Diaphragm Compression System for Radiotherapy Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy techniques face challenges in immobilizing the diaphragmatic and abdominal areas during treatment, leading to inaccuracies due to patient movement, particularly respiratory movements, which result in increased radiation exposure to healthy tissues and reduced tumor control.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragmatic and abdominal compression system with multiple pressure points and a variable aim angle is designed to reduce thoracic and abdominal organ movement, featuring a support structure with rear, side, and front protuberances to compress renal, diaphragmatic, and thoracic areas, along with a flexible mold and adjustable upper arch for improved patient comfort and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a single point of pressure is applied to reduce lung movement, then thoracic movement is reduced, but patient tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system divides the single point of pressure into multiple pressure points distributed across the abdominal and thoracic regions. The device includes anterior, lateral, and posterior compression elements that apply force at separate locations, transforming the concentrated single-point compression into distributed multi-point compression to reduce local pressure intensity while maintaining overall stabilization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional single-point compression to three-dimensional multi-point compression by adding spatial distribution of pressure points across different anatomical planes. The compression apparatus engages the patient's body at multiple locations (front, sides, back) creating a volumetric compression field that improves both stability and comfort.
2Measurement precision
If complete thoracic immobilization is applied, then positioning precision is improved, but patient tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system applies different compression characteristics to different anatomical regions. The abdominal compression elements provide strong stabilization for tumor positioning, while the thoracic compression elements provide gentler stabilization for organ movement control. This localized differentiation of compression intensity allows precise positioning without excessive immobilization of sensitive thoracic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than applying uniform complete thoracic immobilization, the system uses partial compression focused on critical areas (abdomen for tumor positioning, selective thoracic regions for organ stability). This partial action approach achieves sufficient positioning precision while avoiding excessive compression that would reduce patient tolerance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure points are applied to improve immobilization, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system uses a modular design where multiple compression elements can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on treatment requirements. The same basic compression mechanism is replicated across different anatomical locations, allowing the system to provide multi-point compression when needed while maintaining simplicity when fewer pressure points are sufficient. This multi-functional capability resolves the complexity-precision tradeoff.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for compressing the diaphragm and abdominal area of a patient to prevent movements that could produce a lack of precision in the area being treated during treatments such as radiotherapy. The invention comprises a support structure (2) from which protrude two rear projections (4a, 4b) intended to be applied against the renal areas of the patient and two lateral projections (5a, 5b) intended to be applied on or below the last floating ribs of the patient.