Integrated Radiation Therapy System for Rapid Treatment Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In palliative and emergency cases, conventional external beam radiation therapy is time-consuming due to the need for separate equipment for imaging, planning, and treatment, making it challenging to implement advanced techniques like IMRT and IGRT, which require significant resources and time.
Innovation Solution
A radiation therapy treatment system that integrates image acquisition, contour definition, treatment planning, and radiation delivery into a single apparatus, allowing for rapid generation and execution of conformal or IMRT plans using image data obtained during the first treatment, reducing computation time and resource requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate equipment is used for imaging, planning, and treatment, then measurement precision and treatment planning accuracy are improved, but treatment time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging equipment (CT scanner) and radiation treatment equipment (linear accelerator) into a single integrated system. The CT scanner and linear accelerator share common structural components including the gantry, patient table, and control systems, allowing seamless transition between imaging and treatment modes without requiring separate equipment setups or patient repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions using the same physical apparatus. The CT scanner can acquire images for both treatment planning and real-time verification, while the linear accelerator delivers both diagnostic imaging radiation and therapeutic radiation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each function.
2Manufacturing precision
If IMRT and IGRT are implemented, then manufacturing precision and dose delivery accuracy are improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) and IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy) capabilities into a single unified platform. The same CT scanner provides images for both treatment planning and verification, while the linear accelerator delivers both IMRT treatment beams and IGRT verification images, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs imaging and treatment planning actions in advance during the initial treatment session. Daily images are acquired and used to verify patient positioning before each treatment delivery, allowing for proactive adjustment of treatment parameters and reducing the need for complex real-time modifications during treatment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple equipment setups are used for imaging and treatment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and patient throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges imaging and treatment functions into a single operational workflow. The patient remains on the same table, in the same position, throughout the entire process from image acquisition to radiation delivery. This eliminates the need for complex patient repositioning and equipment reconfiguration between imaging and treatment phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous patient positioning and anatomical reference throughout the treatment process. Images acquired during treatment can be directly compared with planning images without requiring patient repositioning or recalibration, ensuring continuous and accurate target localization from planning through delivery.
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 faster and more cost-effective radiation therapy delivery with lower side effects by simplifying the process, allowing for efficient use of IMRT and IGRT benefits in urgent cases, reducing treatment time to approximately 20 minutes and minimizing the need for multiple equipment setups.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a radiation beam to the target region
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation therapy treatment system and method of treating a patient with radiation. The system integrates positioning of the patient, treatment planning, and delivery of the plan. As a result of the integration of imaging capabilities into the treatment apparatus, and efficient processes for contouring and planning, a patient can be treated in approximately 20 minutes or less. The method includes acquiring image data from the patient, defining a target region with one or more predefined shapes, generating a treatment plan based on the defined target region, and delivering radiation to the target region.