Charged Particle Therapy Patient Positioning and Synchrotron Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for precise and efficient patient positioning and verification during charged particle cancer therapy to ensure targeted delivery of energy to cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, as well as efficient control of magnetic fields in synchrotrons for charged particle delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes patient positioning and restraint methods, X-ray verification for precise alignment, and advanced magnetic field control systems within the synchrotron to maintain accurate and controlled delivery of charged particles, utilizing a negative ion beam source, ion beam focusing, and tandem accelerator for precise proton beam control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional electromagnetic X-ray therapy is used, then treatment can be delivered, but precision in targeting tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs charged particles (protons or carbon ions) instead of traditional electromagnetic radiation, fundamentally changing the physical parameter of the therapeutic agent. This enables precise energy deposition at the tumor site through the Bragg peak effect, where particles deposit maximum energy at a specific depth determined by their initial energy, thereby sparing healthy tissues both before and after the tumor target.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces electromagnetic radiation-based therapy with particle beam therapy, substituting the mechanism of action from photon-electron interactions to direct particle-nucleus interactions. This mechanical substitution of the therapeutic mechanism enables superior spatial control and reduced scattering, improving targeting precision and reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
2Measurement precision
If patient positioning is not precisely controlled, then treatment delivery is simplified, but accuracy of charged particle delivery to the tumor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a comprehensive feedback system that continuously monitors patient positioning using optical tracking cameras and markers, compares real-time position data with treatment plan coordinates, and provides immediate corrective feedback through the positioning system. This closed-loop feedback ensures sub-millimeter positioning accuracy throughout the treatment session, which is critical for charged particle beam delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate positioning components including custom-molded immobilization devices, optical tracking markers attached to the patient, and real-time imaging systems that serve as mediators between the patient and the particle beam delivery system. These intermediaries enable precise positioning and verification without requiring direct mechanical coupling, balancing accuracy with operational feasibility.
3Device complexity
If synchrotron size and power requirements are reduced, then system cost and complexity decrease, but control of magnetic fields for charged particle delivery becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic magnetic field control systems that can rapidly adjust field strength and configuration in real-time during particle acceleration and extraction. The synchrotron uses programmable power supplies and feedback-controlled magnet systems that adapt magnetic field parameters dynamically, enabling precise control of charged particles even in compact configurations. This dynamic control compensates for the challenges of smaller magnet sizes and maintains extraction reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs multi-functional magnetic field systems where the same magnet assemblies serve multiple purposes: particle confinement during acceleration, beam focusing, and controlled extraction. By making the magnetic field system universally applicable to multiple functions, the patent reduces the overall number of components and system complexity while maintaining reliable particle control throughout the synchrotron cycle.
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 system enables efficient, accurate, and precise noninvasive treatment of solid cancers with minimized damage to healthy tissue, optimizing the delivery of protons to tumors while reducing the size and power requirements of the synchrotron.
Implementation Method 1
ion beam focusing, and tandem accelerator for precise proton beam control
Implementation Method 2
tandem accelerator for precise proton beam control
Implementation Method 3
efficient control of magnetic fields in synchrotrons for charged particle delivery
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a patient positioning and/or repositioning system, such as a laying, semi-vertical, or seated patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle radiation therapy. Patient positioning constraints optionally include one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are preferably movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning, repositioning, and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the charged particle beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.