clamped in a stand 16 mounted on the edge of vessel 27.
`
`two syringes 5 and 9 provi—
`As shown in Figure 4.
`ded on their front sides with connection means in the form
`
`of Luer cones are connected to three—way cocksr the former
`
`directly to a three—way cook 43 and the latter to a three—
`
`35
`
`wway cook 42 via tWo valves 82 and SE.
`
`The use of the device shown will be explained
`
`with reference to figure 4. All connections between the
`
`various components, for the greater Part tube connectiOns
`
`1566 of 1754
`15660f1754
`
`

`

`oi02121
`
`-11-
`
`and Luer connections, are produced under laminar flow con~
`
`ditions.
`
`During operation of the device the tube connec—
`
`tions are provided between eluent reservoir 1 and an out—
`
`let of three—way cook 43,
`
`the inlet aperture of the gene—
`
`rator column 13 and the other outlet of three-way cook 43.
`
`the reservoir with rinsing or formulating liquid 2 and
`
`valve 33,
`
`the drain aperture of the generator column 15
`
`In
`
`and valve 82,
`
`the receptacle for waste fluid 12a and an
`
`outlet of three-Way cook 42 and the auxiliary means to be
`
`used for administration to a patient and the other outlet
`
`of three-way cock 4E.
`
`When the device is used, first three—way cock 4g
`
`E
`
`is opened to communicate-the eluate duct 7 through cock
`
`10E and valve 8E with the waste fluid receptacle 123.
`
`Overflow bottle 122 is connected to receptacle 122 through
`a tube 112 and serves as an extra safety. By means of
`
`three—way cock 4a, syringe 5 is communicated with eluent
`
`EU
`
`reservoir 1, after which the syringe is filled with 2 ml
`
`of eluent.cEluent reservoir 1 and rinsing agent reservoir
`
`2, clamped in stand 16, are provided with dropping cham-
`
`bers 35 and 32. After opening the cock 105, syringe 9 is
`
`filled with a saline solution from reservoir 2 (through
`
`25
`
`valve 32);
`
`the tube is then CIOsed by clamping by means of
`
`clamb 17. After having turned three-way cook 43,
`
`the con-
`
`tents of syringe S are injected through tube 6 into the
`
`generator column 14 at 13; after—rinsing is carried out
`
`with 2 ml of saline solution from syringe 9. All the wash
`
`3B
`
`liquid (eluate) rinsed through the column and leaving the
`
`generator column at 15. as well as the rinsing liquid is
`
`collected through tubes 7 and llg in the waste receptacle
`
`123.
`
`After having repeated this operation several
`
`35
`
`times.
`
`the generator is ready for connection to a patient.
`
`For that purpose, a sterile tube, connected to three-way
`
`cook 42,
`
`is filled with a saline solution from syringe 9
`
`after opening said valve, and is then connected to an
`
`1567 of 1754
`1567of1754
`
`

`

`0&02121
`
`-12-
`
`auxiliary means to administer the radioactive liquid to a
`
`patient, for example. a needle or a catheter. After having
`
`placed the patient in a suitable position below a gamma
`
`the generator is eluted with 2 m1 of eluent by
`camera.
`means of syringe 5,
`the eluete being injected directly
`
`into the patient. All remaining radioactivity is then re-
`
`moved from the device by rinsing with 10 m1 of saline so-
`
`lution from reservoir 2 by means of syringe 9.
`
`1|}
`
`The examination may be repeated any desirable
`number of times.
`
`2|!
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`1568 of 1754
`15680f1754
`
`

