Annulus-Shaped Radiation Source for Posterior Eye Dosimetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy methods for treating neovascular lesions of wet AMD often rely on barrel-shaped or disk-shaped radiation profiles, which may not provide the most effective treatment, as they do not account for the unique anatomy and pathology of the posterior eye.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cannula system with an emanating source featuring an annulus-shaped radiation emission profile and a centrally disposed attenuation zone, which is delivered minimally invasively to the posterior eye, allowing for targeted radiation therapy that can effectively treat neovascular lesions by shaping the radiation flux for improved dosimetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barrel-shaped or disk-shaped radiation profiles are used, then the radiation can be delivered to the posterior eye, but the treatment effectiveness is reduced due to non-uniform dose distribution and hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is designed with non-uniform radioactive material distribution, creating an annulus-shaped radiation profile with a centrally disposed attenuation zone. This local variation in radiation emission intensity ensures that the posterior pole of the eye receives uniform radiation dosage without central hotspots, directly resolving the dose distribution uniformity problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the radiation emission parameters by introducing an attenuation zone in the central region of the radiation source. This parameter modification alters the radiation flux distribution, reducing central dose intensity and creating a more uniform dose profile across the treatment area, thereby improving treatment reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional radiation sources are used, then the delivery method is simple, but the radiation flux creates dose hotspots that reduce treatment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source incorporates an annulus-shaped configuration with a centrally disposed attenuation zone, creating local variations in radiation emission. This structural design eliminates dose hotspots in the central region while maintaining adequate coverage of the posterior pole, achieving precise dose distribution without requiring complex external modulation systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the radiation source is positioned close to the posterior eye, then the radiation intensity is sufficient, but the anatomy of the posterior eye causes non-uniform dose distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is designed with an annulus shape and central attenuation zone that compensates for the anatomical curvature of the posterior eye. This local quality variation in the source design ensures that when positioned close to the eye, the radiation intensity remains sufficient while the dose distribution becomes uniform across the treated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation source employs an asymmetric design with an attenuation zone that counteracts the symmetric curvature of the posterior eye. This asymmetric modification to the radiation flux pattern compensates for the anatomical features of the eye, achieving uniform dose distribution despite the close positioning required for adequate intensity.
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 provides a more uniform and effective radiation distribution across the target area, enhancing treatment outcomes for neovascular lesions of wet AMD by minimizing dose hotspots and ensuring more consistent radiation exposure, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
introducing emanating sources (e.g., active material, radionuclide brachytherapy sources) to the cannula systems for irradiating targets (e.g., targets of the eye)
Implementation Method 2
radiation flux with an attenuation zone, e.g., a centrally disposed attenuation zone, provides for more effective treatment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for minimally-invasive delivery of radiation to the eye (such as the posterior portion of the eye) including cannula systems with multiple treatment positions and/or multiple channels in the distal tip of the cannula systems. The channels can accommodate emanating sources and exposing a target at various treatment positions. The emanating sources may be annulus-shaped.