Method and apparatus for generating real-time respiratory gate signals and detecting body deformation using an implanted fiber Bragg grating.

Abstract

Providing a method for correcting body deformation during image acquisition. [Solution] A garment for real-time detection of body deformation during image scanning is made from a compression material and includes a front section having multiple fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). The garment includes multiple optical emitters, each optical emitter configured to pulse light waves through a corresponding FBG and multiple optical sensors, each optical sensor mounted on a corresponding FBG and configured to receive pulsed light waves. A processor acquires data through a data acquisition module configured to receive peak wavelengths reflected by the FBGs from the optical sensors based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system, and the processor can modify the acquired image data or reorient external beam therapy to compensate for body deformation during image scanning.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] (Related Applications) This application is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 16 / 723,352, filed on December 20, 2019. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Anatomical and functional imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography, and single photon emission computed tomography (PET and SPECT) are subject to image degradation due to the respiratory motion of the patient. Also, in some examples of CT scans, patients are asked to hold their breath during image acquisition, but this is not always practical since not all patients can hold their breath due to age and / or physical condition. Additionally, breath-hold CT scans require the scan to be completed quickly, which can typically only be achieved by moving the table quickly, so they are typically scans with a higher radiation dose. In external beam (photon and particle) radiation therapy, the intensity and / or extent is adjusted and the beam is raster scanned across the tumor in order to deliver a maximum dose to the tumor while minimizing the dose delivered to surrounding healthy tissue. Since the internal organs, as well as the tumor, move with the human body due to respiratory motion, the effectiveness of external beam therapy with adjusted intensity or extent is highly dependent on correction of respiratory motion.

[0003] Currently, two main types of respiratory motion management devices are used. One of them, the "Anzai" method, uses a wearable belt with an electrostrain sensor attached near the patient's diaphragm. Disadvantages of this method include the fact that motion is measured in only one plane, and the device cannot be in the field of view during imaging scans or treatment procedures because it distorts the image and treatment field due to its high attenuation characteristics. The second class of methods uses optical techniques (such as Varian RPM, C-Rad, and GateCT) that use either physical markers or reflectors on the patient, where light signals are reflected and motion signals are induced, or structured light is mapped onto the patient. Disadvantages of this method include the fact that light reflection can be significantly altered by objects in the path, including the patient's clothing or covers, and that these methods are more difficult to perform in imaging than in treatment. [Overview of the project]

[0004] Embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention include methods and systems for compensating for body deformation during image acquisition. In one embodiment, once image data of a body is acquired, the system acquires peak wavelength data from a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) placed on the body, which are aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system on the body. Through the FBGs, the system detects the effective shift of the Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs caused by body deformation during image acquisition. Based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs aligned along the Cartesian coordinate system, the system modifies the image data acquired during image reconstruction to compensate for body deformation during the image scan.

[0005] In some embodiments, the system may be used in conjunction with data acquired through computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans.

[0006] In other embodiments, the system may include moving a body through a cavity in the scanning device and acquiring volumetric image data of the body slice by slice. The system acquires peak wavelength data from a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) placed on the body. The system detects the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs caused by body deformation during image acquisition and controls the movement of the body through the cavity in the scanning device based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs, so that the body does not move and image data is not acquired during body deformation.

[0007] Another embodiment consistent with the principles of the present invention includes a system for compensating for body deformation during external beam therapy, such as photon beam radiotherapy or proton beam therapy used in connection with the treatment of tumors. In one embodiment, a target region of the body for external beam therapy is identified. The system acquires peak wavelength data from a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) placed on the body, which are aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system. The system orients the external beam therapy towards the target region. When an effective shift in the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs caused by body deformation during therapy is detected, the external beam therapy may be redirected to compensate for the body deformation during the image scan, based on the effective shift in the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system, in order to maintain focus on the target region.

[0008] A garment for real-time detection of body deformation during image scanning is fabricated from compression material and includes a front section having multiple fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), which are positioned over the human body and the FBGs are aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system. The garment includes multiple optical emitters, each configured to pulse light waves through a corresponding FBG and multiple optical sensors, each optical sensor mounted on a corresponding FBG and configured to receive the pulsed light waves. A processor acquires data through a data acquisition module configured to receive peak wavelengths reflected by the FBGs from the optical sensors. The processor may be embedded in the garment or located in a remote device or terminal, and also includes a comparator configured to determine the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength due to axial strain on the FBGs.

