Device for radiological diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device for radiological diagnosis and treatment. The device for radiological diagnosis and treatment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a body unit; a gantry capable of rotating with respect to the body unit; a treatment table on which a subject is placed; a radiation unit mounted on the gantry and configured to irradiate the subject; an image detector disposed facing the radiation unit with the treatment table interposed therebetween and configured to detect the radiation emitted from the radiation unit; and a control device. The radiation unit includes a shutter unit disposed on the radiation path of a radiation beam and configured to pass or shield the radiation according to whether the shutter unit is opened or closed, and the control device is configured to control the shutter unit to emit radiation in pulses.

Description

Radiation diagnostic and therapeutic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device.

[0002] This disclosure is derived as a result of research conducted under the Startup Growth Technology Development (R&D) project funded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and supported by the Korea Institute of Technology Information Promotion for SMEs [Project No. 2420005915, Project No. 00467307].

[0003] Radiological diagnostic devices for disease diagnosis and radiation therapy devices for disease treatment are widely used. Prior to radiation therapy, simulation and treatment planning processes are required, and these processes are performed based on CT or X-ray images from the diagnostic devices.

[0004] Radiation diagnostic devices for disease diagnosis and radiation simulation therapy and radiation therapy devices for actual treatment are provided separately, which can lead to various disadvantages.

[0005] For example, this may result in cost and spatial disadvantages. Since both diagnostic and radiation therapy devices emit radiation harmful to the human body, shielding facilities must be installed at their installation sites; however, if these devices are provided separately, such shielding must be installed in duplicate. This not only increases installation costs but also requires a large amount of space, making it difficult for small hospitals or veterinary clinics to operate both devices together.

[0006] As another example, it may be difficult to perform radiation therapy immediately following a diagnosis via radiography. If the diagnostic radiation device and the radiation therapy device are separated, one-stop medical care, where both radiography and treatment are performed on a single device, becomes fundamentally impossible.

[0007] To solve these problems, the applicant has developed a device capable of performing radiation imaging and treatment with a single device (see Patent Document 1).

[0008] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned radiation imaging and treatment device utilizes an X-ray generator. However, with an X-ray generator, it may be difficult to acquire an image within a fixed time due to the delay in the time it takes for radiation to reach the target voltage after the generator starts, which may lead to a problem of image quality degradation.

[0009] Accordingly, the applicant has developed a device capable of improving image quality by generating a pulsed beam while using an X-ray generator.

[0010] [Prior Art Literature]

[0011] [Patent Literature]

[0012] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2174488 (October 29, 2020)

[0013] The present disclosure aims to provide a device capable of performing both radiation diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the present disclosure aims to provide a radiation diagnosis and treatment device capable of obtaining a pulse driving effect through the control of the exposure time of an X-ray beam.

[0014] Representative configurations of the present disclosure for achieving the above objectives are as follows.

[0015] A radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a body unit, a gantry configured to be rotatable with respect to the body unit, a treatment table configured to place a target on, a radiation irradiation unit mounted on the gantry and configured to irradiate radiation onto the target, an image detector disposed opposite the radiation irradiation unit with the treatment table in between and configured to detect radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit, and a control device. Herein, the radiation irradiation unit includes a shutter unit disposed in the radiation irradiation path and configured to pass or shield radiation depending on whether it is open or closed, and the control device is configured to control the shutter unit so that radiation is irradiated in a pulse form.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shutter unit may include a cover that shields radiation and an actuator that moves the cover along the radiation irradiation path.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover may be formed of tungsten material.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device may be configured to irradiate radiation in a pulsed form by controlling the cover to move back and forth through an actuator.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiation irradiation unit further comprises a single radiation source that generates radiation, a primary collimator that shields radiation generated from the radiation source and determines a beam dispersion angle, and a variable filter unit that controls the intensity of radiation from the primary collimator, and the shutter unit may be positioned upstream of the primary collimator in the radiation irradiation path.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the variable filter unit includes a plurality of rotatable filters and may be configured so that different types of filters are selected during radiation diagnosis and radiation therapy.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device includes a treatment planning system, and the treatment planning system may be configured to calculate the direction, shape, and dose of radiation for radiation irradiation to a target through image data acquired during radiation diagnosis.

[0022] In addition, the radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device according to the present disclosure may further include other additional configurations to the extent that it does not impair the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, both radiation diagnosis and treatment can be performed with a single device.

