Interactive 3D Dose Distribution Shaping for IMRT Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation therapy planning systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting dose distribution volumes, leading to issues like 'hot spots' and 'cold spots' due to static dose distribution representations, which can compromise patient safety and require recalculation of dose distributions.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface is provided that allows users to interactively deform volumetric dose objectives in real-time, enabling users to modify dose distribution volumes directly through user input devices, such as mice or styluses, to adjust dose distribution plans and recalculate optimized dose distributions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If static dose distribution volumes are used in conventional radiation therapy planning, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the treatment planning precision and safety deteriorate due to hot spots and cold spots that cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static dose distribution volumes into dynamic, deformable volumes that can be adjusted in real-time during optimization. The dose distribution volume is represented as a set of control points that can be manipulated to change the volume shape and dosage distribution dynamically, allowing treatment planners to correct hot spots and cold spots without recalculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through a graphical user interface that displays the deformable dose distribution volume overlaid on target area images. Users can see the immediate effect of their deformations on dose distribution, allowing iterative adjustment to achieve optimal dosage distribution while maintaining treatment planning precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dose distribution volumes are made static for each calculated dose distribution, then the calculation process is simple and fast, but the adaptability deteriorates when dosage adjustments are needed for hot spots or cold spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the dose distribution volume in advance as a deformable structure with control points that can be quickly adjusted. By pre-establishing the volumetric representation with editable control points, the system enables rapid adaptation to dosage requirements without time-consuming recalculation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows direct manipulation of dose distribution parameters through visual deformation of the volume. By changing the spatial parameters of the dose distribution volume through user interactions with control points, the system achieves adaptive dosage adjustment without requiring recalculation of the entire dose distribution.
3Loss of information
If two-dimensional DVH curves are used to represent dose distribution, then the data presentation is simple and efficient, but the three-dimensional dose distribution information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional DVH curve representation to a three-dimensional deformable dose distribution volume visualization. This dimensional enhancement preserves complete spatial dose distribution information while maintaining intuitive graphical presentation through overlay display on target area images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the three-dimensional dose distribution as a deformable volume overlay on the target area images. This graphical representation copies the essential 3D dose distribution characteristics in a visually intuitive format that maintains spatial relationships and dosage information without requiring complex multi-panel displays.
4Ease of operation
If the size and shape of radiation application volumes are kept static, then the optimization calculation is straightforward, but the ease of operation deteriorates when users need to adjust dose distribution to eliminate hot spots or cold spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control points as intermediary elements between the user and the dose distribution volume. These control points serve as manageable interface elements that users can manipulate to deform the volume shape and adjust dosage distribution, simplifying the interaction compared to direct volume manipulation while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dose distribution volume is segmented into multiple controllable regions or control points that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows users to make localized dosage adjustments in specific areas (such as correcting hot spots or cold spots) without affecting the entire volume, enhancing operational ease through granular control.
Data Source
AI summary
New techniques are described herein for providing a user-friendly interface for adjusting dose distribution values during optimization of a radiation application plan. In an embodiment, a graphical user interface is provided that provides an image of a target area for a radiation application, and a graphical overlay of a dose distribution disposed over the target area that visually represents the optimized dose distribution according to the input dose parameters. In one or more embodiments, the dose distribution may be automatically calculated from input parameters supplied by a user through the graphical user interface prior to optimization. A user (such as a clinician, radiation oncologist, or radiation therapy operator, etc.) is able to modify the visualization of the dose distribution volume during optimization via a user input device in conjunction with the graphical user interface and have the modification adjusted in real-time.