Imaging-Guided X-Ray Delivery Using Converging Beam Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately targeting tumors due to tumor movement and size changes during treatment, requiring costly and time-consuming imaging procedures, and existing imaging methods often result in poor contrast and increased exposure to healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
The system uses an X-ray imaging beam to image the target and control the delivery of treatment radiation based on obtained imaging information, employing lenses and shutters to direct and filter X-ray radiation, allowing for precise targeting while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate imaging procedures are used to determine tumor location and size, then imaging information can be obtained, but the complexity, cost, and time of treatment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging and treatment functions into a single integrated system. The same X-ray source is used for both imaging (to capture tumor location and size) and treatment (radiation delivery), eliminating the need for separate imaging procedures and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray source performs multiple functions: it generates imaging radiation to capture tumor characteristics and delivers treatment radiation for radiation therapy. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall treatment workflow
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used, then tumor imaging can be performed, but exposure to healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different radiation properties to different spatial regions: imaging radiation with lower energy and higher intensity is directed at the tumor region for detailed imaging, while treatment radiation with higher energy is delivered to the tumor from multiple angles, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time imaging feedback to adjust treatment radiation delivery. Imaging captures tumor location and size, and this information immediately controls the treatment radiation parameters, ensuring precise targeting and minimizing healthy tissue exposure
3Productivity
If tumor movement and size changes are not accounted for, then treatment delivery is simplified, but targeting accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous imaging during treatment delivery to track tumor movement and size changes in real-time. This continuous monitoring ensures that the treatment radiation remains accurately targeted despite tumor motion, maintaining both precision and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time imaging provides feedback on tumor position and size during treatment, and this information immediately adjusts treatment radiation parameters. This closed-loop control maintains targeting accuracy while accounting for tumor movement without significantly impacting treatment efficiency
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 enables accurate determination of tumor location and size during and after radiation therapy, reducing the complexity, cost, and time of imaging procedures, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue by using imaging-guided delivery of X-ray radiation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lenses configured to receive a first portion of X-ray radiation from an X-ray source and to direct treatment radiation to converge onto a target
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect at least a portion of the imaging radiation after the imaging radiation has interacted with the target to provide imaging information of the target
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray system comprises: a source of an X-ray diverging beam having a central imaging portion and a peripheral treatment-portion; a lens transforming the peripheral treatment portion of the X-ray beam into a converging beam directed to a target; a shutter located between the X-ray source and the target in the central imaging portion of the X-ray radiation; and a detector of imaging radiation after interaction with the target and to provide imaging information of the target.