Dual-Detector Tissue Tracking for Radiation Therapy Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately tracking tumors using beam's-eye-view imaging, particularly when fiducial markers are outside the field-of-view defined by the multi-leaf collimator, leading to difficulties in delivering precise radiation treatment.
Innovation Solution
A radiation therapy system with a dual-detector imaging system, where a first detector acquires imaging data within the attenuated periphery of the radiation therapy beam and a second detector, with higher gain, tracks the fiducial marker outside the attenuated periphery, allowing for improved tissue tracking regardless of the marker's position relative to the beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beam's-eye-view imaging with a single detector is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot track fiducial markers outside the field-of-view
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two separate detectors: a first detector positioned to receive radiation within the attenuated periphery and a second detector positioned to receive radiation outside the attenuated periphery. Each detector is optimized for its specific region, allowing the system to track fiducial markers regardless of their position relative to the beam center, thereby resolving the contradiction between tracking versatility and system simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If a single detector with high gain is used, then tracking sensitivity is improved, but dose violations increase due to saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented between two detectors with different gain characteristics. The first detector uses a lower gain optimized for measuring radiation intensity within the beam periphery to avoid saturation and ensure accurate dose delivery. The second detector uses a higher gain optimized for detecting fiducial markers outside the beam periphery. This segmentation allows each detector to operate within its optimal dynamic range, simultaneously achieving tracking accuracy and dose delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device acts as an intermediary that receives imaging data from both detectors and processes the information to determine fiducial marker positions. It combines the low-gain intensity measurements from the first detector with the high-gain position measurements from the second detector, mediating between the conflicting requirements of dose accuracy and tracking sensitivity to produce reliable combined results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the field-of-view is expanded to include all markers, then tracking coverage is improved, but the beam's-eye-view imaging quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system segments the field-of-view into two distinct regions: an inner region within the attenuated periphery handled by the first detector optimized for beam intensity measurement, and an outer region outside the periphery handled by the second detector optimized for fiducial marker detection. This spatial segmentation allows each detector to maintain optimal imaging quality for its designated region while collectively providing expanded field coverage.
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 enables more accurate and efficient tumor tracking, reducing the need for re-planning and minimizing dose violations, while allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the radiation beam to ensure precise targeting.
Implementation Method 1
the second radiation detector includes a layer of scintillating glass
Implementation Method 2
the first radiation detector includes a gadolinium oxysulfide (GOS) detector
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of the disclosure provide a radiation therapy system. The system can include a radiation source configured to emit a radiation therapy beam, a collimator positioned to attenuate at least a periphery of the radiation therapy beam, a radiation fiducial marker configured to be coupled to a patient, and a first radiation detector and a second radiation detector configured to receive the radiation therapy beam after passing through a patient. The system also includes a computer configured to determine a position of the radiation fiducial marker using information from the first detector and the second detector.