Particle Beam Radiotherapy Ultrasonic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In particle beam radiotherapy, accurately setting the Bragg peak on a tumor is challenging due to body motion, and existing methods like electron particle track detecting-type Compton cameras are large and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A particle beam radiotherapy system incorporating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and processing circuitry to acquire ultrasonic images, estimate the Bragg peak sighting point based on body surface position and actual beam range, and display the planned and sighting points for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electron particle track detecting-type Compton camera is used to detect gamma rays and confirm the Bragg peak sighting point, then the accuracy of Bragg peak positioning is improved, but the device size becomes large and the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic imaging to create a visual representation (copy) of the internal body structures, allowing the Bragg peak sighting point to be confirmed indirectly through image processing rather than direct gamma ray detection. This replaces the complex Compton camera with a more accessible ultrasonic imaging system that can still provide the necessary positioning information through image analysis and coordinate transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gamma ray detection mechanism (electromagnetic interaction) with an ultrasonic wave-based imaging system (acoustic interaction). By using ultrasonic waves to image the body and processing the images to determine the Bragg peak position, the system achieves the same functional goal with different physical principles that are more cost-effective and less complex.
2Manufacturing precision
If the Bragg peak sighting point is not accurately aligned with the tumor due to body motion, then the treatment precision is improved, but the risk of missing the target or damaging healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously acquiring ultrasonic images during treatment, processing these images to determine the actual Bragg peak sighting point, and comparing it with the planned position. This allows real-time verification and adjustment to ensure accurate alignment with the tumor while avoiding damage to healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary ultrasonic imaging and Bragg peak position determination before particle beam irradiation begins. By establishing the sighting point in advance through image processing and coordinate transformation, the system prepares the accurate positioning information needed to guide the treatment and minimize risks.
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective alignment of the Bragg peak by using a compact and relatively inexpensive ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, improving the precision of particle beam targeting during radiotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (3) which scans the subject (P) with ultrasonic waves via an ultrasonic probe, and acquires an ultrasonic image concerning a radiotherapy target region
Data Source
AI summary
A gantry applies particle beams to a subject. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus scans the subject with ultrasonic waves via an ultrasonic probe, and acquires an ultrasonic image concerning a radiotherapy target region of the subject. A processing circuitry specifies a first planned point of a Bragg peak in the ultrasonic image, which anatomically coincides approximately with a second planned point of the Bragg peak decided in radiotherapy planning. The processing circuitry estimates a sighting point of the Bragg peak of a particle beam based on a body surface position of the subject and an actual range of the particle beam. The display displays the ultrasonic image to indicate the first planned point and the sighting point.