`

`0&02121
`
`-13-
`
`CLAIMS:
`
`1. A shielding device for a reservoir comprising
`
`a radioactive material and having an inlet and an outlet
`
`aperture,
`
`in particular a column for a radio—isotope gene-
`
`rator. comprising a lead cover for the reservoir in which
`
`a closable access for the reservoir is recessed, characte-
`
`rized in that the shielding device is provided with means
`with which the device can be moved forward.
`
`2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized
`
`in that the device comprises in addition provisions for
`
`the safe handling of radioactive material.
`
`3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characte—
`
`rized in that the device comprises on its lower side at
`
`least three. preferably five, casters.
`
`4. A device as claimed in any of the preceding
`
`Claims, characterized in that the device comprises a grip.
`
`preferably cansisting of a circumferential tubular or rod-
`
`—shaped member connected to the outside of the lead cover.
`
`5. A device as claimed in any of the preceding
`
`Claims, characterized in that the device comprises in ad—
`
`dition a separate lead—shielded space for a reservoir fer
`
`radioactive waste material.
`
`6. a device as claimed in any of the preceding
`
`_Claims, characterized in that the device is provided with
`
`means for introducing a radioactive liquid into a
`
`patient's hody,_while the environment is shielded as far
`
`as posSible from radiation emanating from these means when
`
`radioactive liquid passes through them.
`
`7. A device as claimed in Claim 6. characterized _
`
`in that the device comprises a base in which the.means to
`
`move the device are present. a central part of reduced
`
`outside diameter in which the lead cover for the reservoir
`
`containing the radioactive material is present, and a top
`
`part which comprises:
`
`the lead closure for the access in
`
`the access to the shielded space for
`the grip,
`the cover.
`the waste reservoir and the means to introduce a radioac—
`
`tive liquid into a patient's body.
`
`m
`
`E
`
`20
`
`25
`
`3B
`
`35
`
`1569 of 1754
`15690f1754
`
`

`

`oi02121
`
`-14—
`
`B. A device as claimed in Claim 7, characterized
`in that the lead cover for the reservoir consists of a
`
`lead vessel which is open at its top and which is enclosed
`
`between sheet material of iron or steel treated externally
`
`against corrosion. or of stainless steel. while the open
`
`top end accessible for the reservoir can be closed by
`
`means of a lead lid provided on its outside with the same
`
`sheet material, an aperture for a connection between the
`
`reservoir and the means for introducing a radioactive
`
`liquid into a patient's body being present in the lid or
`
`between the Vessel and the lid.
`
`9. A device as claimed in Claim 8, characterised
`
`in that a vessel of stainless steel which at its open top
`
`15
`
`side comprises a radially outwardly projecting flange to
`
`which the lid can be sealingly connected,
`
`is present bee
`
`tween the Substantially lead vessel and the reservoir.
`
`10. A shielding device as claimed in any of the
`
`Claims 7-9 for a radio-isotope generator, characterized in
`that there are additionally connected on or to the top
`
`23
`
`part: a retervoir for an eluent for the generator column
`
`which communicates with the column; means for pumping or
`
`injecting the eluent out of the eluent reservoir into the
`
`column; means to bring the resulting eluate out of the
`
`25
`
`column into a patient's body; means to add a rinsing or
`
`formulating liquid to the eluate; and a tube which is con-
`
`nected on one side to the means for adding the rinsing or
`
`formulating liquid and which comprises on the other side a
`
`member which can be connected to an auxiliary means to
`
`30
`
`admit liquid to blood vessels or body cavities of a
`
`patient.
`
`11. A device as claimed in Claim 10. characteri—
`
`sed in that a connection and operating block or tray is
`
`connected to the top part,
`
`in which block are accomodated
`
`35
`
`injection means for the eluent and the eluate, valves to
`
`prevent undesired directions of flow of liquids, cocks to
`
`enable or block the passage of liquids. and connection
`
`means for the means accomodated in the block both mutually
`
`1570 of 1754
`15700f1754
`
`

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`
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`
`and to the tubes which are connected to the reservoirs,
`
`the column and the auxiliary means to be used for adminis—
`
`tering to a patient.
`
`19
`
`.15
`
`29
`
`25
`
`3D
`
`35
`
`1571 of 1754
`1571 of 1754
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`

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`
`1572 of 1754
`1572 of 1754
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`I-IE-CIL 8111
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`1573 of 1754
`1573 of 1754
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`EUROPEANsemenREPORT
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`GLASSlFlGATlON OF THE
`momma (lnl. cl. =3
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`
`
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`DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`Cilantro of document with lndlceiion. where appropriate.
`Relevant
`
`
`Category
`of mlavani games
`Io claim
`
`
`{C.E.A.)
`GB—A-1234020
`page 2',
`figure 1;
`* Claim 1;
`
`lines
`83-90; page 3,
`lines 68-76
`
`1E
`
`
`GB-A-Z 033 283
`(BYK
`MALLINCKRODT)
`
`* Claim 1;
`figure
`1;
`page 3,
`lines 29~40 *
`
`
`
`US—A-3 710 118
`(ELL. HOLGATE')
`* Claims 1,2 *
`
`III-I-I--
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`Date cl corn lotion c! unseen»:
`Examiner
`1-1983
`NICOLAS
`.F .
`
`
`CATEGORY OF CITED DOCUMENTS
`T : meory or rlnciple underlying the invention
`
`
`E : earlier
`ant document. but published on. or
`: particularly relevanl if leken alone
`after the filing date
`
`
`: particularly relevem if combined with anothnr
`I3 '. document citedin the apclicefien
`document of the same category
`: document cited for other mesons
`
`
`: technological background
`..............................................................................................................
`: nomwrmen disclosure
`a.
`: member of the same patent family corresponding
`
`
`: miermediale document
`document
`
`
`EFOFarm1513.03.52
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`Place cl search
`THE HAGUE
`
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`‘00}<3:
`
`1574 of 1754
`1574 of 1754
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`

