Biomechanical Model for Organ Position Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position and shape of organs that move or change due to breathing, such as during radiation therapy, are often cumbersome, require multiple 3D data sets, and assume predictable breathing patterns, leading to inaccuracies and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a biomechanical model based on a single set of 3D data that estimates organ coordinates by correlating external abdominal volume changes with internal organ movements, allowing for precise positioning without assuming breathing patterns, and enabling repeated determination of organ and tumor coordinates without additional radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple 3D data sets are acquired to determine organ position, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation exposure increases and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A biomechanical model is created in advance from a single pre-treatment 3D data set, capturing the patient's anatomy and breathing mechanics. This preliminary model allows real-time organ position estimation during treatment without requiring additional 3D scans, thus eliminating repeated radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy through a biomechanical model that replicates organ behavior and breathing patterns. This digital twin enables continuous monitoring and position estimation without physical re-imaging, replacing the need for multiple radiation-based 3D scans
2Measurement precision
If multiple 3D data sets are acquired to determine organ position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biomechanical model is constructed beforehand from routine pre-treatment imaging data, establishing a digital framework that predicts organ position based on breathing phase. This eliminates the need for complex real-time multi-modal imaging setups and simplifies the treatment delivery process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a biomechanical model as an intermediary that translates easily measurable external signals (breathing phase, surface motion) into accurate internal organ position estimates. This mediator simplifies the measurement process by avoiding direct complex imaging while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If breathing patterns are assumed for organ position estimation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback from external measurements (surface motion sensors, breathing phase detection) that continuously update the biomechanical model's predictions. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to the patient's actual breathing patterns without assuming a fixed pattern, maintaining both speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The biomechanical model is designed to be dynamic, adapting to the patient's actual breathing behavior rather than relying on static assumptions. The model can be updated with minimal additional measurements to capture individual breathing patterns, ensuring accuracy while maintaining treatment efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
There is presented a method 100 and apparatus 200 to measure the surface of the patient (thorax and abdominal regions), e.g., during therapy delivery and (if necessary) while imaging. Together with biomechanical considerations the position of internal structures of the patient, such as an organ, and optionally a tumor in an organ, is inferred from the measured patient surface. In case the patient breaths and thus the organ and/or tumor moves, the position may be determined, which may be advantageous during, e.g., radiation therapy, since it enables that whenever the tumor is at the right position according to the radiation therapy plan, the radiation is switched on. In a specific embodiment, a finite element model is employed.