Multi-Isocenter Stereoscopic Imaging for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-guided radiation treatment systems are limited by a single treatment isocenter, restricting access and flexibility due to the fixed geometry of imaging systems, which can lead to blocked treatment nodes and insufficient room for delivering radiation from optimal angles, especially in operating rooms with limited ceiling height.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stereoscopic imaging system with multiple imaging centers at different locations, allowing a LINAC to position for radiation treatment from various angles, including above and below the patient, by adjusting the angles and positions of x-ray sources and detectors to create multiple treatment frames of reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single imaging center is used in the treatment system, then the system structure is simplified and easier to operate, but the treatment flexibility and access to multiple angles is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second imaging center in addition to the first imaging center, transitioning from a single-point imaging geometry to a multi-point imaging geometry. This dimensional expansion in the imaging system configuration enables radiation treatment from multiple angles and regions, including superior and inferior approaches, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and treatment flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent imaging centers, each capable of establishing its own imaging geometry and treatment reference frame. This segmentation allows the treatment system to selectively use different imaging centers based on the specific treatment requirements, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving multi-angle access
2Ease of manufacture
If the imaging system geometry is fixed, then the system is easier to manufacture and install, but treatment nodes may be blocked and optimal radiation angles cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
While each imaging center maintains a fixed geometry for ease of manufacture, the system becomes dynamic in its operational capability by selecting between multiple imaging centers. The treatment system can dynamically choose which imaging center to use based on the required treatment angle and target location, achieving adaptability without compromising the fixed, easy-to-manufacture geometry of individual imaging centers
3Device complexity
If a single treatment isocenter is used, then the equipment is simpler and more compact, but the precision of radiation delivery to various anatomical targets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a second imaging center that replicates the functionality of the first imaging center. Each imaging center establishes its own treatment reference frame and isocenter, effectively creating a copy of the imaging-treatment geometry. This copying approach enables precise radiation delivery to various anatomical targets without requiring a single complex multi-isocenter system
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 configuration enhances treatment flexibility and access, reducing registration errors and enabling radiation delivery from multiple angles, thus improving the precision and effectiveness of radiation therapy by accommodating various anatomical targets without the limitations of a single isocenter.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source (103A, 103B) to generate an x-ray beam (302A, 302B)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A system and method for stereoscopically imaging a patient at multiple locations in a radiation treatment system to enable the delivery of radiation treatments from multiple ranges of treatment angles without obstructing the imaging system or the radiation treatment.