Cherenkov Radiation Dosage Monitoring via 3D Surface Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation dosage monitoring systems during radiotherapy lack the ability to accurately determine internal radiation dosages received by patients, particularly due to increasing complexity in treatment plans and higher radiation doses, which can lead to mistreatment if not managed correctly.
Innovation Solution
A radiation dosage monitoring system that uses a 3D model generation module, image detectors to capture Cherenkov radiation, and a processing module to estimate radiation dosages applied to the patient's surface and internal portions, accounting for tissue absorption and chromophore levels to provide real-time feedback and ensure accurate radiation delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation dosage monitoring is performed only at the patient surface, then the monitoring system is simple, but internal radiation dosages cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Cherenkov radiation as an intermediary to indirectly measure internal radiation dosages. The image detector captures Cherenkov radiation emitted from the patient's body, which serves as a mediator between the internal radiation field and the external measurement system, enabling non-invasive internal dosage monitoring without direct internal sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex internal radiation sensors and mechanical dosimetry systems with optical detection of Cherenkov radiation. This substitution uses electromagnetic radiation detection instead of mechanical or electrical sensing systems, simplifying the overall device while enabling internal dosage measurement
2Productivity
If higher radiation doses are used to reduce treatment time, then productivity increases, but the risk of mistreatment and harmful effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring Cherenkov radiation during radiation treatment. This feedback loop allows immediate detection of deviations from the planned radiation dosage, enabling corrective actions to prevent mistreatment while maintaining high-dose treatment protocols for reduced treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preventive protection by monitoring radiation dosages before harmful effects can occur. By detecting anomalies in real-time, the system cushions against potential mistreatment effects, allowing aggressive high-dose treatments to proceed safely
3Reliability
If complex treatment plans with multiple iso-centers are implemented, then treatment efficacy improves, but measurement precision of internal dosages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation treatment into multiple discrete radiation fields or beams, each contributing to the overall treatment plan. By monitoring Cherenkov radiation from each field separately and accumulating the signals, the system maintains measurement precision even when multiple iso-centers and complex beam arrangements are used
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
The system provides accurate real-time monitoring of internal radiation dosages, preventing mistreatment by ensuring compliance with treatment plans, even with higher radiation doses and complex treatment plans, thereby enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
an image detector operable to detect Cherenkov radiation and any subsequent secondary and scattered radiation originating due to the initial Cherenkov radiation emitted from a surface of the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiation dosage monitoring system is disclosed comprising: a model generation module (58) operable to generate a 3D model of the surface of a portion of a patient (20) undergoing radiation treatment, an image detector (10) operable to detect Cherenkov radiation and any subsequent secondary and scattered radiation originating due to the initial Cherenkov radiation emitted from a surface of the patient (20) undergoing radiation treatment, a processing module (66) operable to determine estimations of radiation applied to the surface of a patient utilizing the images obtained by the image detector and the generated 3D model, and to utilize the determined estimations of radiation applied to the surface of the patient together with data indicative of the orientation of a radiation beam inducing emission of the Cherenkov radiation at a time when the radiation beam was applied to generate a 3D internal representation of the location of the portions of a patient irradiated by radiation resulting in the emission of the Cherenkov radiation.