Implanted Fiber Optic Shape Sensor for Real-Time Radiation Dose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation treatment therapies face challenges in accurately tracking the position and shape of target and risk regions within the patient's body during delivery, leading to potential damage to healthy tissues and inefficiencies in radiation dosage delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a radiation dosimeter with Fiber Optic Shape Sensing and Localization (FOSSL) technology to monitor the orientation and radiation dose applied to both target and risk regions in real-time, allowing for dynamic adjustments to the radiation delivery plan during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external trackers are used to monitor target and risk regions during radiation delivery, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of internal organ position and shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical trackers with internal electromagnetic resonance-based tracking devices implanted within or near target and risk regions. These devices use electromagnetic fields to track position and shape changes of internal organs during radiation delivery, providing direct and precise measurement without complex external tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces small tracking devices as intermediaries that are implanted within or near the target and risk regions. These devices serve as mediators between the radiation delivery system and the internal organs, enabling precise tracking of organ position and shape changes from within the body rather than from external sources.
2Productivity
If radiation treatment planning is performed using diagnostic CT scan data, then the treatment planning efficiency is improved, but the reliability of dose delivery deteriorates due to position changes between scanning and treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously tracking the position and shape of target and risk regions during radiation delivery using implanted tracking devices. The radiation delivery system receives this tracking data and adjusts beam positioning and dosage in real-time to compensate for organ movement, ensuring accurate dose delivery despite changes in organ position between scanning and treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static treatment planning based on pre-scan data to dynamic treatment delivery where the radiation system continuously adapts to real-time changes in organ position and shape. The system dynamically adjusts beam parameters during delivery based on live tracking data, maintaining reliability despite physiological movements.
3Speed
If the radiation beam is delivered based on pre-treatment planning, then the treatment delivery speed is improved, but the manufacturing precision of dose distribution deteriorates due to unmonitored position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback from implanted tracking devices during radiation delivery. The system continuously monitors position and shape changes of target and risk regions and provides feedback signals to adjust the radiation beam parameters dynamically, maintaining precise dose distribution while continuing delivery without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary implantation of tracking devices during the diagnostic CT scan phase, establishing the tracking infrastructure before treatment begins. This preliminary action enables continuous monitoring throughout treatment delivery without interrupting the radiation beam, maintaining both speed and precision.
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 enhances patient safety by effectively preserving risk regions and ensuring target regions receive the prescribed radiation dose, enabling real-time modifications to the radiation beam and improving the overall efficacy of radiation treatment therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation fiber core configured to measure a dose of radiation received by the optical sensor device
Implementation Method 2
an orientation fiber core configured to measure an orientation of the optical sensor device relative to a point of reference
Data Source
AI summary
A system for planning radiation treatment therapy is provided. An optical sensor device is implanted within or in close proximity to a risk region within the patient during a radiation delivery. The sensor device optically monitors the orientation of the risk region, and the radiation dosage received by the risk region, during the radiation delivery. That information may be used as appropriate to modify an on-going radiation delivery plan in real time while the plan is being implemented.