Mid-Voltage Radiotherapy System with Reduced Skin Dose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in achieving precise beam edges due to excessive skin dose delivery and tissue scatter, particularly with high-energy beams, which limits the treatment of small, accurate volumes and increases damage to healthy tissues.
Innovation Solution
A mid-voltage X-ray system operating between 100 kVp and 800 kVp with a small focal spot size and shallow anode angle, combined with multi-leaf collimation, is used to achieve precise beam definition and minimize scatter, allowing for the delivery of therapeutic radiation through multiple small entrance portals while limiting skin dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-energy X-ray beams (over 300 kVp) are used to reduce skin dose and improve tumor penetration, then tumor treatment efficacy is improved, but beam definition and edge precision deteriorate due to increased scatter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the X-ray beam to a mid-voltage range (100-800 kVp), optimizing it to balance penetration capability and scatter reduction. This parameter optimization allows the beam to achieve sufficient tumor penetration while maintaining better edge definition compared to high-energy beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the radiation delivery into multiple small entrance portals rather than using a single large beam. This segmentation allows precise control of the beam path through tissue, reducing overall scatter while maintaining effective tumor dosing through cumulative exposure from multiple angles
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple fixed oversized entry portals are used to reduce skin dose, then skin dose distribution is improved, but tumor localization accuracy deteriorates due to crude imaging and lack of precise 3D tumor edge knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where 3D imaging data is used to precisely define tumor boundaries and guide the positioning of multiple small entrance portals. The system uses imaging feedback to accurately locate the tumor in three dimensions, enabling precise beam targeting that eliminates the need for oversized portals while maintaining optimal skin dose distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D X-ray imaging to 3D tumor localization, adding a dimensional aspect that enables precise spatial understanding of tumor boundaries. This 3D information allows accurate positioning of multiple small entrance portals, resolving the contradiction between skin dose management and tumor localization precision
3Manufacturing precision
If small focal spot size and shallow anode angle are used to improve beam definition, then beam edge precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the X-ray tube parameters by selecting a small focal spot size and shallow anode angle configuration. These parameter changes inherently improve beam definition and edge precision without requiring additional complex components, as the optimized tube design itself provides the desired beam characteristics
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 enables precise, accurate radiation therapy with reduced scatter and skin dose, allowing for the treatment of small lesions near critical anatomy with improved clinical outcomes and reduced collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
The mid-voltage X-ray system operating between 100 kVp and 800 kVp with a small focal spot size and shallow anode angle, combined with multi-leaf collimation, is used to achieve precise beam definition and minimize scatter
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy system comprising an X-ray tube operating at 100 to 800 kVp for providing X-ray beams of 50 mm diameter or less (and preferably approximately 30 mm or less) and configured to move the entrance beam footprint on the body during irradiation to any arbitrary sequential position set that has been predetermined to limit the intervening tissue dose rate at any one location to a safe level, such that the sum of the skin area traversed during treatment is 20 to 100 times the beam area.