Particle Beam Irradiation Apparatus with Columnar Field Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing particle beam therapy systems face challenges with excess irradiation due to insufficient irradiation flexibility in the depth direction, particularly when applying IMRT technology, as they require multiple boluses and struggle with dynamic shape changes, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor and costs.
Innovation Solution
A particle beam irradiation apparatus with a scanning system that generates a columnar irradiation field by enlarging the Bragg peak of the charged particle beam, allowing for flexible irradiation in the depth direction without the need for a bolus, utilizing a rotating gantry and energy changing apparatus to adjust the beam's energy and width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple boluses are used for multi-port irradiation in particle beam therapy, then the irradiation field can be limited in the depth direction, but the device complexity and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the bolus component from the particle beam therapy system, replacing it with an MLC-based depth-direction field limitation mechanism. This eliminates the need for multiple boluses and their associated machining and replacement operations while maintaining the ability to limit irradiation to the distal form of the diseased site
Solution Approach 2:
The MLC is given the additional function of limiting the irradiation field in the depth direction, beyond its conventional role in transverse-direction field limitation. This multi-functional use of the MLC eliminates the need for separate bolus components, reducing device complexity while achieving the same protective effect against excess irradiation
2Manufacturing precision
If bolus shape is changed dynamically to match distal form for different irradiation angles, then irradiation precision is improved, but the system cannot currently realize this dynamic shape change
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the MLC to be repositioned and reconfigured for different irradiation angles and distal forms. The MLC can dynamically adjust its position and shape through automated control systems, allowing the irradiation field to match the distal form for each specific irradiation direction without requiring physical bolus replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the MLC (position, shape, configuration) dynamically based on the irradiation angle and required distal form. By adjusting MLC parameters through automated control rather than physical bolus replacement, the system achieves adaptive irradiation field shaping for multi-port irradiation
3Manufacturing precision
If IMRT is applied with multiple boluses for head and neck area treatment, then dose distribution is improved, but treatment time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MLC configurations for limiting the irradiation field in the depth direction are pre-calculated and stored in the treatment planning system. During actual treatment, these pre-configured MLC settings are automatically loaded and applied, eliminating the need for time-consuming bolus machining and replacement operations while maintaining precise dose distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical bolus replacement system is replaced with an automated MLC reconfiguration system controlled by computer software. This substitution eliminates manual bolus handling, machining, and replacement operations, significantly reducing treatment time while maintaining the precision required for IMRT dose distribution
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 solution enhances irradiation flexibility in the depth direction, reducing excess irradiation and the need for multiple boluses, thereby improving treatment efficiency and reducing treatment time and costs, while allowing for precise dose distribution and reduced damage to normal tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a columnar irradiation field generation apparatus (4) that generates a columnar irradiation field by enlarging a Bragg peak of the charged particle beam (1)
Data Source
AI summary
When IMRT technology for a radiation therapy system utilizing an X-ray or the like is applied to a particle beam therapy system having a conventional wobbler system, it is required to utilize two or more boluses. The present invention solves the problem of excess irradiation in IMRT by a particle beam therapy system. More specifically, the problem of excess irradiation in IMRT by a particle beam therapy system is solved by raising the irradiation flexibility in the depth direction, without utilizing a bolus. A particle beam irradiation apparatus has a scanning irradiation system that performs scanning with a charged particle beam accelerated by an accelerator and is mounted in a rotating gantry for rotating the irradiation direction of the charged particle beam. The particle beam irradiation apparatus comprises a columnar-irradiation-field generation apparatus that generates a columnar irradiation field by enlarging the Bragg peak of the charged particle beam.