Movable Radiation Detector for Real-Time Beam Path Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately targeting moving organs and minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding tissues, as they lack precise real-time monitoring and control of radiation beam path and intensity during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus combining a magnetic resonance imaging system with a radiation therapy device, using a gantry and radiation detectors to acquire planning magnetic resonance data, generate radiation therapy control commands, and measure radiation detection data to determine time-dependent radiation beam path and intensity, enabling precise control and accurate irradiation of the target zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed radiation detector is positioned outside the magnetic coils on the gantry, then the detector can measure radiation for QA and in-vivo dosimetry, but the detector cannot track moving target volumes or provide real-time beam path monitoring during arc radiotherapy
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation detector is made movable by integrating it with the rotating gantry structure, allowing the detector to dynamically reposition itself during arc radiotherapy treatment. This enables the detector to track moving target volumes and provide continuous real-time monitoring of the radiation beam path and intensity as the gantry rotates around the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation detector is merged with the magnetic resonance imaging system and the gantry structure, creating an integrated multi-functional system. This combination allows simultaneous acquisition of MR images for soft tissue visualization and radiation detection for beam monitoring, enabling comprehensive real-time tracking of moving targets and beam path verification.
2Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated for comprehensive target visualization, then soft tissue and bone structures can be simultaneously visualized, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single integrated system performs multiple imaging tasks. The magnetic resonance imaging system provides soft tissue visualization, while the radiation detector simultaneously provides bone structure visualization and radiation beam monitoring. This universal system eliminates the need for separate imaging devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive visualization capabilities.
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 combination allows for more accurate determination and control of the radiation dose and beam path, improving the precision and safety of radiation therapy by integrating real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a main magnet for generating a magnetic field with a main field region
Implementation Method 2
a radiation detection system covering a substantial part of the rotation of the gantry and operable for measuring radiation detection data descriptive of the path and intensity of the radiation beam
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus (100, 300, 400, 800) includes a magnetic resonance imaging system (104), a radiation therapy device (102) having a gantry (106) and a radiation source (110). A radiation detection system (102) measures radiation detection data (174) descriptive of a path and intensity of a radiation beam at an intersection of the radiation beam with at least one surface (144, 144′, 144″) surrounding the subject using at least one radiation detector (144, 144′, 144″). Execution of machine readable instructions causes a processor controlling the medical apparatus to: receive (200) a treatment plan (168), acquire (202) magnetic resonance data (164) from the imaging zone using the magnetic resonance imaging system, generate (204) radiation therapy device control commands (172) using the magnetic resonance data and the treatment plan, irradiate (206) the target zone by controlling the radiation therapy device using the radiation therapy device control commands, measure (208) the radiation detection data during irradiation, and determine a time dependent radiation beam path (176) and a time dependent radiation beam intensity (178) using the radiation detection data.