Patient-specific immobilization structure and system and method for fabrication thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient immobilization methods, such as using thermoplastic masks, are intrusive, time-consuming, operator-dependent, and lack post-fabrication modification capabilities, leading to sub-optimal immobilization and resource inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating a patient-specific immobilization structure using image data to determine the position and orientation of a support structure, enabling a digital model that facilitates less intrusive fabrication, accurate immobilization, and allows for digital modification before fabrication, using techniques like 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermoplastic masks are used for patient immobilization, then immobilization can be achieved, but the process is intrusive, time-consuming, and operator-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a digital model of the patient's anatomy and support structure before fabrication. Image data is acquired and processed to generate a 3D digital representation that includes alignment features, allowing the immobilization structure to be precisely customized and fabricated without time-consuming manual fitting procedures during treatment setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermoplastic mask forming process with a digital modeling and additive manufacturing system. Instead of physically heating and molding thermoplastic material over the patient's anatomy, the system uses image data processing and 3D printing to create a custom-fitted immobilization structure with integrated alignment features that match the support structure
2Reliability
If thermoplastic masks are used for patient immobilization, then immobilization can be achieved, but post-fabrication modification capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy or digital twin of the patient's anatomy and support structure relationship. This digital model can be stored, analyzed, and modified without affecting the physical immobilization structure. If modifications are needed, the digital model can be updated and a new structure fabricated, ensuring precise immobilization without relying on difficult post-fabrication adjustments
3Manufacturing precision
If image data processing is used to generate digital models, then customization and precision are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital model as an intermediary between the physical support structure and the final immobilization device. Image data from the support structure and patient anatomy are processed to create this digital representation, which serves as a blueprint for fabrication. This intermediary simplifies the overall process by enabling precise digital planning and visualization before physical fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image data processing and digital model generation before fabrication begins. By acquiring images of the support structure with alignment features and creating a digital model in advance, the system enables precise customization without complex processing during the fabrication or treatment setup phases
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for modelling and fabricating a patient-specific immobilization support. Image data is obtained for characterizing an exposed surface of a body portion and a support structure employed to support the body portion during imaging. The image data is processed to determine a position and orientation of the support structure based on spatial features of the support structure, and surface data associated with the exposed surface of the body portion is segmented from the image data. The segmented surface data and the position and orientation of the support structure are employed to generate a digital model of a patient-specific immobilization structure that is attachable to the support structure for immobilizing the body portion between the patient-specific immobilization structure and the support structure. Prior to fabricating the patient-specific immobilization structure, an initial digital model may be modified, optionally according to beam parameters associated with a treatment plan.