Non-invasive Head Cap Measurement Tool for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for radiation therapy, such as LINAC and Leksell Gamma Knife systems, face challenges in achieving precise and repeatable patient head positioning, especially during fractionated therapy, where invasive methods are not suitable and accurate alignment with reference positions is crucial to minimize damage to healthy tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rigid head cap with through holes and a measurement tool that automatically measures distances between the head and the cap using an elongated element, minimizing operator interaction and facilitating accurate, efficient, and repeatable measurements, allowing for precise alignment and stable measurement conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive stereotactic frames with fixation pins are used, then measurement precision and head fixation stability are improved, but patient trauma and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the invasive fixation pins and stereotactic frame from the system, replacing them with a non-invasive head cap that fits over the patient's head. This removes the harmful invasive element while retaining the measurement and fixation functions through external reference markers and a head cap designed to stabilize the head without penetrating the skull.
Solution Approach 2:
The head cap is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable non-invasive component that can be applied and removed without surgical intervention. This replaces the permanent or long-term invasive stereotactic frame with a temporary external device that achieves the same measurement objectives without the harmful side effects of skull penetration.
2Device complexity
If manual measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement time and operator dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement tool is designed to perform measurements automatically without requiring complex manual procedures. The tool interacts with the head cap and reference markers to self-determine head position coordinates, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the actual measurement process and reducing measurement time while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex manual mechanical measurement procedures with a simplified automated measurement tool that uses electronic or optical detection mechanisms. This substitution reduces the time required for measurements and eliminates operator dependency while keeping the overall device complexity low through the use of straightforward mechanical and electronic components.
3Manufacturing precision
If fractionated therapy is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but the number of positioning sessions and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The head cap with reference markers is applied and positioned on the patient's head before each radiation session, establishing the reference frame in advance. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the head is correctly oriented and fixed prior to treatment, enabling precise radiation delivery while streamlining the overall positioning process to minimize time loss during multiple therapy sessions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy. In particular, the relates to a system for measuring the position of a head of a patient during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery, in particular during radiation therapy relatively a frame adapted to be fixated to a radiation therapy unit. The invention also relates to a head cap and a measurement tool for use in such a system, and to a method measuring the position of a head of a patient by means of a system mentioned above during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery, in particular during radiation therapy relatively a frame adapted to be fixated to a radiation therapy unit. The measurement tool is adapted to measure a distance between the head and the head cap via a through hole by means of an elongated element having an end being adapted to abut against the head during a measurement, wherein the measurement tool is adapted to obtain at least one measurement value indicating a position of the head in relation to the head cap substantially without operator interaction