Frustoconical Beam-Path Focusing for Precise Radiotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy methods face challenges in selectively targeting tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, particularly due to the susceptibility of stem cells to radiation, and conventional X-ray focusing devices lack adaptability and precision.
Innovation Solution
A radiopaque frustoconical shaped member with angled radiolucent beam paths converging to a focal point, combined with a scattering medium and a collimator, to selectively focus therapeutic beams on target tissues while reducing exposure to healthy tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple beams are directed at the cancer cell from multiple directions, then the dosage to the target tissue is improved, but the exposure to healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the beam paths into multiple individual radiolucent tubes, each allowing only a specific angled beam to pass through. This segmentation enables precise control over beam trajectories, allowing multiple beams to converge on the target while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue by blocking unnecessary paths with the radiopaque matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque matrix provides localized radiation blocking properties exactly where needed between the beams and healthy tissue. By positioning this absorbing material in specific locations within the beam paths, the device creates local quality differences that protect healthy tissue while allowing targeted beams to reach the tumor.
2Reliability
If beams pass through healthy tissue to reach the tumour, then the therapeutic effect on tumour cells is improved, but damage to stem cells in healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the radiation path into discrete segmented beam trajectories through individual tubes, the device ensures that only necessary beams passing through specific healthy tissue regions are allowed. This segmentation minimizes unnecessary exposure of stem cells to radiation while maintaining effective tumor targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque matrix acts as an intermediary element that selectively blocks radiation beams from reaching healthy tissue containing stem cells. This intermediary structure allows precise control over which beams pass through which regions, protecting vulnerable stem cells while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness on tumor cells.
3Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray focusing devices are used, then radiation can be focused on the target, but the devices lack adaptability and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves high focusing precision by segmenting radiation paths into multiple discrete angled beam trajectories through individual radiolucent tubes. Each tube is positioned at a specific angle to contribute to the focal point, enabling precise geometric focusing that superior to conventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiolucent tubes are positioned asymmetrically at different angles relative to the radiation source, with each tube angled to contribute to a common focal point. This asymmetric geometric arrangement provides both high precision focusing and adaptability to different target positions and configurations.
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
Enhances the probability of therapeutic beam interaction with target tissues while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues, allowing for precise and effective radiotherapy with lower energy photons.
Implementation Method 1
a radiopaque matrix embedded with straight radiolucent tubes... each beam of radiation when exiting the radiolucent tubes converge to a focal point
Implementation Method 2
The energy contained within each subtype of EM photon impacts on the probability that the DNA damage caused by an interaction with a therapeutic photon will result in cell death
Data Source
AI summary
A focusing device for X-ray and Gamma-ray use in radiotherapy, the device comprising a radiopaque frustoconical shaped member having a first end and a second end, wherein the member comprises an array of radiolucent beam paths extending from the first end to the second end, wherein each of the beam paths has an entrance aperture at the first end, and an exit aperture at the second end; the entrance aperture through which source rays pass into the beam path, wherein the beam path emits a beam from the exit aperture when the source beams are in line with the longitudinal axis of the beam path or having a predetermined angle of deviation from the longitudinal axis of the beam paths; and wherein each of the longitudinal axis of the beam paths is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the member for convergence towards a focal point or multiple points.