Patient Positioning Shell for Radiotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy treatments face challenges in achieving accurate and efficient patient positioning, particularly in prone positions, leading to increased treatment time, discomfort, and higher risks of side effects due to imprecise repositioning, which can result in irradiation of surrounding healthy tissues and increased cancer risk.
Innovation Solution
A patient positioning and shaping shell manufacturing method using additive or subtractive manufacturing techniques to create a personalized shell based on surface scan imaging data, allowing for precise and comfortable positioning of patients during radiotherapy, incorporating a transparent body shaper and tilting means for improved imaging and reduced radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional positioning methods are used, then treatment can be delivered, but positioning accuracy is poor and treatment time is excessive (20-30 minutes per session)
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is manufactured in advance based on patient-specific 3D imaging data, capturing the precise anatomical geometry before treatment sessions. This preliminary customization eliminates the need for time-consuming positioning adjustments during each treatment session, achieving both high accuracy and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The shell creates a precise replica of the patient's target body portion geometry through 3D scanning and additive manufacturing. This copy serves as a reusable positioning template that reproduces the exact anatomical contours, enabling rapid and accurate repositioning without repeated imaging or manual adjustment
2Reliability
If conventional positioning is used, then treatment can proceed, but repositioning accuracy is insufficient leading to 10 mm extra margin and irradiation of healthy tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual positioning and verification methods with a digitally manufactured shell that provides mechanical constraint through precise geometric matching. The shell's custom-fit geometry physically guides the target body portion to the correct position, eliminating reliance on operator skill and reducing positioning uncertainty margins
Solution Approach 2:
The shell transforms the positioning parameter from approximate mechanical alignment to precise geometric constraint. By manufacturing the shell to match the patient's specific anatomical parameters obtained from 3D imaging, the system achieves sub-millimeter positioning accuracy, reducing the safety margin from 10 mm to minimal values
3Measurement precision
If conventional positioning methods are used, then treatment can be delivered, but daily X-ray imaging is required increasing cancer risk and side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patient-specific shell is manufactured in advance based on high-precision 3D imaging data, establishing accurate positioning geometry before treatment begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated daily X-ray verification, as the shell's physical geometry provides continuous passive verification of correct positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces radiological verification methods with mechanical verification through the shell's custom-fit geometry. The shell's precise dimensional constraints provide passive, continuous verification of correct positioning without requiring active imaging, thereby eliminating cumulative radiation exposure from daily X-rays
4Reliability
If prone positioning is used for breast cancer treatment, then irradiation of the affected breast is improved, but patient repositioning becomes very difficult due to reduced arm mobility and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is designed to support and position the target body portion (e.g., breast) independently, segmenting the positioning function from the patient's limited mobility. The shell assumes the positioning task that would otherwise require patient movement, allowing accurate prone positioning even when arm mobility is restricted by surgery or pain
Solution Approach 2:
The shell acts as an intermediary between the treatment table and the patient's body, providing the mechanical interface for accurate positioning. Rather than requiring the patient to directly assume and maintain the prone position, the shell mediates by providing passive mechanical support and geometric constraint, making positioning easier and more reproducible
Data Source
AI summary
The present relates to a positioning and shaping shell manufacturing method for manufacturing a positioning and shaping shell comprising a positioning step consisting in positioning and supporting a target body portion with a transparent body shaper in a predetermined position on a positioning board presenting at least one transparent portion permitting scanning through it, an image acquisition step consisting in a target body portion surface scan imaging also via the transparent portion of the board and said transparent body support, a software computing step where the acquired image data are sent and processed in a processing unit, and a producing step consisting in producing a 3D positioning and shaping shell model via additive or subtractive manufacturing method based in the processed image data.