[0009] The processor may further include a correction module configured to correct acquired image data to compensate for body deformation during image scanning based on an effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of an FBG aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system, or to redirect external beam therapy to compensate for body deformation during image scanning based on an effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of an FBG aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system, in order to maintain focus on a target region. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The foregoing will become clear from the following more specific description of exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the attached drawings, where similar reference letters refer to the same parts across different figures. The drawings are not necessarily to exact scale, but rather focus on illustrating the embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a typical fiberglass core (FBG). [Figure 2A]This figure shows one embodiment of clothing that can be used during image scanning for real-time detection of body deformation according to the principles of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This figure shows another embodiment of clothing that can be used during image scanning for real-time detection of body deformation according to the principles of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows yet another embodiment of clothing that can be used during image scanning for real-time detection of body deformation according to the principles of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an exemplary medical imaging system that may use embodiments consistent with the present invention. [Figure 5A] These are cross-sectional images that can be acquired by medical imaging systems. [Figure 5B] These are cross-sectional images that can be acquired by medical imaging systems. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows how to correct body deformation during image acquisition. [Figure 7] This figure shows an exemplary medical device for external beam therapy, which may use embodiments consistent with the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the body showing external beam therapy using the medical device. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows methods for correcting physical deformities during external beam therapy. [Figure 10] This figure shows an exemplary patient handling system, including embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] An exemplary embodiment is described below.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) 100 is a small-length optical fiber 120 having a plurality of reflection points 130a to n that generate periodic variations in refractive index. The FBG reflects a specific wavelength (λB) centered on a bandwidth ΔλB. The periodicity Λ of the grating is related to the Bragg wavelength λB.

Number

[0014]

Number

[0015] By embedding one or more optical fibers having one or more FBGs in a wearable material that can wrap a portion of an anatomically relevant part of the human body, it can be used to sense the deformation of that portion resulting from physiological processes such as breathing. In certain embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention, the deformation data can be used to correct specific strains caused by deformations during image acquisition. In other embodiments, the deformation data can be used to assist in the targeted delivery of specific medical treatments by changing the delivery to correct movements induced by breathing.

[0016] Before using an embedded FBG as a strain gauge, its response function and linearity must be characterized as a function of the load. To characterize the FBG's response function and linearity, an electrical strain gauge can be used to calibrate the FBG so that the applied tensile load approximates the reading of the body's displacement in Cartesian coordinates for a three-dimensional object. For the FBG to function as a reliable strain gauge, the change in reflected wavelength as the FBG is stretched under a tensile load must linearly track the electrical strain gauge data. Once calibrated, the FBG's response can be reliably used as an embedded strain gauge for detecting surface deformation of an object. This can also be used to detect the degree to which the object's surface has been displaced, within reasonable limits of the gauge's elasticity. Based on a calibration curve comparing pressure to strain or wavelength, along with strain data from the sensor, the degree of displacement can be detected.

[0017] Figures 2A and 2B are embodiments of garments 200 and 250 that can be used during an image scan for real-time detection of body deformation according to the principles of the present invention. In garment 200, a plurality of FBG fibers 210a-n are embedded horizontally along the garment and extend in a direction parallel to the scan plane A. In garment 250, a plurality of FBG fibers 210a-n are embedded vertically along the garment and extend in a direction perpendicular to the scan plane A. In both embodiments, garments 200 and 250 may have an input 220 of a laser or light source that is transmitted through the FBG fibers 210a-n. Each FBG 210a-n is connected to an optical sensor (not shown) that receives pulsed light waves from the light source. In addition, garments 200 and 250 may also include an output 230, and the optical sensor may provide data regarding light transmission through each of the FBG 210a-n to an external processor that can identify a shift in the refractive index of the FBG 210a-n and suggest deformation of the surface of an object within the garment. In other embodiments, the processor may be inside the garment and transmit data via wireless transmission such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The plurality of FBG 210a-n can each provide different longitudinal axis markers along a Cartesian coordinate system and can help identify where a particular movement is within the cross-sectional scan plane. Considering the low attenuation characteristics of this garment, it can be used both during imaging and during treatment.

