MR Image Adaptation for Radiation Attenuation in Therapy Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy exposure plans, particularly for tumors like prostate, colon, and breast cancers, face challenges in precision due to limitations in soft tissue contrast and the need for multiple imaging modalities, leading to increased radiation exposure, time, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that adapt a patient's magnetic resonance image using a reference data set to determine patient-specific attenuation of high-energy radiation, allowing for a precise exposure plan generation using a single MR image with improved soft tissue contrast, reducing the need for concurrent CT imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If magnetic resonance imaging is used for exposure plan generation, then soft tissue contrast is improved, but the ability to determine radiation attenuation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference data set as an intermediary to bridge the gap between MR image soft tissue contrast and radiation attenuation information. The reference data set, which contains pre-measured attenuation coefficients from CT scans, serves as a mediator that allows the MR image to provide accurate attenuation values without requiring direct CT imaging of the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of CT attenuation information by mapping reference CT data onto the MR image through spatial registration. This copying approach allows the MR image to inherit attenuation properties from the reference CT data set, enabling accurate radiation dose calculation without actual CT exposure.
2Measurement precision
If both CT and MR images are acquired for exposure plan generation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the MR imaging system universal by enabling it to perform both soft tissue visualization and radiation attenuation measurement functions. Through integration with the reference data set, the MR scanner becomes a multi-functional device that can replace the need for separate CT imaging while maintaining both anatomical detail and attenuation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of CT and MR imaging into a single workflow using only MR imaging. By combining the soft tissue contrast capability of MR with the attenuation information from the reference data set, the system consolidates what previously required two separate imaging modalities into one unified process.
3Manufacturing precision
If CT and MR images are repeatedly acquired for fractioned exposure, then adaptation precision is improved, but loss of time and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring the reference data set once before the treatment course begins. This pre-acquired reference information remains valid throughout the fractioned treatment, eliminating the need for repeated CT scans during treatment adaptations while still enabling precise exposure plan modifications based on updated MR imaging.
Data Source
AI summary
In a device, method and computer program product for generation of an exposure plan for irradiating a patient, at least one reference data set independent of the patient is provided, from which an attenuation of high-energy radiation upon passage through a reference body can be determined. A patient magnetic resonance image of the patient is adapted using the reference data set and an exposure plan is generated based on the patient magnetic resonance image and the patient-specific attenuation of high-energy radiation upon passage through the patient. The patient-specific attenuation of high-energy radiation upon passage through the patient is determined using the adaptation of the patient magnetic resonance image with the reference data set.