Charged Particle Beam Trajectory Correction in MRI Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charged particle beam therapy faces challenges in precision due to anatomical structure movements, as real-time MRI is unfeasible due to strong magnetic fields affecting the particle beam path, leading to deviations in dose delivery.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic apparatus and computer program product that account for MRI magnetic fields in dose planning and beam parameter adjustment, using magnetic resonance imaging data to calculate and correct the charged particle beam trajectory, ensuring accurate delivery to the target zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time MRI is used to track the target zone, then measurement precision is improved, but the magnetic field causes trajectory deviations of the charged particles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the charged particle trajectories taking into account the MRI magnetic field distribution before treatment delivery. The treatment planning system computes corrected beam parameters and trajectories in advance, so that when the beam is delivered, it automatically compensates for magnetic field deviations without requiring real-time adjustments during irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a computational model (copy) of the MRI magnetic field distribution and uses this model to calculate trajectory corrections. Instead of directly measuring and adjusting for magnetic field effects in real-time, the system uses pre-acquired MRI data to generate a virtual representation of the field and computes the necessary trajectory adjustments based on this model.
2Measurement precision
If the magnetic field is strengthened for better MRI imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but the trajectory deviation of charged particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by using the actual MRI magnetic field measurements and simulations to continuously refine the trajectory calculations. The treatment planning system updates the beam parameters based on the known magnetic field distribution, creating a closed-loop system where the magnetic field information that causes deviation is also used to correct for that deviation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the charged particle beam (such as initial energy, angle of incidence, and spatial distribution) to compensate for the magnetic field effects. By adjusting these parameters based on pre-calculated trajectory models that account for the MRI magnetic field, the system maintains accurate beam delivery despite the presence of strong magnetic fields.
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
Enables precise delivery of the charged particle beam energy to the target zone by integrating MRI data into dose planning and beam control, compensating for anatomical movements and magnetic field influences, thus minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
A static magnetic field is used by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners to align the nuclear spins of atoms as part of the procedure for producing images within the body of a patient
Implementation Method 2
RF signals emitted by the nuclear spins are detected by a receiver coil
Implementation Method 3
The primary mechanism for interaction of a beam comprising charged particles with matter is through the Coulomb force
Implementation Method 4
The majority of the energy of the particle beam is deposited near the end of the beam path. There is therefore a large peak of energy deposited at the end of the beam path which is called the Bragg peak
Implementation Method 5
affecting the particle beam path, leading to deviations in dose delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic apparatus comprising: a magnetic resonance imaging system adapted for acquiring a set of magnetic resonance imaging data in an imaging zone, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprising a means for generating a magnetic field, —a guiding means adapted for guiding a beam of charged particles to a target zone within a subject, wherein the imaging zone comprises the target zone, a zone determination means adapted for determining the location of the target zone within the subject using the set of magnetic resonance imaging data, a trajectory calculation means adapted for calculating a trajectory of the beam using magnetic field data being descriptive of the magnetic field such that the calculated trajectory reaches the target zone, a control means adapted for controlling the guiding means using the calculated trajectory such that the beam follows the calculated trajectory.