Indexed Patient Support Panel for Reproducible SBRT Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient positioning and immobilization systems for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) lack a versatile solution that can be tailored to suit individual patient needs, LINAC systems, and treatment plans, often compromising on patient comfort and setup time.
Innovation Solution
A modular patient support system with a portable platform featuring adjustable rails and multifunctional bridges that allow for various positioning and immobilization techniques, enabling the use of standard stereotactic or frameless approaches, and facilitating transportation and imaging without repositioning the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate positioning devices are used to accommodate different treatment methods, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal patient support panel with standardized indexing points that can accommodate multiple types of positioning devices (head positioning devices, breast positioning devices, hip positioning devices, etc.) through a common mounting interface. This multi-functional platform eliminates the need for multiple separate positioning systems while maintaining compatibility with various treatment methods and patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into modular components that can be independently selected and combined. Each positioning device (headrest, breast board, hip immobilizer) is a separate module that attaches to the main support panel via the standardized indexing system, allowing flexible configuration without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate positioning devices are used for different treatment methods, then adaptability is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel is pre-configured with indexed mounting points and standardized interfaces before patient arrival. Positioning devices can be quickly attached to predetermined locations on the panel without requiring complex alignment or adjustment during setup, significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining treatment-specific customization.
3Measurement precision
If frequent re-localization with imaging is performed, then positioning precision is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces frequent mechanical re-positioning and manual imaging verification with a rigid, pre-configured positioning framework that maintains stable patient-target alignment. The indexed mounting system ensures consistent device placement, reducing the need for repeated imaging checks and allowing treatment to proceed more efficiently while maintaining precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If robotic LINAC with beam tracking is used, then adaptability to moving targets is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal support panel with standardized indexing points serves as an intermediary platform that can work with multiple treatment approaches (both robotic beam tracking and traditional fixed positioning). This intermediate layer allows clinics to implement positioning capabilities without requiring expensive robotic LINAC systems, providing flexibility at a lower complexity level.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for positioning a patient on a treatment couchtop for SBRT is provided. The system includes a patient support panel and at least one positioning/fixation component for releasable mounting on the patient support panel at a desired position to immobilize a portion of the patient's body. The patient support panel includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a series of longitudinally spaced indexing apertures for receipt of a locking bar for mounting a positioning/fixation component thereon at a discrete index position. The at least one positioning component includes a pair of clamping mechanisms for releasably securing that component to the side rails at any longitudinal position along the side rails.