[0024] In addition, according to the present disclosure, a pulse driving effect can be obtained by controlling the exposure time of an X-ray beam through a shutter unit, and the quality of the image can be improved accordingly.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a radiation irradiation unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a primary collimator and a secondary collimator of a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a filter section of a radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the jaw of a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a shutter portion of a radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the operating state of the shutter portion of a radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0034] 10: Shielding box

[0035] 100: Radiation diagnostic and therapeutic devices

[0036] 110: Body Unit 120: Gantry

[0037] 130: Treatment Table 140: Gantry Drive Unit

[0038] 150: Radiation irradiation unit 160: Image detector

[0039] 170: Beam Stopper

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

[0041] Expressions such as “comprising,” “comprising,” “having,” etc. as used in this specification should be understood as open-ended terms implying the possibility of including other embodiments unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence containing such expressions.

[0042] To clearly explain the present disclosure, descriptions of parts unrelated to the present disclosure have been omitted, and even if descriptions of specific components are omitted in the following description, this is not intended to imply that such components are not included in the corresponding embodiments.

[0043] Accordingly, the detailed description below is not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the disclosure should be understood to encompass the scope claimed by the claims and all equivalents thereof.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the radiation diagnosis and treatment device includes a shielding box (10), and radiation diagnosis and radiation treatment can be performed inside the shielding box (10). The shielding box (10) may be made of a shieldable material such as lead glass. Additionally, a door (11) may be formed on at least one side of the shielding box (10) to allow a patient and a worker to enter and exit the interior. Meanwhile, a status indicator light (12) may be formed on at least one side of the shielding box (10). The status indicator light (12) performs the function of indicating the status of radiation diagnosis and radiation treatment inside.

[0045] A radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a device for radiation diagnosis and treatment of small pet animals such as dogs and cats. As described below, the radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to enable radiation diagnosis and treatment through a single radiation source, and is manufactured in a compact size so that it can be shielded through a shielding box (10), so that it can be used even in animal hospitals where it is difficult to provide separate shielding facilities.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) includes a body unit (110), a gantry (120), a treatment table (130), a gantry driving unit (140), a radiation irradiation unit (150), an image detector (160), and a beam stopper (170).

[0048] The body unit (110) of the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is, as the component name suggests, the body, that is, the frame, of the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100). That is, the body unit (110) performs the function of the frame of the entire device and the function of a frame on which various driving parts are mounted.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a support plate may be formed at the bottom of the body unit (110). A plurality of wheels may be formed at the bottom of the support plate. A radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be movable with the help of these wheels.

[0050] A gantry (120) of a radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed on one side of a body unit (110) and may be coupled to the body unit (110) in a rotatable state. In one embodiment, the gantry (120) may be configured to be rotatable by being driven by a gantry drive unit (140). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the gantry drive unit (140) is implemented as an electric motor that transmits rotational driving force to the gantry (120); however, the structure of the gantry drive unit (140) is not limited to this structure, and any driving method that enables rotation of the gantry (120) relative to the body unit (110) is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] The gantry (120) performs the function of a frame that serves as a base for mounting a radiation irradiation unit (150) that emits radiation to a target during radiation diagnosis or radiation therapy, an image detector (160) that detects radiation emitted from the gantry and penetrating the target, and a beam stopper (170) that prevents the radiation from advancing further. When the gantry (120) rotates according to the operation of the gantry drive unit (140), the radiation irradiation unit (150), image detector (160), and beam stopper (170) mounted on the gantry (120) also rotate. The rotation of the gantry (120) and the radiation irradiation unit (150), image detector (160), and beam stopper (170) mounted thereon is performed to irradiate radiation at an optimal position relative to the target.

[0052] A treatment table (130) of a radiation diagnosis and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs the function of allowing a target subject to radiation diagnosis or treatment to be positioned on one surface so that the target subject can be fixed during radiation diagnosis or treatment. In one embodiment, the treatment table (130) may be configured to be able to move into and out of the space between the radiation irradiation unit (150) and the image detector (160) described above. Referring to FIG. 2, the treatment table (130) may be configured to slide from a position far from the gantry (120) and move into the space between the radiation irradiation unit (150) and the image detector (160).

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one side of the treatment table (130) may be provided with a driving device that enables the treatment table (130) to move vertically upward or downward. By operating such a driving device, the treatment table (130) may be moved upward or downward. This vertical movement of the treatment table (130) is intended for setting the optimal position of the subject during radiation diagnosis or treatment.