[0018] In addition, the change in wavelength measured over time for a freely breathing patient wearing such a garment represents a patient-specific respiratory signal. The respiratory signal can be used as a gating signal for imaging and therapy in a manner similar to that used in respiratory gating devices such as the Anzai belt and RPM device. The added benefit in this case is that the gating device can be within the field of view of the imaging or therapy without inducing imaging artifacts or therapy interference.

[0019] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a garment 300 that can be used during image scanning for real-time detection of body deformation according to the principles of the present invention. In this garment, a plurality of FBG fibers 310a-n are embedded along the longitudinal axis of the garment, and another plurality of FBG fibers 350a-n are embedded along the horizontal axis of the garment. In addition, the garment 300 may also include an output 330, an optical sensor which may provide data on light transmission through the FBG 310a-n and FBG 350a-n respectively to an external processor that can identify a shift in the refractive index of the FBG 310a-n and FBG 350a-n and indicate deformation of the surface of an object within the garment. In other embodiments, the processor may be located inside the garment and transmit data via wireless transmission such as WiFi or Bluetooth. Similar to the multiple FBGs 210a-n for garments 200 and 250, the multiple FBGs 310a-n each provide different longitudinal axis markers along the Cartesian coordinate system, which can be helpful in identifying where specific movements are occurring in the cross-sectional scanning plane. The addition of FBGs 350a-n provides additional data sensitive to the movement of objects within the garment in different planes, giving more precise information about the location and intensity of the movement.

[0020] In embodiments of clothing having embedded FBGs for real-time measurement of patient body deformation under respiration, several FBGs can be embedded using a predetermined coordinate system, such as a Cartesian or polar coordinate system. In addition, the predetermined coordinate system may be determined to balance the competing interests of using a minimum number of embedded FBGs while maximizing the fidelity of the measured deformation map, while also using a minimum number of embedded FBGs. This means that the embedded FBGs may be aligned along the coordinate system with respect to the patient's body, or otherwise positioned for pseudo-random sampling of the patient's body. In some embodiments, this means that the FBGs may be distributed such that the clusters of embedded FBGs are aligned in a higher density distribution in one area and scattered in other areas. Depending on the nature of the clothing, a belt or shirt may have a different fit around the body than a blanket, so the distribution of FBGs within the clothing may vary. In addition, multiple FBGs can be engraved inside a single-mode optical fiber, and as long as they are spaced at a predetermined optimal distance from one another, and each of these FBGs has a unique and distinct Bragg wavelength, a single such optical fiber can be used to measure strain along its length using a single broadband light source and a single wavelength division multiplexing detection system. Such a system has a clear advantage over electrical strain gauge-based systems, because the latter requires each strain gauge to have its own electrical connection.

[0021] Figure 4 shows an exemplary medical imaging system 400 that may use embodiments consistent with the present invention. The system 400 may be a computed tomography scanner comprising: an X-ray control device 411; a high-voltage generator 413 for generating a high voltage according to a shot signal supplied from the X-ray control device 411; a table 412 on which a subject E is placed and which is displaceable in the direction indicated by arrow L; an X-ray source 414 for applying X-rays (photons) to the subject E according to a high voltage supplied from the high-voltage generator 13; an X-ray detector 416 for detecting photons that have passed through the subject E; a data acquisition device 418 for collecting subject transmission data based on the photons detected by the X-ray detector 416; and an image reconstruction device 420 for reconstructing a tomographic image of the subject E from the subject transmission data collected by the data acquisition device 418. The X-ray source 414 and the X-ray detector 416 are rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow A. The above components constitute a CT (computed tomography) scanner. As the X-ray source 414 and X-ray detector 416 rotate around the subject E, the image data provides cross-sectional image scans or “slice.” Multiple image “slices” are taken as the subject moves along the system along the L direction, providing a volumetric scan of the subject. The system may further include an image display device 422 for displaying the reconstructed tomographic images on a CRT (cathode ray tube) or similar device.

