Movable X-ray Imaging Apparatus for Stereotactic Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiotherapy methods face challenges in accurately localizing and verifying the position of the target volume during treatment due to uncertainties in tissue positioning, leading to the use of larger safety margins and reduced precision.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a movably mounted X-ray imaging apparatus that captures stereoscopic images from two angles, allowing for flexible and accurate localization of the target volume using a single X-ray imaging device, integrated with the radiotherapy device's gantry system, enabling rapid rotation and reduced treatment time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two separate X-ray imaging apparatuses are used to obtain stereotactic information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestereotactic localization accuracyVSAvoidnumber of imaging apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate X-ray imaging apparatuses into a single movable imaging device that can be positioned at different locations. The imaging apparatus is mounted on the gantry and can be moved to different positions to capture images from multiple angles, eliminating the need for separate fixed imaging devices while maintaining stereotactic localization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging apparatus is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned on the gantry to different locations and angles. This dynamic positioning capability enables the single imaging device to capture stereotactic information that would otherwise require multiple static devices, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single X-ray imaging apparatus is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of imaging apparatusesVSAvoidstereotactic localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single imaging apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions by being positioned at different locations and angles on the gantry. It can capture images from various perspectives to provide stereotactic information, serving the same purpose as multiple specialized devices while maintaining simpler overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If imaging is performed with a stationary apparatus, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging apparatus is mounted on the gantry and can be moved to different positions during the radiotherapy treatment. This allows imaging to be performed at different time points during the treatment process without requiring separate stationary imaging sessions, reducing the total time lost to imaging while maintaining image quality for position verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If safety margins are enlarged to account for positioning uncertainties, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment safetyVSAvoidradiation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging apparatus provides real-time feedback on the actual position of the target volume and surrounding structures during radiotherapy treatment. This feedback information allows for continuous monitoring and adjustment, enabling the use of smaller safety margins while maintaining treatment reliability through active position verification and correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 3D verification of the target volume without the need for separate X-ray imaging devices, reducing treatment time and radiation exposure while maintaining clinical sufficiency, even for moving targets like the lungs.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging apparatus (17, 19) with an X-ray source (17) and an oppositely disposed X-ray detector (19)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS9282941B2Imaging method with a radiotherapy device and radiotherapy device

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method for imaging with a radiotherapy device is provided. The radiotherapy device includes a movably mounted imaging apparatus with an X-ray source and an oppositely disposed X-ray detector. The method includes preparing a first image with the imaging apparatus from a first imaging direction. The imaging apparatus is moved to a position that permits the preparation of a second image from a second imaging direction extending at an angle to the first imaging direction. The method also includes preparing the second image with the imaging apparatus from the second imaging direction, and verifying the position of an object to be irradiated using the first image and the second image.