[0054] Radiation diagnosis or treatment can be performed at an optimal position by rotating the gantry (120) and sliding and vertically moving the treatment table (130), and the driving control of all movable components can be performed by the control device described later.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotating table may be provided at the end of the treatment table (130). Such a rotating table is particularly advantageous when the subject is a small animal. When a small animal, such as a cat, a mouse, or a small dog, is positioned as the subject on the rotating table, it can be rotated at a specific angle even after the setting is performed. Rotation of the subject by the rotating table is advantageous for assuming an optimal position during diagnosis or treatment by radiation.

[0056] It is preferable that the subject placed on the treatment table (130) be fixed in position by an unillustrated fixation body. If the subject placed on the treatment table (130) is an animal rather than a human, the need for position fixation by a fixation body increases. Such a fixation body can be formed of a material that is flexible and deformable in response to the subject and does not interfere with radiation. Such a fixation body minimizes the movement of the subject and fixes the subject's position and posture during radiation diagnosis and treatment. More specifically, if the subject is an animal, a different type of fixation device must be used depending on physical characteristics different from those of a human. For example, since the animal is fixed while wearing an anesthetic mask, it is preferable that the structure of the fixation body be selected with this in mind.

[0057] A compensator (not shown) may be included in a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as a component that makes the dose distribution more suitable for the diagnosis and treatment of a fixed object. Such a compensator may be attached to the aforementioned fixture or to the head of the therapeutic device. The compensator performs the function of weakening the intensity of radiation by interposing a thick material in the middle when radiation is radiated to the object. Depending on the shape of the compensator, the dose distribution radiated to the object can be implemented as desired.

[0058] A laser (not shown) for setting up an object may be included in a radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This laser may be located in the main body of the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100), and additionally may be installed on the wall of a shielding box as described above. For example, three lasers may be arranged, one on the top surface and one on the left and right sides, and each laser may be in the shape of a crosshair. Through this laser, when positioning an object on a treatment table (130), the laser may be matched with a mark marked on the object or fixture in three directions, thereby allowing the object to be positioned in an accurate position and orientation.

[0059] A real-time radiation dose measuring device (not shown) may be mounted on at least one side of a radiation diagnosis and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, a device capable of measuring and converting temperature and humidity into data may be additionally provided in addition to the radiation dose measuring device. By utilizing these devices, data on the dose accumulated over one month or one year can be obtained. In addition to the real-time dose measuring device described above, a device that triggers an automatic alarm and a measure to stop radiation irradiation when the dose exceeds a preset maximum value may also be optionally installed.

[0060] An image detector (160) of a radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs the function of detecting radiation that has penetrated an object when the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) is used for radiation diagnostic purposes, and transmitting the result to a control device. Software installed in the control device can visualize the signal of the image detector (160). In one embodiment, the image detector (160) is mounted at a position facing the radiation irradiation unit (150) with the treatment table (130) in between, so as to detect radiation that has penetrated the object irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit (150).

[0061] A beam stopper (170) of a radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs the function of preventing radiation from proceeding further. In one embodiment, the beam stopper (170) may be positioned at the bottom of an image detector (160), that is, on the opposite side of the radiation irradiation unit (150) relative to the image detector (160).

[0062] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a radiation irradiation unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the radiation irradiation unit (150) may include a radiation source (151), a primary collimator (152), a filter unit (153), a secondary collimator (154), and a group (155).

[0064] A radiation source (151) of a radiation irradiation unit (150) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs the function of generating radiation necessary for radiation diagnosis or radiation therapy. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiation irradiation unit (150) includes a single radiation source (151). That is, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is implemented so that both radiation diagnosis and radiation therapy are possible with a single radiation source (151).

[0065] A primary collimator (152) of a radiation irradiation unit (150) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure shields a portion of the outer edge of the radiation generated from a radiation source (151) and performs the function of determining the dispersion angle of a radiation beam irradiated to a filter unit (153) placed downstream of the radiation beam path.

