Scanning Aperture Ion Beam Modulator for Parallel Proton Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proton therapy systems face limitations in treatment speed and precision due to the complexity of techniques, which often require custom compensators and result in uneven dose placement and reduced conformity of radiation to the tumor, especially with strong asymmetry of the Bragg peak of protons.
Innovation Solution
A beam modulator that converts an area beam into multiple independent pencil beams, allowing simultaneous control of intensity and energy of each beam, reducing the need for custom compensators and enabling faster treatment by using shutter pairs to control the ion beam's intensity and energy independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a scanning pencil beam approach is used to treat the tumor, then manufacturing precision of dose placement is improved, but productivity is worsened due to successive exposures required to treat the entire tumor volume
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the tumor volume into multiple slices along the beam axis, with each shutter pair treating one slice. Multiple shutter pairs operate simultaneously to treat multiple slices in parallel, converting the sequential pencil beam approach into a parallel area beam approach that maintains precision while dramatically increasing treatment speed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the longitudinal dimension to the treatment by using multiple shutter pairs at different positions along the beam axis. Each shutter pair controls a specific slice, enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple slices in the longitudinal direction, thus transforming the treatment from a one-dimensional sequential process to a three-dimensional parallel process
2Productivity
If the proton beam is expanded to treat the entire tumor at once, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to reduced conformity and uneven dose placement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the expanded area beam into multiple independent pencil beams, with each shutter pair controlling a specific slice. This segmentation allows each slice to be treated with precise dose control while maintaining high productivity through parallel treatment of multiple slices simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality control by allowing each shutter pair to independently adjust the energy and intensity of its corresponding pencil beam slice. This enables precise tailoring of the Bragg peak depth and dose distribution for each local slice, ensuring optimal dose conformity throughout the entire tumor volume
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple angles are used to improve tumor conformity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to the need for complex modulation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal modulation system where the same shutter pair mechanism can treat multiple slices at any gantry angle. The system is angle-independent, meaning the same hardware configuration can treat tumors from any angular position, eliminating the need for angle-specific modulation systems and reducing overall device complexity
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 approach significantly increases treatment speed, allows for precise control of radiation dose distribution, and reduces the risk of uneven dose placement, enabling more efficient and accurate tumor irradiation with the ability to treat at multiple angles.
Implementation Method 1
An area beam of ions is directed along an axis and having a longitudinal and latitudinal extent in cross-section. The area beam is controllably occluded with a set of longitudinally opposed latitudinally adjacent shutter pairs
Implementation Method 2
The dose deposited by a proton beam is not uniform along the entrance path of the beam, but rises substantially to a 'Bragg peak' near a point where the proton beam stops within the tissue. The shutters may control either or both the intensity and energy of the ion beams
Data Source
AI summary
A modulator for ions such as protons employs multiple shutter pairs to create independently movable apertures effecting a multiple pencil beam treatment of the patient thereby increasing treatment speed by eliminating the need for a custom compensator.