[0022] In a typical system, the rotation of the CT scanner 400 should not be too slow, nor should the movement of the table 412 be too slow; otherwise, respiratory motion during scanning will appear in the body (e.g., abdominal or thoracic cavity) scan, resulting in image artifacts in the reconstructed CT volume. As the rotation speed of the scanner 400 and the translation speed of the table 412 increase, the intensity of the X-ray source 414 must be higher to obtain sufficient data for adequate image resolution. However, collisions between photons and the atoms and molecules of biological tissue can cause serious tissue damage. The more photons arriving per second from the X-ray source 414, measured as a bundle, the greater the potential for tissue damage.

[0023] Some embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention include devices such as wearable clothing having an embedded FBG for real-time detection of respiratory movement. In some embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention, the device may be used as a respiratory gate device to simultaneously control the movement of a CT scanner and the X-ray dose by separating the data acquired at different stages of the respiratory cycle from the state of the body shape at those stages, thereby reducing the need for breath-holding or averaging over the respiratory cycle. When the device detects respiratory movement, the CT scanner may pause its operation and resume when the body returns to its initial respiratory state. Thus, if the patient can be scanned together with the respiratory gate device, the X-ray dose to the patient may be reduced.

[0024] In other embodiments, the deformation data may be used for image reconstruction for deformation correction, and the wearable clothing device may be operated to continuously detect the degree of deformation resulting from respiratory movement and respiratory displacement so that image data can be acquired without interruption or pause.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the patient handling system 1000 may include a pad 1080 having fibers containing embedded FBGs, similar to the garment shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3. As shown in Figure 10, a plurality of FBG fibers 1010a-n are embedded along the longitudinal axis of the pad 1080, and another plurality of FBG fibers 1050a-n are embedded horizontally along the pad. In alternative embodiments consistent with the teachings herein, the pad 1080 may have embedded FBGs in other configurations to provide data related to body movement or displacement on the pad. Such fibers may also be directly embedded in patient handling systems (patient beds) of medical imaging and radiotherapy devices. Similar to the garment shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, the pad may include an output (not shown) and an optical sensor may provide data to an external processor. FBGs may be used to obtain both bed deflection under patient-specific loads, as well as respiratory signals from the patient in contact with the bed. Both of these parameters may be used to optimize patient imaging and for therapeutic delivery to the patient.

[0026] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional image 500A of subject E that may be acquired by a medical imaging system. Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional image 500B of subject E affected by respiratory movement (e.g., expansion of the body cavity during inhalation). Scanners such as the CT scanner 400 in Figure 4 take multiple image slices, so deformation can cause deformation in the volume scan. In image 500A in Figure 5A, the height of the cross-section of subject E's body is X1. In image 500B in Figure 5B, the height of the cross-section of subject E's body is slightly higher at X2 due to inhalation. Because the CT scanner 400 takes multiple slices along subject E and along direction L, sudden movements between slices (e.g., 500A and 500B) result in significant fluctuations, which result in a distorted volume image in the Cartesian plane. In both cross-sectional images 500A and 500B, mass M may be located within the scan, and its relative position in the volume scan can be detected.

[0027] Referring again to Figure 4, subject E may be wearing a garment 450 consistent with the principles of the present invention. Such a garment 450 may communicate with an optical emitter 460 that transmits light through an FBG (not shown in Figure 4) embedded within the garment 450. As subject E passes through the scanner 400 along the L direction, the processor 470, including a data acquisition module 472, receives data from an optical sensor (not shown in Figure 4) attached to the FBG. A comparator 475 of the processor 470 can identify an effective shift in the refractive index of the FBG based on axial strain on the FBG, which may indicate deformation of the surface of an object within the garment. Once these deformations are detected, the processor 470 may transmit deformation correction information to an image reconstruction module 420 to enable image correction for any movement. In other embodiments, the processor 470, including the FBG data acquisition module 472 and the comparator 475, may be included in the same apparatus as the data acquisition device 418 and the image reconstruction device 420.