`

`[12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED
`
`UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`Intcmatinnal Bureau
`
`(43} Inlernaliunal Publication Date
`
`3 February 2007 (08.02.2007)
`
`
`
`Ill|||lll|||l||ll|||l|||||||I||l|||l|II|l|||||l||||ll||||||||l|||||illllllllllllllll
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`
`W0 20071016170 Al
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`:11le 5/09 (2006.01)
`621 G 4/08 (2006.01)
`GE- IF 51015 {2006.0 1 .‘l
`
`(21) In lernatilmal Application Nnnllmr:
`PL“1'/USZ(X)W029055
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`26 July 2006 (26.07.2006)
`
`(25) Fiflnglmngnnge:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priorityf Data:
`GMOEB27
`
`27 July 2005 (27.07.2005)
`
`US
`
`(‘72) Inventor; and
`FAGO, Fran];
`(for US only):
`{75) Inventtm‘Applicant
`[USfllS]; 4503 Estale Cnufl, Nlasml, Ohio 450-10 (US).
`{74) Agents: SEUREEJEI'ad, G. et 3].; Nlal'linekrodt Inn, 575
`Mcdonncll Boulevard, HO. Box 58-10. St. Louis. Missouri
`53 134 {US}.
`{81) Designated Suites (unless other-Mtg indicated, for every
`kind of national prarerztt‘hrz available}: All. AG, Al ., AMI.
`AT. AU. AZ, BA, BB. BG. BR,BW. BY. BZ. CA. CH.CN.
`CO. CR, CU. CZ, DE. DK. DM, DZ. EC. EE. EG. ES. Fl.
`GB. GD, GE. GI]= GM, llN, HR. llU. ID. IL. IN, IS, JP,
`KE. KG, KM, KN, KP. KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT.
`LU. LV. LY. MA. MT). MG. MK, MN, MW, MK. M7,. NA.
`NU. N1. NO. NZ, UM, PU, I-‘EI,PI..P'1', an. RS, RU. SC,
`SD. SE, SG. SK, SL. SM. SY. TJ, TM, TN, TR. "IT. TZ.
`UA. UG. US. UZ. VC. W. ZA. 2M. KW.
`
`except US):
`n11 designated States
`(for
`(71) Applicant
`MALLHNICKRODT ENC. {USIUS}; 675 hicDonncli
`Boulevard. PO. Box 5840. St. Louis. Missouri 6313-4
`{US}.
`
`{84) Designaled States (unless otherwise indicated. for every
`kind of regional protection available}: ARIPO (BW'. GH.
`GIN/I. KB. LS. MW. MZ. NA. SD. SL. SZ. TZ. UG. ZM.
`ZW}, Eurasian (AM, Alf... BY, KG, Kid, MD, RU, 10,1191),
`
`[Crimbmd on next page}
`
`(54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING ELUANT ALTO! IN I S SUPPLIED TO A RADIOISO'IDPE GENER-
`ATOR
`
`(57} Abstract: The invention, is directed to a system including a
`shielded container (16') . a radioisotope generaLor disposed within
`the shielded container, and an elation supply mcchani am. The clu—
`tinn supply mechanism may include an eluant supply oemainer (4)
`at least partially external [u the shielded mainline!" {15) . a conduit
`(10) extending between an inlet (20') of the radioisotope generator
`and an outlet (6. 8) of the cluant supply container. and an cluant vi-
`sualization Initial.
`
`
`
`
`
`W02007/0161?!)A1l|||||||ll||||||||||||||||||||||IIHIl||||||||||||||||||||||||||||l||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
`
`1575 of 1754
`1575 of 1754
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`