[0066] A secondary collimator (154) of a radiation irradiation unit (150) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs the function of shielding a portion of the outer edge of the radiation that has passed through the filter unit (153) to limit the shape of the area where the radiation beam is irradiated.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a primary collimator and a secondary collimator of a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4(a), a circular through-hole is formed at the center of the primary collimator (152) to determine the dispersion angle of the beam irradiated to the filter section (153). Additionally, referring to FIG. 4(b), a through-hole of a predetermined shape is formed at the center of the secondary collimator (154) to limit the irradiation area of ​​the radiation beam. In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole of the secondary collimator (154) may be formed in a rectangular shape so that the radiation beam can be irradiated in a rectangular shape.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a filter section of a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A filter section (153) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs the function of controlling radiation intensity by allowing only a portion of the radiation that has passed through a primary collimator (152) to pass through. Referring to FIG. 5, the filter section (153) may be configured as a so-called variable filter in which the arrangement of a plurality of filters (1531, 1532, 1533) included therein can be changed for controlling radiation intensity as described above.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the filter unit (153) may be configured to be rotatable. The filter unit (153) is equipped with a plurality of filters (1531, 1532, 1533), and any one of the plurality of filters (1531, 1532, 1533) may be selected by the rotation described above. The individual filters of the filter unit (153) can reduce the intensity of radiation entering the filter unit (153) to a predetermined intensity, and the target reduction value may be configured differently for each filter. For example, when the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to the present disclosure is used for radiation diagnostic purposes, a filter capable of converting the energy of radiation generated from a radiation source (151) into low energy suitable for diagnostic purposes is selected and used, and when the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to the present disclosure is used for radiation treatment purposes, a filter capable of converting the energy of radiation generated from a radiation source (151) into high energy suitable for diagnostic purposes rather than the energy suitable for diagnostic purposes described above may be selected and used.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a jaw of a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The jaw (155) is configured to be movable in one direction to control the shape of a radiation beam, for example, to form a rectangular beam. Referring to FIG. 6, the jaw (155) may include a pair of shielding membranes (1551, 1552) and actuators (1553, 1554) for moving them in one direction.

[0071] Meanwhile, a radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be utilized for therapeutic purposes, and the radiation source (151) may be configured to include a linear X-ray generator. However, in imaging for diagnosis, the linear X-ray generator has a problem in that the time required to reach the target voltage for imaging after starting operation is random, and the time may be delayed to maintain a constant brightness, which may result in a slight increase in radiation exposure. Additionally, the image quality may be degraded by the linear beam generated through this.

[0072] To acquire diagnostic images, particularly CT images, it is desirable to use a pulsed beam with a short exposure time of a few milliseconds. To this end, one could devise a method to generate pulsed radiation by supplying power to a linear X-ray generator for a predetermined time—specifically, the short duration required to obtain an image—and then cutting off the power after the set time has elapsed. However, implementing pulsed radiation in this manner makes precise control of exposure time difficult, and it is practically impossible to incorporate such a function into radiation diagnostic and therapeutic devices due to issues such as cost.

[0073] A radiation diagnosis and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure additionally includes a shutter section to physically implement a pulsed beam while using a linear X-ray generator. That is, a shutter section is placed in the radiation irradiation path, and a pulsed beam is implemented by controlling the radiation exposure time through the opening and closing of the shutter section.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shutter section of a radiation diagnostic and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The shutter section (157) of the radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cover (1571, 1572) and an actuator (1573, 1574). Meanwhile, the shutter section (157) may be positioned above a primary collimator (152) in the radiation irradiation path, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover (1571, 1572) of the shutter unit (157) performs the function of shielding radiation. In one embodiment, the cover (1571, 1572) may be formed of a plate-shaped tungsten material and may be provided with a size that shields a radiation irradiation path of at least 40 mm in diameter. Additionally, the cover (1571, 1572) may have a light weight, for example, 500 g or less, to enable rapid movement.

[0076] An actuator (1573, 1574) of a shutter unit (157) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs the function of moving a cover along a radiation irradiation path. Additionally, an actuator (1573, 1574) of a shutter unit (157) may perform the function of moving a cover (1571, 1572) out of a radiation irradiation path. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator (1573, 1574) of the shutter unit (157) may be configured to move linearly along a rail (1575, 1576) driven by an electric motor and positioned to face a radiation path.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the covers (1571, 1572) of the shutter unit (157) may be provided as a pair arranged side by side on the left and right. The actuators (1573, 1574) and rails (1575, 1576) of the shutter unit (157) may also be provided as a pair corresponding to each of the left and right covers (1571, 1572).

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator (1573, 1574) is shown as being coupled to the lower side of the cover (1571, 1572), but is not limited thereto and may be configured to be coupled to the upper or side part of the cover (1571, 1572).