[0028] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting body deformation during image acquisition of a subject. Once image data of the subject is acquired in step 610, peak wavelength data is acquired in step 620 from multiple fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) placed on the subject's body. The effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs caused by body deformation during image acquisition is detected in step 630. If a shift is detected, the acquired image data is corrected in step 640 during image reconstruction to compensate for body deformation during the image scan, based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0029] In other embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention, a device such as a wearable garment having an implanted FBG for real-time detection of respiratory movement may be used to detect body movement (e.g., breathing-induced movement or muscle spasm) to assist in targeted delivery such as external beam radiotherapy. By detecting body movement, the therapy can adjust its positioning to deliver the maximum dose to the tumor and the minimum dose to the surrounding healthy tissue.

[0030] Figure 7 shows an exemplary medical device 700 for external beam therapy, which may use embodiments consistent with the present invention. A medical linear accelerator (LINAC) is a device commonly used for external beam radiation therapy for cancer patients. A linear accelerator typically includes a gantry 710 that uses high radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves to accelerate charged particles (i.e., electrons) to high energies in a straight path inside a tube-like structure called an accelerator waveguide (not shown in Figure 7). In alternative embodiments, the medical device may include multiple emitters. The emitters 715 emit high-energy X-rays 725 from the machine directed at the patient's tumor. The patient lies on a movable treatment table 712. The patient is positioned, and such position may be monitored using a laser or mechanical means (not shown in Figure 7). The treatment table moves in and out of the gantry in direction L. In some alternative medical devices, the table may also move the patient from left to right (perpendicular to direction L) and / or up and down (closer to or further away from the emitter 715). The gantry may rotate around the patient, and radiation therapy can be delivered to the tumor within the patient from multiple angles by rotating the gantry and moving the treatment couch.

[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view 800 of patient P showing external beam therapy with a medical device (Figure 7). The figure shows the emitter at various positions 810a-e as it rotates around patient P. At the first position 810a, emitter 810 directs some form of beam therapy of such radiotherapy through patient to mass M. As the gantry rotates through the second position 810b, the beam continues to pass through patient from different angles but continues to target mass M. The radiotherapy passes through healthy tissue, but exposure of healthy tissue to radiation is minimized as the emitter continues to rotate. In line with the principles of the present invention, patient P may wear a garment 880 that includes an FBG (not shown in Figure 8) embedded within the garment. As described above with respect to Figures 2 and 3, such a garment 880 may communicate with an optical emitter (not shown in Figure 8) that transmits light through the FBG embedded within the garment 880. As patient P passes through the medical device and receives treatment, a processor similar to that described in relation to Figure 4, including a data acquisition module, receives data from an optical sensor attached to the FBG. The effective shift in the refractive index of the FBG due to axial strain on the FBG suggests deformation of the surface of an object within the clothing, allowing the medical device to shift the positioning of the patient or emitter to better target mass M and minimize dose to non-target tissue.

[0032] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for compensating for body deformation during external beam therapy. In step 910, when the medical device identifies a target area of ​​the body for external beam therapy, peak wavelength data is acquired in step 920 from multiple fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) placed on the subject's body. In step 930, the external beam therapy is directed to the target area. The effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs caused by body deformation during treatment is detected in step 940. In step 950, if any shift is detected, the external beam therapy may be shifted to compensate for body deformation during the image scan, based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the FBGs aligned along a Cartesian coordinate system, in order to maintain focus on the target area. The patient's relative position to the radiation therapy may be adjusted by moving either the gantry emitter or the treatment table.

[0033] The low attenuation characteristics of clothing with implanted fiberglass generators (FBGs) make it possible to provide more accurate medical imaging and radiotherapy with little to no interference. In addition, it can increase patient comfort and reduce radiation dose. Such devices also open up the possibility of creating a new class of low-cost scanners, as imaging is performed as a function of body deformation, making these imaging techniques more widely accessible to the most cost-sensitive populations.

[0034] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described in particular, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0035] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above can be carried out in many different ways. In some embodiments, the various methods and machines described herein may be implemented by a physical, virtual, or hybrid general-purpose computer having a central processor, memory, disks or other mass storage devices, communication interfaces(s), input / output (I / O) devices(s), and other peripherals. The general-purpose computer is converted into a machine that performs the methods described herein, for example, by loading software instructions into a data processor and then executing the instructions to perform the functions described herein.

