Dual-axis ring gantry for non-coplanar radiotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation systems face limitations in providing non-coplanar treatment capabilities, rapid cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), simplified collision avoidance, and whole-body treatments, with C-arm systems struggling with collision avoidance and CBCT times, and ring gantry systems lacking non-coplanar treatment options.
Innovation Solution
A radiation system that employs two axes of rotation, combining the strengths of C-arm and ring gantry systems, allowing for a wide range of coplanar and non-coplanar beam angles by using a first gantry rotating about the superior-inferior axis and a second gantry rotating about a circular orbit, with paired stereo kV sources and a mega-voltage electronic portal imaging device for enhanced imaging and treatment planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a C-arm gantry is used, then non-coplanar treatment capabilities are provided, but collision avoidance becomes complicated and CBCT scan times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-axis C-arm gantry to a dual-axis ring gantry system. The first gantry rotates about a first axis (azimuthal rotation) and the second gantry rotates about a second axis (elevation rotation), adding a dimensional degree of freedom. This dual-axis configuration enables non-coplanar treatment angles while the ring geometry provides inherent collision avoidance by allowing the radiation source to access the patient from multiple angular dimensions without interfering with the treatment table or room structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a C-arm gantry is used, then non-coplanar treatment capabilities are provided, but CBCT scan times become long
Solution Approach 1:
The ring gantry system enables continuous, rapid rotation about both axes during CBCT acquisition. The dual-axis configuration allows the radiation source to continuously sweep through the required angular range without mechanical interruptions or repositioning, significantly reducing scan time compared to sequential single-axis C-arm systems that require stopping and repositioning between angular segments.
3Productivity
If a ring gantry is used, then rapid CBCT acquisitions and simplified collision avoidance are achieved, but non-coplanar treatment capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs two independently controllable gantries with rotational degrees of freedom. The first gantry provides azimuthal rotation and the second gantry provides elevation rotation, creating a dynamic positioning system that can rapidly acquire CBCT data by rotating through standard angles while simultaneously providing non-coplanar treatment capabilities by adjusting both angular dimensions. This dynamic dual-axis configuration resolves the contradiction between speed and versatility.
4Device complexity
If a single-axis gantry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment flexibility and beam angle range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry system is segmented into two independent rotational components: the first gantry providing rotation about a first axis and the second gantry providing rotation about a second axis. This segmentation allows each component to be relatively simple in structure while their combined operation produces complex, flexible beam positioning capabilities. The modular dual-gantry design achieves treatment flexibility without requiring a single overly complex mechanical structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A radiation system includes a radiation source providing therapeutic radiation, a first gantry supporting a second gantry carrying the radiation source. The first gantry is rotatable about a first axis passing through an isocenter, thereby allowing the radiation source to aim therapeutic radiation at a target volume from a plurality of locations in a first plane. The second gantry carrying the radiation source is rotatable about a second axis passing through the isocenter non-parallel with the first axis, thereby allowing the radiation source to aim therapeutic radiation at the target volume from a plurality of locations in a second plane non-coplanar with the first plane.