Linear Accelerator in MRI Bore for Interference-Free Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in tracking the motion of subjects during treatment sessions, leading to difficulties in delivering precise radiation doses due to the complexity of integrating MRI and radiation therapy apparatuses in a compact space without causing interference.
Innovation Solution
A radiation therapy system is designed with an MRI apparatus and a radiation therapy apparatus, where the linear accelerator is positioned within the bore of the MRI's magnetic body, allowing for a compact and interference-minimized setup. This configuration enables the MRI to acquire real-time images for guiding radiation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If MRI apparatus and radiation therapy apparatus are integrated in a compact space, then device complexity is reduced, but interference between magnetic components and radiation components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated system into distinct functional zones: the MRI apparatus occupies a first space with magnetic components, while the radiation therapy apparatus occupies a second space with radiation components. This spatial segmentation allows both systems to coexist in a compact configuration while minimizing interference between their respective magnetic and radiation fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shielding structures and isolation components as intermediaries between the MRI and radiation therapy apparatuses. These intermediaries act as barriers that block or attenuate harmful magnetic field interactions and radiation field conflicts, enabling the compact integration of the two systems without significant interference.
2Device complexity
If MRI apparatus and radiation therapy apparatus are integrated in a compact space, then device complexity is reduced, but therapeutic quality and precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into separate functional spaces for MRI and radiation therapy, the patent preserves the precision and quality of both therapeutic functions. The segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal environment while maintaining overall system compactness, thus avoiding the degradation of therapeutic quality that would result from tight integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding and isolation components serve as intermediaries that protect the therapeutic processes from interference. These intermediaries ensure that the MRI imaging precision and radiation therapy delivery accuracy are maintained at high levels, even within a compact integrated structure, by blocking disruptive magnetic and radiation fields.
3Device complexity
If linear accelerator is positioned within the bore of MRI magnetic body, then structure compactness is improved, but magnetic field interference with linear accelerator operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal space of the MRI bore to position the linear accelerator in a designated radiation therapy zone separate from the main magnetic field generation area. This spatial segmentation allows the linear accelerator to operate within the compact bore structure while minimizing direct exposure to strong magnetic field interference that would affect its operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic shielding components and field isolation structures as intermediaries between the MRI magnetic field generation system and the linear accelerator. These intermediaries attenuate and block magnetic field interference, allowing the linear accelerator to maintain stable operation within the compact integrated structure.
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
The system achieves high therapeutic quality by allowing for precise tracking of subject motion and accurate delivery of radiation doses, while maintaining a compact and interference-free structure.
Implementation Method 1
a linear accelerator configured to accelerate electrons to produce the radiation beam
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus configured to acquire MRI data with respect to a region of interest (ROI) of a subject
Implementation Method 3
at least one deflection magnet configured to deflect the electrons towards a target, the radiation beam being produced when the electrons collide onto the target
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a radiation therapy system. The radiation therapy system may comprise a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus configured to acquire MRI data with respect to a region of interest (ROI) of a subject, the MRI apparatus including a magnetic body; and a radiation therapy apparatus configured to apply a radiation beam to at least one portion of the ROI. The radiation therapy apparatus may include a linear accelerator configured to accelerate electrons to produce the radiation beam, the linear accelerator being located in a bore formed by an inner surface of the magnetic body, and a length direction of the linear accelerator being parallel with an axis of the magnetic body.