Brachytherapy Channel Identification via Optical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brachytherapy systems lack the ability to accurately identify and connect treatment channels within the body with the correct apparatus channels, leading to potential human errors in radiation treatment orientation and dose delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves reconstructing the actual location of treatment channels using a tracking wire with a tracking element, comparing it to pre-planned locations, and utilizing a matching algorithm to ensure correct connection and orientation, thereby eliminating the need for manual connection and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of treatment channels with apparatus channels is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential human errors in matching channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection with an automated optical identification system. The system uses imaging means to capture images of treatment channels, processing means to generate identification information, and automated comparison to match channels, eliminating manual intervention and associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment channel identification system performs self-identification through automated image capture, processing, and matching. The system autonomously determines which treatment channel corresponds to which apparatus channel without requiring human judgment or manual pairing.
2Measurement precision
If x-ray imaging device is used to control channel orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging to create a visual copy or representation of the treatment channels and their orientations. This optical copy is then processed and compared with pre-planned orientations, providing accurate measurement without requiring expensive x-ray imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes x-ray imaging with optical imaging technology. Instead of using ionizing radiation and complex x-ray equipment, the system uses standard optical cameras and image processing to achieve the same orientation verification function with simpler, less expensive equipment.
3Measurement precision
If tracking wire with tracking element is inserted to reconstruct location, then identification accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional insertion steps
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking wire with tracking element serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates accurate location reconstruction. By inserting this temporary marker into the treatment channel, the system can optically track and determine the channel's precise orientation and position, which would be difficult to obtain directly from the treatment channel alone.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for identifying the location at least one treatment channel from a group of a plurality of treatment channels as wells as a system for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body.According to the invention the identifying method being characterized by the steps ofA selecting at least one of said plurality of treatment channels;B reconstructing the actual location of said selected treatment channel relative to said animal body; andC comparing said reconstructed location said pre-planned plurality of locations.Furthermore the system according to the invention is characterized in that identifying means are present for identifying the location of at least one treatment channel from said group of said plurality of inserted treatment channels and comparing said identified location with one or more of said pre-planned locations present in said treatment plan.