[0036] As is well known in the art, such computers may include a system bus, where the bus is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer between components of a computer or processing system. A bus is essentially a shared conduit connecting different elements of a computer system, such as processors, disk storage, memory, input / output ports, network ports, etc., which enables the transfer of information between these elements. One or more central processor units are mounted on the system bus to provide the execution of computer instructions. The system bus is also typically fitted with I / O device interfaces for connecting various input and output devices, such as keyboards, mice, displays, printers, speakers, etc., to the computer. Network interfaces allow the computer to connect to various other devices connected to a network. Memory provides volatile storage for computer software instructions and data used for carrying out embodiments. Disks or other mass storage provide non-volatile storage for computer software instructions and data used, for example, to carry out various procedures described herein.

[0037] Therefore, the embodiments may typically be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the procedures, apparatus, and processes described herein constitute a computer program product comprising a non-transistory computer-readable medium, such as one or more removable storage media, including DVD-ROMs, CD-ROMs, diskettes, or tapes, that provide at least a portion of software instructions for a system. Such computer program products can be installed by any suitable software installation procedure well known in the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software instructions may be downloaded via cable, communication, and / or wireless connection.

[0039] Furthermore, firmware, software, routines, or instructions may be described herein as performing specific operations and / or functions of a data processor. However, such descriptions herein are, of course, merely for convenience, and such operations are actually produced by computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices that perform firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

[0040] Naturally, flow diagrams, block diagrams, and network diagrams may contain more or fewer elements, be arranged in different ways, or be represented in different ways. However, it should be further understood that a particular implementation may be influenced by the number of block diagrams and network diagrams, and that the execution of an embodiment may be implemented in a particular way.

[0041] Therefore, further embodiments may also be implemented in various computer architectures, physical computers, virtual computers, cloud computers, and / or some combination thereof, and thus the data processors described herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments.

[0042] While the present invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to its exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for correcting the respiratory movements of a patient during external beam therapy, A step of identifying a target area of ​​the patient's body for external beam therapy, The steps include acquiring peak wavelength data from multiple fiber Bragg gratings placed on the body, The steps include detecting the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the fiber Bragg grating caused by body movement, A step of generating a respiratory signal based on the effective shift of the detected Bragg wavelength, A method comprising the step of using the respiratory signal as a signal to an external beam therapy device in order to orient the external beam therapy to the target region and to compensate for the body's movements in order to maintain focus on the target region.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of using the breathing signal as a signal to an external beam therapy device to orient the external beam therapy to the target region and to compensate for the movement of the body in order to maintain focus on the target region includes a substep of using the breathing signal as a gate signal to the external beam therapy device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the plurality of fiber Bragg gratings measures strain along a Cartesian coordinate system.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of sending an instruction to an imaging device to acquire image data during a selected portion of a respiratory cycle.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of sending an instruction to the external beam therapy device to provide the external beam therapy during a selected portion of the respiratory cycle.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the target region is a tumor.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fiberbragg gratings are included in a garment configured to be placed on the body.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the external beam therapy is external beam radiotherapy or proton beam therapy.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the patient is a patient with free breathing.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of acquiring image data from a computed tomography scan, a magnetic resonance imaging scan, a positron emission tomography scan, or a single-photon emission computed tomography scan.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of sending an instruction to a scanning device based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength so that no image data of the target region is acquired during deformation of the body.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of identifying a tumor for the external beam therapy within the target region.

13. A method for generating an imaging or therapeutic gate signal for correcting a patient's respiratory movement, The steps include wrapping an anatomically relevant part of the patient's body with one or more optical fibers having one or more fiber Bragg gratings, The steps include acquiring peak wavelength data from one or more fiber Bragg gratings placed on the body, The steps include detecting an effective shift in the Bragg wavelength of one or more fiber Bragg gratings caused by body movement, A step of generating a respiratory signal for the patient based on the detected effective shift of the Bragg wavelength, A method comprising the step of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal for imaging or therapy.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal for imaging or therapy includes a substep of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal during external beam therapy to compensate for body movement during external beam therapy.

