Cylindrical Shell Shutter System for Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative radiation therapy methods are limited by the inability to precisely target small cancerous lesions within the body, especially those near sensitive organs, due to the inability to visualize small lesions with high precision, track organ motion in real-time, and restrict radiation doses effectively, leading to collateral damage to healthy tissues.
Innovation Solution
A robotic intraoperative radiation therapy device with a miniature capsule containing a radioactive source and a cylindrical shell shutter system that allows precise control of radiation exposure, integrated with a surgical robot for real-time visualization and targeting of tumors, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues by using a series of concentric cylindrical shells to occlude and expose the radiation source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sliding shutter is used to obstruct radiation, then the device structure is simple, but air gaps are created which decrease shielding effectiveness and consume space
Solution Approach 1:
The single sliding shutter is divided into multiple cylindrical shell shutters (first, second, third shutters) arranged concentrically. Each shutter can be independently positioned to align or offset their apertures, creating multiple layers of radiation shielding that reduce air gaps and improve overall shielding effectiveness without requiring a single complex moving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical shell shutters are nested concentrically within each other, with the first shutter containing the second shutter, and the second shutter containing the third shutter. This nested arrangement allows multiple shutters to occupy minimal space while providing cumulative radiation shielding, eliminating the need for large space-consuming single-shutter mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If conventional radiation therapy methods are used, then treatment coverage is broad, but precision in targeting small lesions is insufficient leading to collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system provides localized radiation control by allowing selective alignment of apertures in different cylindrical shells. Radiation can be precisely directed at specific angular sectors and depths, delivering high-dose treatment only to the targeted lesion while leaving surrounding healthy tissues shielded, thereby eliminating collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds angular and radial control dimensions to radiation delivery through the concentric cylindrical shutter arrangement. By rotating and positioning multiple shutters at different angles and radii, the system creates precise three-dimensional radiation fields that conform to the lesion geometry, achieving high targeting precision while sparing adjacent healthy tissues.
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 localized delivery of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, allowing for effective treatment of previously inoperable cancers and reducing the need for open surgery, with improved safety for both patients and medical personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a first means for minimizing radiation leakage through the shutters when closed is provided. The cylindrical shells, when misaligned, work together to block radiation paths through the shutter apertures.
Implementation Method 2
A robotic intraoperative radiation therapy device with a miniature capsule containing a radioactive source and a cylindrical shell shutter system that allows precise control of radiation exposure
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention proposes a capsule to administer radiation to a patient to be mounted on an arm, preferably a robotic arm such as on and in coordination with a Da Vinci® Surgical Robot, in order to control radiation exposure using a cylindrical shell shutter system designed to minimize leakage from a centrally located radiation source, while permitting full exposure of irradiated subject material or space when the cylindrical shell shutter system is opened. Using a series of concentric cylindrical shells which each contain an offset conically-shaped aperture from that of an adjacent cylindrical shell, when the cylindrical shells rotate into an "open" position, the apertures form a smooth cone to an outer emission aperture and expose the radiation source to adjacent tissue. When rotated to be "closed" or "off, the offset apertures and shells occlude the source, preventing full- strength radiation exposure and minimizing radiation leakage.