[0079] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the operating state of the shutter portion of a radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, pulsed radiation can be irradiated by moving and moving the cover (1571, 1572) along the radiation irradiation path (R) by means of the actuator (1573, 1574) of the shutter unit (157). Such operation can be performed by a control device. Specifically, the control device controls the actuator (1573, 1574) of the shutter unit (157) to move the cover (1571, 1572) along the radiation irradiation path (R) (see FIG. 8 (a)) during a set shielding time, and to move the cover (1571, 1572) away from the radiation irradiation path (R) (see FIG. 8 (b)) during a set exposure time, and by repeating this process to move the cover (1571, 1572) back and forth, it can be configured to irradiate radiation in a pulsed form.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device may be configured to control each actuator (1573, 1574) of the shutter unit (157) to simultaneously open and close each corresponding cover (1571, 1572). In another embodiment, the control device may be configured to control each actuator (1573, 1574) of the shutter unit (157) according to a setting to simultaneously open and close each corresponding cover (1571, 1572) or to open and close them with a time difference. For example, one cover (1571) may be configured to maintain a shielded state while only the other cover (1572) is opened and closed. As yet another example, one cover (1571) may be configured to reciprocate 3ms later than the other cover (1572). Accordingly, various types of pulse beams can be implemented in addition to a basic pulse beam that simply repeats ON-OFF. Such operation can be configured so that the operator sets it according to the state and diagnostic conditions of the object, or so that the control device automatically adjusts it according to a pre-set.

[0082] In this way, a radiation diagnosis and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to convert a linear beam generated from a radiation source (151) into a pulsed beam by means of a shutter unit (157) included in a radiation irradiation unit (150), so that radiation suitable for radiation imaging is irradiated.

[0083] Meanwhile, the radiation irradiation unit (150) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an ion chamber (not shown). The ion chamber performs the function of monitoring the radiation dose that has passed through the filter unit (153) in real time. Feedback control of radiation irradiation is possible with such an ion chamber. In one embodiment, the monitoring result of the ion chamber may be connected to a control device.

[0084] The radiation diagnosis and treatment device (100) according to the present disclosure is used for both radiation diagnosis and radiation therapy purposes. Since the energy of radiation generated from a single radiation source is converted by the filter unit (153) as described above for each purpose, it is important to monitor whether the energy level conversion result is being carried out to a desired degree. The control device obtains the monitoring results of the ion chamber and checks in real time whether the radiation dose value meets the intended purpose. If the radiation dose is insufficient, it can control the filter unit (153) to irradiate radiation of a higher energy level. If the radiation dose value is excessive in light of the intended purpose, it can control the filter unit (153) to lower the energy level of the radiation or control the radiation source (151) to stop the emission of radiation.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the radiation irradiation unit (150) is mounted on the gantry (120) and is described as rotating together with the rotation of the gantry (120) by the gantry drive unit (140). However, as a variation of the present disclosure, at least some components of the radiation irradiation unit (150) may be implemented so as not to rotate. For example, among the radiation irradiation unit (150) of the present disclosure, such as the radiation source (151), may be positioned in a suitable place on the body unit (110) so as not to rotate. Radiation generated from the radiation source (151) may be transmitted to a primary collimator (152), a filter unit (153), a secondary collimator (154), and a jaw (155), etc., as is known. It should be understood that other embodiments in which more components constituting the radiation irradiation unit (150) are not placed on the rotating gantry (120) are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] Thus, the radiation diagnosis and treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can convert the energy of radiation generated from a radiation source (151) into energy suitable for diagnosis or treatment purposes through the above-described first collimator (152), filter unit (153), second collimator (154), and jaw (155), and can adjust the radiation so that it is irradiated only to the necessary parts, and when taking a radiation image, the linear beam generated from the radiation source (151) can be converted into a pulse beam suitable for radiation image taking through the shutter unit (157).

[0087] All components of the above-described radiation diagnostic and treatment device (100) can be controlled by a control device (not shown). The functions of the control device in terms of controlling the device are summarized as follows.

[0088] First, the control device can control the movement of all movable components. The control device can control the up-and-down movement and sliding movement of the treatment table (130) and the rotation of the gantry (120) so that radiation diagnosis or radiation therapy can be performed at an optimal position.

[0089] In particular, as described above, the control device can control the actuators (1573, 1574) of the shutter unit (157) to control the reciprocating motion of the cover (1571, 1572) so that radiation is irradiated in a pulse form.

[0090] In addition, the control device receives information regarding the radiation dose value monitored in real time from the ion chamber and controls the filter unit (153), etc., so that radiation of a desired energy level can be delivered to the target, and if it is determined that there is a risk to the target when considering the energy level, the entire device or radiation generation configuration may be stopped urgently.

