Continuous Scanning Particle Beam Raster Pattern for Proton Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy techniques, such as proton therapy, face inefficiencies and errors due to the need for multiple ion beam compensators and undesired dose shapes at the proximal edge of targeted tumors, particularly when using broad beams and rotating gantries, which complicate the treatment planning and delivery process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a spiral or raster pattern for delivering particle beamlets during proton therapy, where the gantry rotates continuously while applying beamlets in a spiral or raster pattern, allowing for precise control of beamlet size and angle, minimizing errors and reducing the number of compensators needed, and optimizing dose distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple ion beam compensators are used for broad beam proton therapy, then the treatment can be delivered, but the device complexity and time required for treatment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compensator component entirely from the system. Instead of using multiple compensators to modulate the proton beam, the invention uses a scanning mechanism to deliver the beam in a raster pattern, eliminating the need for these complex components while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compensator system with a magnetic scanning system. Instead of using physical compensators to control beam intensity, the invention uses magnetic fields to scan the proton beam across the target area in a raster pattern, achieving beam modulation through motion rather than mechanical components
2Area of stationary object
If broad beams are used for proton therapy, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the dose distribution precision and target accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the broad beam into many smaller beamlets arranged in a raster pattern. Instead of using a single broad beam, the system scans multiple narrow beamlets across the target area, segmenting the total dose delivery into precise, controllable units that can be individually positioned and dosed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static broad beam to a dynamic scanning beam. The proton beam is continuously scanned across the target area in a raster pattern, allowing real-time control of beam position and intensity. This dynamic approach enables precise dose delivery to specific locations while maintaining overall beam coverage
3Ease of operation
If rotating gantry with broad beam is used, then the treatment delivery is simplified, but the treatment time and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning of the proton beam across the target area in a raster pattern. Instead of discrete beam deliveries, the system continuously scans the beam through the entire treatment field, eliminating idle time between beam deliveries and maximizing the useful action time of the proton source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic scanning of the proton beam during gantry rotation. The beam is continuously deflected across the target area in a raster pattern while the gantry rotates, creating a dynamic delivery system that simplifies operation by automating beam positioning while reducing treatment time through continuous delivery
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 approach decreases the time required for radiation therapy treatment, minimizes errors, and improves target accuracy by allowing for fewer changes in beamlet size and more precise dose delivery, reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues and optimizing the radiation dose distribution.
Implementation Method 1
steering the end point of a beamlet using a plurality of scanning magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques may be used for determining a line segment to be delivered from a particle beam towards a target. An example technique may include continuously scanning the particle beam at a constant rate from a starting point to an ending point, and determining a plurality of spots located between the starting point and the ending point. The technique may include determining a plurality of beamlets based on the plurality of spots, and determining, using an amount of dose to be delivered via each beamlet, a total amount of dose to be delivered. The technique may include generating a line segment having the starting point and the ending point, the line segment having the total amount of dose to be delivered based on the plurality of beamlets.