`

`WO 2007/016170 A1
`
`||||||Illlllll|||[|||l||l|||||||ll||llllllllI|||||||||1|||||||Il|||ll|||fllllllllllillll
`
`European (AT, BE, BG, CH. CY. CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, — before The expirmian of the time limit fbr amending {he
`FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IS. IT. LT. LU. LV, MC, NL, PL. PT.
`ciaims and :0 be repubh’shed in the even: of mceipi of
`RU, SF 31, SK. TR). ()API (BF, 81. (IF, CG, CI, CM. GA,
`amendmnts'
`GN. GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published:
`— whiz inlemrlfiomd search report
`
`For two—lettermitdes and other abbrwiatimm, refer to the "Guid—
`mace Note: on Codes anddbbmimigm " appearing at the begin.—
`Hing (if-each (733qu issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`1576 of 1754
`1576 of 1754
`
`

`

`W0 ZWWOI 61 70
`
`PCT‘IUSBI'Iflfi/029055
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING ELUANT AMOUNTS
`SUPPLIED TO A RADIDISOTOPE GEN ERATDR
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`
`The invention relates generally to the field of nuclear medicine. Specifically, the
`
`invention relates to a system and method of identifying an amount or flow of eluant in an
`
`etution system configured to enable extraction of a radioactive material from a radioisotope
`
`generator for use in the practice of nuclear medicine.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002]
`
`This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may
`
`be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described andlor claimed
`
`below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background
`
`information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention.
`
`Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not
`
`as admissions of prior art.
`
`[0003]
`
`Nuclear medicine is a branch of health science that utilizes radioactive material for
`
`diagnostic and therapeutic purposes by injecting a patient with a small dose of the radioactive
`
`material, which concentrates in certain organs or biological regions of the patient. Radioactive
`
`materials typically used for nuclear medicine include Technetium—QQm, Indium-113m, and
`
`Strontium—87m among others. Some radioactive materials naturally concentrate toward a
`
`particular tissue; for example. iodine concentrates toward the thyroid- However, radioactive
`
`materials are often combined with a tagging or organ-seeking agent. which targets the
`
`radioactive material for the desired organ or biologic region of the patient. These radioactive
`
`materials alone or
`
`in
`
`combination with a tagging agent are typically defined as
`
`radiopharmaceuticals in the field of nuclear medicine. At relatively lower doses of the
`
`radiopharmaceutical, a radiation imaging system (e.g., a gamma camera} can provide an
`
`image of the organ or biological region that collects the radiopharmaceutical.
`
`lmegularities in
`
`the image are often indicative of a pathologic condition. such as cancer. Higher doses of the
`
`radiopharmaceutical may be used to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation directly to the
`
`pathologic tissue, such as cancer cells.
`
`[0004}
`
`A variety of elutlon systems are used to generate radiopharmaceuticals.
`
`Unfortunately, radioactive shielding containers of these systems tend to black visualization of
`
`the state and progress of the elution process. For example, the amount of available eluant
`
`1577 of 1754
`1577 of 1754
`
`

`

`W0 2007l0161 70
`
`PCTI'US 20060129055
`
`andior the amount of extracted eluate are generally unknown without opening one or more of
`
`the radioactive shielding containers. Rather, the pharmacist typically has to wait an estimated
`
`amount of time to ensure the process is complete, which results in wasted time or premature
`
`termination of the process.
`
`if a specific amount of eluate is desired, then the time estimation
`
`may tend to result in too much or too little of the eluate.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0005]
`
`The present
`
`invention,
`
`in certain embodiments,
`
`is directed to identifying or
`
`monitoring a volume, mass, weight, displacement or flow of a supply element (e.g., eluant)
`
`andfor an output eluate associated with eiuting a radioisotope from a generator product in the
`
`field of nuclear medicine. Specifically, in some embodiments, visual access may be provided
`
`into an eluant supply container to facilitate performance of elution procedures- For example, a
`
`visual portal into an eluant supply container during an elution can provide data for measuring
`
`and calculating metrics relating to completion of full or partial elutions and data relating to
`
`when a generator is available for milking. Other embodiments may measure an amount or
`
`flow of eluant andlor eluate, such that a user can directly view the measurement (e.g., scale or
`
`flow meter) or indirectly view the measurement on a remote d