Ocular Radiosurgery System with Real-Time Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for ocular disorders like macular degeneration and glaucoma face challenges due to the limited precision and invasiveness of existing radiation therapies, which often result in unnecessary exposure of critical eye structures to radiation, leading to scarring and recurrence of conditions such as pterygium.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods for targeted photon energy therapy, including radiotherapy and laser therapy, that utilize advanced imaging and treatment planning to deliver precise radiation doses directly to affected areas of the eye, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues and incorporating techniques like stereotactic radiation and brachytherapy to treat various ocular conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external beam radiation therapy is used to treat ocular disorders, then treatment coverage is achieved, but critical eye structures such as the lens and optic nerve are exposed to excessive radiation causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering radiation with spatially varying doses through multiple beams from different angles. Each beam contributes differently to the total dose distribution, allowing high dose concentration at the target while minimizing dose to surrounding critical structures like the lens and optic nerve.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment is segmented into multiple radiation beams delivered from different angles and directions. This segmentation allows the radiation dose to be distributed and controlled precisely, with each beam path carefully selected to avoid excessive exposure of critical eye structures while collectively achieving the required therapeutic dose at the target.
2Reliability
If conventional radiation therapy devices are used, then treatment capability is provided, but precision and targeting accuracy are insufficient leading to unnecessary exposure of healthy tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through imaging systems that track eye position and beam alignment. This feedback mechanism allows for dynamic adjustment of beam parameters to maintain precise targeting accuracy, ensuring that the radiation is delivered exactly to the intended location while avoiding healthy tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation delivery system is dynamic, with the ability to adjust beam parameters, angles, and timing in real-time based on patient anatomy and target location. This dynamic capability enables precise beam positioning and adaptive treatment delivery, improving targeting accuracy beyond static conventional systems.
3Reliability
If radiation therapy is applied to treat macular degeneration, then neovascularization is reduced, but scarring and recurrence of conditions such as pterygium occur due to excessive radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of radiation exposure into a beneficial outcome by using precisely controlled, localized radiation doses. The radiation is delivered in a way that achieves therapeutic effects (reducing neovascularization) while minimizing the harmful side effects (scarring and recurrence) through accurate dose distribution and spatial control.
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
These methods effectively stabilize or improve visual acuity, reduce neovascularization, and prevent scarring, offering a more precise and less invasive approach to treating ocular disorders by delivering controlled radiation doses directly to specific regions of the eye.
Implementation Method 1
producing an x-ray beam with a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm and having a photon energy between about 40 keV and about 100 keV
Implementation Method 2
exposing the retina to from about 1 Gy to about 40 Gy of x-ray radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiosurgery system is described that delivers a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system, based on ocular imaging, which leads to direction of an automated positioning system. In some embodiments, the position of an ocular structure is tracked and related to a radiosurgery system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial aids in positioning the system. In some embodiments, a reflection off the eye is used to aid in positioning. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments.