Adaptive LINAC Gantry with X-ray Imaging for Real-time Plan Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LINAC devices lack the functionality to adapt treatment plans based on anatomical changes during radiotherapy, leading to suboptimal treatment efficacy and increased treatment time, as they do not account for tumor movement or size changes during the treatment process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive radiotherapy system with a C-arm gantry and an adaptive radiotherapy computing device that receives high-resolution images from an imaging system and X-ray imaging assembly, allowing for the adjustment of treatment plans in real-time to account for anatomical changes, and optimizing radiation delivery based on the geometry of the malignant tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LINAC devices are used for radiotherapy, then device complexity is low and cost is reduced, but adaptability to anatomical changes during treatment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the conventional LINAC system by adding an X-ray imaging assembly and adaptive radiotherapy computing device, enabling the system to perform both imaging and treatment planning adaptation without requiring a completely new MR-guided system. This allows conventional LINACs to gain adaptability while maintaining their core radiation delivery function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive radiotherapy computing device serves as an intermediary between the X-ray imaging assembly and the treatment delivery system. It processes imaging data, compares it with planning data, and generates adapted treatment plans, thereby enabling adaptability without direct complex integration between imaging and treatment components.
2Reliability
If treatment plans are adapted in real-time using imaging data, then treatment efficacy is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring X-ray images and adapting treatment plans during the setup phase before actual radiation delivery begins. This allows treatment efficacy to be improved through adaptation without significantly extending the critical radiation delivery time, as the adaptation occurs in the preparatory phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial adaptation by focusing computational resources on adapting only the critical parameters of the treatment plan based on anatomical changes, rather than completely re-planning. This selective adaptation maintains treatment efficacy while reducing the time required compared to full re-planning.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution images are used for treatment planning, then manufacturing precision of treatment plan is improved, but loss of time in acquiring and processing images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses conventional X-ray imaging technology instead of expensive, time-consuming high-resolution MRI or CT scans. X-ray images are acquired quickly and suffice for detecting anatomical changes, providing adequate treatment plan precision without the time and cost overhead of higher-resolution imaging modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the imaging parameter from high-resolution cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI) to projection-based X-ray imaging. This parameter change reduces acquisition and processing time while maintaining sufficient precision for detecting anatomical changes needed for treatment plan adaptation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables flexible and cost-effective adaptation of treatment plans, reducing treatment time and improving treatment efficacy by delivering optimized radiation doses while minimizing exposure to sensitive structures, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of radiotherapy without requiring significant upgrades to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The gantry includes a radiation delivery assembly including LINACs and configured to generate radiation
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray imaging assembly configured to image a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A linear particle accelerator (LINAC) radiotherapy system of a subject is provided. The system includes a gantry and an adaptive radiotherapy computing device. The gantry includes a radiation delivery assembly including LINACs and an x-ray imaging assembly, wherein the gantry defines a c-arm. The at least one processor of the adaptive radiotherapy computing device is programmed to receive first images of the subject acquired by an imaging system, and receive second images of the subject acquired by the x-ray imaging assembly, wherein the first images have higher resolutions than the second images. The at least one processor is further programmed to adapt a treatment plan using the second images, wherein the treatment plan was designed based on the first images, and a level of optimization in adapting the treatment plan is adjustable. The at least one processor is also programmed to output the adapted treatment plan.