[0091] Additionally, the control device may include software that receives data detected from the image detector (160) and constructs an image that is easy for a medical professional planning treatment to interpret.

[0092] A radiation diagnosis and treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to establish a treatment plan simultaneously with radiation diagnosis and to perform radiation treatment without delay based thereon. To this end, the control device may include a treatment planning system. By including the treatment planning system within the control device, the optimized direction, shape, and dose of radiation for radiation irradiation to a target can be calculated using image data acquired during radiation diagnosis. This information calculated by the treatment planning system can be used immediately in the radiation treatment process after undergoing a verification process by a medical professional. Treatment and image data transmitted to the control device can be shared or distributed in the form of big data via the Internet after undergoing appropriate encryption and / or anonymization means. Accumulated data regarding radiation treatment serves as valuable reference material for safer and more effective future treatments and may possess significant economic value in itself.

[0093] The primary feature of the radiation diagnosis and treatment device (100) according to the present disclosure is that it can perform both radiation diagnosis and radiation therapy, including CT image acquisition, and the secondary feature is that it can perform both radiation diagnosis and radiation therapy while using a single radiation source.

[0094] The basis upon which these features can be manifested may be provided by the characteristic radiation irradiation unit (150) of the present disclosure. There is a difference in the energy levels of radiation for radiation diagnosis and radiation therapy. The energy level for radiation diagnosis can be approximately 10 to 100 kV. The energy level for radiation therapy can be approximately 100 to 300 kV. Currently, generalized radiation diagnostic and radiation therapy devices use sources to generate radiation at energy levels suitable for their respective purposes. On the other hand, since the device according to the present disclosure must perform both radiation diagnosis and radiation therapy, it employs a radiation source (151) capable of generating radiation with an energy level suitable for radiation therapy. In addition, the energy of the radiation generated from the radiation source (151) is converted into energy suitable for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes by the filter unit (153) described above, and the shape of the radiation irradiation area is determined by the first collimator (152), second collimator (154), and jaw (155) described above, so that radiation can be controlled to be irradiated only to necessary parts and radiation can be prevented to be irradiated to unnecessary parts of the object. Furthermore, the linear beam generated from the radiation source (151) can be converted into a pulsed beam suitable for radiation imaging by the shutter unit (157).

[0095] Although the present disclosure has been described above with specific details such as specific components and limited embodiments, the embodiments are provided only to aid in a more comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure and are not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can make various modifications and variations from this description.

[0096] Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and all things equivalent to or modified to the claims set forth below, as well as the claims described below, shall be considered to fall within the scope of the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Body unit, A gantry configured to be rotatable with respect to the above body unit, A treatment table configured to allow a subject to be placed on it, A radiation irradiation unit mounted on the above-mentioned gantry and configured to irradiate a target object, An image detector positioned opposite the radiation irradiation unit with the treatment table in between, and configured to detect radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit, and Includes a control device, The above radiation irradiation unit includes a shutter unit positioned on the radiation irradiation path and configured to allow or block radiation depending on whether it is open or closed. The above control device is configured to control the shutter unit so that radiation is irradiated in a pulse form. Radiation diagnostic and therapeutic devices.

2. In Paragraph 1, A radiation diagnostic and treatment device comprising a shutter portion including a cover that shields radiation and an actuator that moves the cover along the radiation irradiation path.

3. In Paragraph 2, A radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device, wherein the above cover is formed of tungsten material.

4. In Paragraph 2, A radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device in which the above-described control device controls the cover to move back and forth through the actuator so that radiation is irradiated in a pulsed form.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above radiation irradiation unit further includes a single radiation source that generates radiation, a primary collimator that shields the radiation generated from the radiation source and determines the beam dispersion angle, and a variable filter unit that controls the intensity of the radiation from the primary collimator. A radiation diagnostic and therapeutic device, wherein the shutter portion is positioned upstream of the primary collimator in the radiation irradiation path.

6. In Paragraph 5, A radiation diagnosis and treatment device comprising a variable filter unit including a plurality of rotatable filters, configured such that different types of filters are selected during radiation diagnosis and radiation treatment.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above control device includes a treatment planning system, and The above treatment planning system is a radiation diagnostic and treatment device that calculates the direction, shape, and dose of radiation for radiation irradiation to a target using image data acquired during radiation diagnosis.

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