Integrated CT Treatment Couch for Faster Helical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation-based treatment systems utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology are limited by slow scan rates, degraded image quality, susceptibility to x-ray scatter, and patient movement artifacts, and require separate CT scanning systems that increase treatment time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated CT treatment couch system that incorporates a CT scanner device with a CT gantry aligned with the treatment couch, allowing for axial or helical CT scans during treatment, enabling faster, higher quality imaging and eliminating the need for separate CBCT scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CBCT technology is used for imaging during radiation treatment, then the system can provide imaging guidance, but the scan rate is slow and image quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a CT scanner with a radiation treatment couch to create an integrated system. The CT scanner includes a gantry with an X-ray source and detector array that can acquire images during treatment, while the treatment couch can move the patient through the gantry bore. This merging of imaging and treatment functions allows for faster scan rates and higher image quality compared to separate CBCT systems.
2Measurement precision
If a separate CT scanning system is used alongside the treatment system, then comprehensive imaging can be achieved, but treatment time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the CT scanner directly with the treatment couch, allowing imaging and treatment to occur in the same position without patient repositioning. The treatment couch can translate through the gantry bore during scanning, enabling volumetric imaging during the treatment setup phase. This eliminates the need for separate transport to a standalone CT scanner, reducing treatment time and workflow complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment couch is modified to accommodate CT scanning, then integrated imaging and treatment is achieved, but the existing linac system requires modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic treatment couch that can translate along the gantry bore axis during CT scanning. The couch is equipped with a motorized drive mechanism that allows it to move in and out of the gantry opening, enabling the patient to be positioned within the scanning field of view. This dynamic capability allows the same couch to serve both treatment and imaging functions without requiring separate fixed installations.
4Productivity
If the CT gantry is positioned to align with the treatment couch, then on-line CT scans can be obtained, but the system requires precise alignment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the position of the treatment couch and adjust the scanning parameters accordingly. The system can detect the couch's translational position and automatically adjust the X-ray source and detector positioning to maintain optimal alignment. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent image quality and reduces the need for manual alignment adjustments.
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 system provides higher quality CT scans at faster speeds, reduces treatment time, conserves costs, and increases patient throughput by integrating CT scanning capabilities directly into the treatment couch, allowing for non-coplanar treatments without modifying existing linac systems.
Implementation Method 1
A computed tomography (CT) scan involves the use of X-rays to generate cross-sectional or volumetric images of a patient's body
Implementation Method 2
A computed tomography (CT) scan involves the use of X-rays to generate cross-sectional or volumetric images of a patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated computed tomography (CT) treatment couch system may include a base platform configured to couple to a rotatable floor component associated with a medical accelerator, a pedestal component mounted to the base platform, a treatment couchtop disposed on the pedestal component, and a CT scanner device. The CT scanner device may include a support structure and a CT gantry. The support structure may be mounted to the base platform or to the pedestal component. The CT gantry may have a bore and may be oriented such that the bore is in line with the treatment couchtop. The CT gantry may be configured to generate on-line helical CT scans to guide radiotherapy provided by the medical accelerator.