Composite Field Sequencing for Proton Beam Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation therapy systems face inefficiencies in transmission time and clinical efficiency due to the use of static fields with corresponding images and data files, limiting the number of patients that can be treated per day and extending treatment session lengths.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a composite field sequencing technique that consolidates multiple static beams into a single dynamic field, reducing data transfer time and allowing for faster communication between treatment planning systems and delivery devices, enabling more efficient proton therapy planning and delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple static fields are used in proton therapy planning, then dose delivery precision to target is improved, but data transfer time and treatment session length increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose delivery precisionVSAvoiddata transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple static field data files into a single composite dynamic field data file. This merging process consolidates the data representation of multiple beams and fields into one unified data structure, reducing the number of separate data transfers required while preserving the dosimetric accuracy of individual fields through sequential delivery instructions embedded in the composite file.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static field representations to a dynamic field approach where a single data file contains sequential instructions for delivering multiple beams. The system dynamically switches between different beam configurations within the treatment session using the composite field sequencing technique, allowing flexible delivery of multiple static fields through a dynamic data transfer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple static fields are used in proton therapy planning, then dose delivery precision to target is improved, but clinical efficiency and patient throughput decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose delivery precisionVSAvoidclinical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple static field data files into a single composite dynamic field data file, reducing the overhead of processing and transferring multiple separate files. This consolidation maintains the precision of individual field deliveries while improving workflow efficiency by reducing data management complexity and transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous treatment delivery by sequencing multiple beams within a single data transfer operation. The composite field approach allows the treatment system to proceed through multiple beam deliveries without interruption for repeated data transfers, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the treatment session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If multiple separate data files are transferred for each static field, then data accuracy for each field is maintained, but transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate data files into one composite data file while preserving the accuracy of individual field specifications. The composite file contains structured sequential instructions that maintain the dosimetric parameters and delivery specifications of each original static field, ensuring data accuracy is not compromised by the merging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the composite data file into sequential beam delivery instructions, where each segment corresponds to a specific static field configuration. This segmentation allows the system to process and validate individual field parameters within the unified file structure, maintaining data accuracy through organized, sequential data representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4321208A1Composite field sequencing (CFS) for proton beam therapy
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 ELEKTA AB
  • EP4321208A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321208A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4321208A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System and techniques may be adapted for use in composite field sequencing for proton therapy. A technique may include generating a proton therapy plan in a treatment planning system, the proton therapy plan including a plurality of static fields. The technique may include creating a single data file of a single dynamic field representing the plurality of static fields. The single data file may be sent to a proton therapy system for delivery of the single dynamic field. The technique may include receiving a response information related to a dose delivered to a patient by the single dynamic field.