15. The step of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal for imaging or therapy includes a substep of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal during external beam therapy, wherein the method further The method according to claim 13, comprising the step of sending an instruction to an external beam therapy device to provide external beam therapy to a target region of the body and to use the respiratory signal as the gate signal to maintain focus on the target region during the external beam therapy.

16. The step of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal for imaging or therapy includes a substep of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal during external beam therapy, wherein the method further The method according to claim 13, comprising the step of sending an instruction to an external beam therapy device to deliver the external beam therapy to a target area of ​​the body during a selected portion of a respiratory cycle.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the target region is a tumor.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the external beam therapy is external beam radiotherapy or proton beam therapy.

19. The step of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal for imaging or therapy includes a substep of using the respiratory signal as a gate signal during imaging, wherein the method further The method according to claim 13, comprising the step of sending an instruction to an imaging device to acquire image data during a selected portion of a respiratory cycle.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the instruction for acquiring the image data further includes an instruction to avoid acquiring the image data during body deformation, based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength.

21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of obtaining image data from a computed tomography scan, a magnetic resonance imaging scan, a positron emission tomography scan, or a single-photon emission computed tomography scan.

22. The method according to claim 13, wherein the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of one or more fiber Bragg gratings measures strain along a Cartesian coordinate system.

23. The method according to claim 13, wherein the one or more optical fibers having one or more fiber Bragg gratings are included in a garment configured to be placed on the body.

24. A method for correcting the body movements of a patient during external beam therapy, The steps include acquiring image data of the target region of the body for external beam therapy, The steps include defining data that responds to body movement within a target region, based on an effective shift caused by body movement during the acquisition of the image data, and based on an effective shift of the Bragg wavelength in wavelength data from a fiber Bragg grating placed on the body, A method comprising the step of sending an instruction to an external beam therapy device to direct the external beam therapy to the target region and to use the data and image data that respond to the body movements during the acquisition of the image data in order to compensate for body movements during the external beam therapy.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of acquiring wavelength data from the fiber Bragg grating while acquiring the image data.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of acquiring wavelength data from the fiber Bragg grating during the external beam treatment of the target region.

27. ​​The method according to claim 26, wherein compensating for body movement during external beam therapy includes reorienting the external beam therapy apparatus based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength during external beam therapy.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein the movement of the body includes respiratory movement.

29. The step of generating a respiratory signal of the patient based on the detected effective shift of the Bragg wavelength caused by the respiratory movement, The method of claim 28, further comprising the substep of sending an instruction to the external beam therapy device to use the respiratory signal as a gate signal to maintain focus on the target region during the external beam therapy.

30. The method according to claim 24, wherein the external beam therapy is external beam radiotherapy or proton beam therapy.

31. A system for correcting the respiratory motion of a patient during imaging or external beam therapy, A single-mode optical fiber including multiple fiber Bragg gratings configured to be placed on the body, An optical emitter configured to emit light wave pulses through the first end of the single-mode optical fiber, An optical sensor configured to receive pulsed light waves through each of the multiple fiber Bragg gratings in the single-mode optical fiber, It is a processor, A data acquisition module configured to receive the peak wavelength reflected by each of the plurality of fiber Bragg gratings from the optical sensor, A comparator configured to determine the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength due to axial strain along each of the plurality of fiber Bragg gratings, A system comprising a processor including a controller configured to generate respiratory signals and control external beam therapy or imaging during respiratory motion based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the plurality of fiber Bragg gratings.

32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the controller is further configured to send instructions to the external beam therapy device or the imaging device, respectively, to use the respiratory signal as a gate signal during the external beam therapy or imaging.

33. The system according to claim 31, wherein the processor further includes a correction module configured to correct image data acquired from a scanning device to compensate for body movement during image scanning based on the effective shift of the Bragg wavelength of the plurality of fiber Bragg gratings.

34. The system according to claim 31, wherein the processor further includes an image acquisition module configured to acquire image data from a scanning device, and the scanning device is a device that performs computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans.

35. The system according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of fiber Bragg gratings measure strain along at least one axis of a Cartesian coordinate system.

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