Imaging Trigger System for Radiation Therapy Gantry Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy techniques require periodic imaging of internal target regions, which increases the radiation dose to the patient and complicates the treatment process, as they often rely on external verification methods that are not optimally controlled.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for triggering an imaging process based on predefined criteria related to the state of radiation therapy devices, such as gantry positions, dose delivery, and patient positioning, allowing for controlled initiation of imaging to verify target position without unnecessary radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic imaging is performed to verify target position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation dose to patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors device state parameters (gantry position, couch position, collimator configuration, dose delivered, time) and uses this feedback to dynamically determine when imaging is necessary. The processing unit compares real-time device state against pre-defined criteria and only triggers imaging when criteria are satisfied, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes imaging frequency based on actual treatment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging trigger system transitions from static periodic imaging to dynamic event-driven imaging. The system adapts imaging timing based on real-time changes in device state, triggering images only when significant events occur (e.g., gantry position changes, dose milestones reached, time intervals elapsed). This dynamic approach ensures positioning verification occurs when clinically necessary while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If periodic imaging is performed to verify target position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but treatment process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-triggering of imaging based on pre-defined criteria. The processing unit automatically evaluates device state parameters and generates imaging triggers without requiring external verification or manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when imaging is necessary, reducing the need for complex external coordination and simplifying the overall treatment workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-defined criteria established before treatment to guide real-time imaging decisions. By pre-specifying trigger conditions (gantry position ranges, dose thresholds, time intervals), the system eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making algorithms during treatment. The preliminary setup of criteria simplifies the treatment process while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (10) for triggering an imaging process, comprising a processing unit (54) that is configured for: obtaining first information; processing the first information to determine if a first pre-defined criterion is satisfied (204, 404); and generating a signal to cause an imaging process that includes a delivery of imaging energy to begin based at least in part on a result from the act of processing (206); wherein the first information is regarding a state of a device (202, 402) or dose information, said first information comprising one or more gantry positions, or an amount of change in gantry position.