Image-Guided Radiotherapy System for Non-Invasive Fractionated Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of stereotactic frames in radiation therapy is invasive and limited to treating lesions that can be considered as rigid bodies within the skull, restricting the treatment of lesions in wider areas like the neck and upper shoulder, and is not suitable for prolonged fractionated treatments.
Innovation Solution
A volumetric x-ray image-guidance system integrated with a multi-source irradiation unit, allowing non-invasive treatment by using alternative fixation methods and enabling precise localization of targets through imaging, which compensates for the lack of positional reproducibility and extends treatment duration and area coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereotactic frames are used for radiation therapy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the treatment becomes invasive and limited to single-day procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stereotactic frame from the treatment system, extracting the harmful invasive element while retaining the essential function of positioning accuracy through alternative image-guided methods and patient immobilization devices
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stereotactic frame is replaced with an image-guided system using x-ray imaging and computer-based positioning, substituting a mechanical reference system with a visual and computational one that allows non-invasive treatment
2Manufacturing precision
If stereotactic frames are used, then treatment precision is improved, but treatment duration is limited to single-day procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, single-day treatment approach to a dynamic multi-day protocol, where the patient can be repositioned and reimaged between sessions, allowing fractionated treatment schedules that extend over weeks
Solution Approach 2:
The image-guided system provides feedback on patient positioning and target localization for each treatment session, allowing precise adjustment and verification across multiple days without requiring the patient to return to the exact same physical frame position
3Measurement precision
If stereotactic frames are used, then localization accuracy is improved, but the treatment area is restricted to rigid skull regions
Solution Approach 1:
The image-guided system serves multiple functions: it localizes targets in the skull, neck, and shoulder regions, verifies patient positioning, and guides treatment delivery, replacing the specialized stereotactic frame with a versatile imaging-based platform
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference frame from a rigid mechanical coordinate system tied to the skull to a flexible image-based coordinate system that can adapt to different anatomical regions including the neck and shoulder, where rigid body assumptions do not hold
4Adaptability or versatility
If image-guidance system is integrated, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging system, patient positioning system, and treatment delivery system into an integrated platform, where shared components and coordinated control reduce overall system complexity despite the expanded functionality
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
Enables non-invasive, prolonged, and more accurate treatments for lesions in the brain, head, neck, and upper shoulder regions by maintaining positional accuracy and allowing for high-resolution imaging and precise target localization, overcoming the limitations of traditional stereotactic frames.
Implementation Method 1
an investigative radiation source and a detector therefor, moveable in synchrony to enable creation of a volumetric image
Data Source
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AI summary
A highly compact, high-performance volumetric imaging system is proposed, that is integrated with a multi-source Cobalt-60 gamma irradiator for high throughput, high accuracy and minimally invasive fractioned treatments of intracranial, orbital and head-and-neck targets.