3D Printed Radiation Bolus for Precision Dose Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing radiation intensity boluses in radiotherapy face challenges such as errors due to collimator malfunctions, difficulty in calculating scattered doses, increased treatment time, and limitations in precision and space requirements, especially in proton and particle beam therapies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize 3D printing to manufacture radiation intensity boluses based on calculated 3D radiation dose distributions, incorporating radiation intensity modulation information to verify the type, location, and size of the bolus, and evaluate manufacturing accuracy by comparing planned and actual 3D structures, thereby reducing errors and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radiation collimator is used for intensity modulated radiotherapy, then radiation intensity can be modulated, but errors occur due to collimator malfunction and scattered dose calculation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radiation intensity modulation function from the complex collimator system and transfers it to a simpler bolus component. By removing the collimator's modulation function and using only its basic shielding capability, the system eliminates scattered dose calculation complexities while maintaining modulation accuracy through the bolus design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bolus as an intermediary element between the radiation source and the patient's body. This bolus serves as a mediator that performs the radiation intensity modulation function, replacing the need for complex collimator operations and eliminating scattered dose calculation difficulties associated with collimator gaps and leaves.
2Reliability
If a radiation collimator is used for intensity modulated radiotherapy, then radiation intensity can be modulated, but treatment duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal bolus shape and thickness distribution before treatment. The bolus is designed in advance with the exact geometry needed for radiation intensity modulation, eliminating the need for real-time collimator adjustments during treatment and significantly reducing treatment duration.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cutting methods are used to manufacture bolus, then bolus can be produced, but severe noise and contaminated coolant are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system with a 3D printing system. Instead of using cutting tools that generate noise and coolant contamination, the bolus is manufactured by depositing material layer by layer according to the pre-calculated design, completely eliminating noise and coolant-related harmful factors.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional cutting facilities are used to manufacture bolus, then bolus can be produced, but wide space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces space-intensive mechanical cutting facilities with a compact 3D printing system. The 3D printer requires minimal space compared to traditional cutting facilities, including large machines, coolant systems, and waste disposal equipment, thereby dramatically reducing the facility space requirement while maintaining bolus manufacturing capability.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional cutting methods are used to manufacture bolus, then bolus can be produced, but high-precision processing is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting process with 3D printing, which inherently provides superior precision. The 3D printing system can accurately reproduce the complex bolus geometry with high precision by following the digital design model, eliminating the limitations of manual or automated cutting methods and achieving the required manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a radiation intensity bolus. The method comprises the steps of: (a) calculating, by a radiotherapy treatment planning unit, a received 3D radiation dose distribution, planning a bolus to be manufactured, and outputting radiation intensity modulation information; (b) receiving, by a bolus design unit, the radiation intensity modulation information, generating a conversion file for manufacturing bolus, and outputting information about a 3D structure of the bolus to be manufactured; (c) receiving, by a bolus manufacturing unit, the conversion file for manufacturing bolus, verifying a type, location, and size of the bolus to be manufactured, sending the verified data to a 3D printer, and manufacturing the bolus; and (d) obtaining, by an accuracy verification unit, information about a 3D structure of the manufactured bolus and evaluating manufacturing accuracy by comparing the information about the 3D structure of the manufactured bolus with the information about the planned bolus.