Gantry-Mounted X-Ray Imaging System for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately delivering treatment beams due to limitations in imaging and positioning accuracy, particularly in image-guided radiation therapy, where existing systems require separate imaging and treatment positions, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A radiation system with a gantry-mounted treatment head, detector, and multiple imaging sources, including CT and DR sources, that share a detector, allowing for simultaneous imaging and treatment beam delivery in the same plane, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans based on pre-treatment and treatment images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate imaging and treatment positions are used, then imaging can be performed, but treatment accuracy and efficiency deteriorate due to positioning errors and setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging sources (CT and DR) and the detector onto a single gantry structure, integrating imaging and treatment functions into one unified system. This allows simultaneous or sequential imaging and treatment delivery from the same positional reference frame, eliminating positioning errors between separate imaging and treatment setups.
2Device complexity
If separate imaging and treatment positions are used, then imaging equipment can be simplified, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated positioning and setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: delivering treatment beams, acquiring pre-treatment images, and performing in-treatment imaging. The detector can detect both treatment beams and imaging beams from different sources, allowing the system to switch between functions without repositioning, thereby eliminating setup time and improving treatment efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple imaging sources are mounted on the gantry, then treatment accuracy improves through in-treatment imaging, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into distinct functional modules: CT imaging sources for pre-treatment and in-treatment imaging, DR imaging sources for additional angular views, and a shared detector system. Each module can be independently controlled and activated based on treatment requirements, allowing complex imaging capabilities to be managed through modular operation rather than monolithic complexity.
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 configuration enhances treatment accuracy and efficiency by allowing in-treatment imaging, reducing setup time, and improving the precision of radiation dose delivery, while minimizing errors associated with separate imaging and treatment positions.
Implementation Method 1
a computed tomography (CT) imaging source configured to emit a pre-treatment imaging beam and a treatment imaging beam
Implementation Method 2
at least two digital radiography (DR) imaging sources configured to emit at least two imaging beams
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the pre-treatment imaging beam, the treatment imaging beam, and the at least two imaging beams emitted by the at least two DR imaging sources
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure may provide a radiation system. The radiation system may include a treatment head, a detector, a plurality of imaging sources, and a gantry. The treatment head, the detector, and the plurality of imaging sources may be mounted on the gantry. The treatment head may be configured to deliver a treatment beam toward an object. The plurality of imaging sources may be configured to deliver a plurality of imaging beams toward the object. At least two of the plurality of imaging sources may share the detector. The detector may be configured to detect at least two of the plurality of imaging beams. The detected at least two imaging beams may be emitted by different imaging sources of the at least two imaging sources.