Compact Low-Energy X-Ray Collimator for Intraoperative Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) systems are large, difficult to transfer, require significant shielding, and limit the ability to define specific radiation doses and orientation, making them inefficient for precise tumor treatment.
Innovation Solution
A compact low-energy radiation therapy system with a dynamic collimation system using a robotic arm and multi-leaf collimator to deliver highly conformal radiation dose distributions, allowing for precise control of radiation beams and reducing the need for additional shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional IORT systems (Mobetron) are used to deliver electron beam radiation, then high energy radiation (6-12 MeV) can be delivered, but the system becomes large (4.91 m³) and heavy (2937 lbs) making it difficult to transfer among operation rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation energy parameter from high energy electron beams (6-12 MeV) to low energy x-rays (50-150 kV), which fundamentally alters the system requirements. This parameter change enables a compact design without heavy shielding while still achieving effective tumor treatment through the unique intraoperative application approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy shielding requirement by utilizing the surgical setting where the patient's body and surgical drapes already provide natural shielding. The system takes out the need for massive lead shielding by operating in a controlled surgical environment where shielding is provided by the patient anatomy and surgical setup
2Reliability
If traditional IORT systems are used, then radiation therapy can be delivered, but several feet of shielding are required making the system large and requiring vault housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the surgical cavity and patient anatomy as an intermediary that naturally provides shielding. The surgical drapes, patient body, and treatment positioning structures serve as intermediate shielding elements, eliminating the need for massive external shielding structures
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from high energy electron beams requiring thick shielding to low energy x-rays that can be effectively shielded by surgical drapes and patient anatomy, the system volume is dramatically reduced from vault-sized housing to a compact portable device
3Productivity
If conventional IORT systems are used, then radiation treatment can be delivered, but the ability to define specific radiation doses as a function of position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic multi-leaf collimators that can be adjusted in real-time during treatment to precisely define the radiation field geometry. The leaves can be dynamically positioned to match the tumor shape and location, enabling precise dose distribution that adapts to the specific anatomical configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions including imaging, treatment planning, and radiation delivery with dynamic collimation in a single unified platform. This multi-functionality enables precise dose definition by combining anatomical visualization with real-time beam shaping capabilities
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional IORT systems are used, then radiation therapy can be delivered, but the systems limit orientation options and cannot be placed inside or above the surgical cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation delivery system into a compact, modular design that can be positioned flexibly. The x-ray source and collimation system are separated into independently positionable components that can be placed inside or above the surgical cavity, unlike monolithic traditional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables placement in previously inaccessible dimensions by positioning the compact x-ray source inside the surgical cavity or immediately above it, utilizing the third dimension (vertical placement above patient) and internal cavity space, rather than being limited to external positioning
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 and efficient delivery of radiation doses directly to the tumor site, reducing the number of external beam therapy sessions, improving tumor control rates, and minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation source can be any source configured to generate a radiation beam, including but not limited to a kilovoltage x-ray source
Implementation Method 2
The series of leaf assemblies can be configured to operate independently from one another in order to position their individual leaves to shape the field of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for low energy radiation x-ray radiation therapy system for use at a target within a cavity of a subject. In an aspect, the system uses an aperture shaping device used to shape the radiation beam from the low energy radiation source. In an aspect, the aperture shaping device includes a plurality of leaf assemblies which include leaves configured to form the aperture and engage the radiation beam. In an aspect, the present invention utilizes a geared mechanics approach to create an aperture using only one dial input. The design ensures that the field size of the collimator remains a constant shape as it is opened and closed. In an aspect, the overall size of the collimator may be scaled to accommodate various radiation therapy requirements.