Energy Modulator Device for Particle Beam Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle beam therapy methods are time-consuming and inefficient in modulating the in vivo beam range, which limits the ability to fully exploit the advantages of particle beam therapy, such as proton radiation therapy, due to the need to modify particle sources or magnetic fields in the beamline.
Innovation Solution
An external energy modulating device (EMD) is used between the particle source and the subject to modulate the particle beam energy without changing the source energy or magnetic fields, allowing for quicker energy modulation and precise placement of the Bragg Peak within the target volume, reducing exposure to healthy tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If particle source energy or magnetic fields in the beamline are modified to modulate beam range, then the in vivo beam range can be adjusted, but the treatment time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
An external energy modulating device (EMD) is introduced as an intermediary component between the particle source and the patient. The EMD modulates the particle beam energy externally without requiring changes to the particle source or beamline magnetic fields, thereby achieving rapid beam range adjustment and reducing treatment time while maintaining the ability to deliver conformal dose distribution to the target volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If particle beam energy is modulated using traditional methods, then the Bragg Peak can be positioned at different depths, but the complexity of the system increases due to modifications in particle source or magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The energy modulation function is extracted from the particle source and beamline magnetic field systems and placed into a separate, dedicated external energy modulating device (EMD). This extraction simplifies the overall system architecture by isolating the modulation function into a standalone component that can be adjusted independently without affecting the complexity of the particle source or beamline configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If the particle beam outlet rotates with the gantry around the subject, then multiple target volumes can be treated, but the energy modulation must be repeated for each angle, increasing treatment time
Solution Approach 1:
The external energy modulating device (EMD) is configured to maintain appropriate energy modulation settings across gantry rotations. By establishing the modulation configuration in advance and maintaining it during rotation, the system enables efficient treatment of multiple target volumes at different gantry angles without requiring repeated energy modulation adjustments, thereby improving treatment efficiency while maintaining multi-target capability
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 reduces treatment time, decreases the integral dose to the patient, and maintains the integrity of healthy tissues surrounding the target region by enabling rapid and precise energy modulation of the particle beam, thereby improving the delivery of particle beam therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The energy modulation occurs, instead, with an external energy modulating device (EMD) disposed between the particle source output and the subject to deliver a dose to the target volume... such that a Bragg Peak is delivered to at least one target volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method for beam therapy is provided. The method includes receiving first data indicating a plurality of target volumes within a target region inside a subject for particle beam therapy relative to a particle beam outlet on a gantry for directing a particle beam from a particle beam source. The method further includes moving automatically, one or more energy modulator components to reduce an energy of the particle beam and deliver the particle beam to the target region such that a Bragg Peak is delivered to at least one target volume of the plurality of target volumes. The method further includes repeating the moving automatically as the particle beam source rotates with the gantry around the subject, without changing the energy of the particle beam at the particle beam outlet, until every target volume is subjected to a Bragg Peak.