Phase-Contrast Target Tracking for Real-Time Radiation Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion management techniques in radiation therapy contribute to large target margins, limiting the ability to spare healthy tissue due to inadequate quality, latency, and information content in real-time image data during treatment.
Innovation Solution
Implement phase-contrast and/or dark-field imaging using a grating-based system to generate additional image data types, such as phase-contrast and dark-field image data, which provide enhanced soft tissue contrast and target visibility, facilitating accurate target structure tracking during radiation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional motion management techniques are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the image data quality is insufficient leading to large target margins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (phase-contrast imaging and dark-field imaging) into a single integrated system that captures both types of image data simultaneously during radiation therapy treatment. This merging of imaging techniques allows the system to overcome the limitations of conventional single-modality imaging and achieve superior target structure tracking accuracy without requiring multiple separate imaging systems
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures phase-contrast images for soft tissue visualization, dark-field images for microstructural information, and both image types are used together for comprehensive target structure tracking. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address multiple imaging needs that would otherwise require separate specialized systems
2Loss of time
If conventional imaging is used, then the system is simple, but the latency in real-time image data is high affecting motion management
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously acquires both phase-contrast and dark-field image data throughout the radiation therapy treatment process, providing uninterrupted real-time feedback on target structure position and motion. This continuous dual-modality imaging ensures that the most current information is always available for motion management decisions, eliminating gaps in monitoring that would occur with sequential or intermittent imaging
3Loss of information
If conventional imaging modalities are used, then the information content in image data is limited, but the device complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension of information by incorporating dark-field imaging alongside phase-contrast imaging. While phase-contrast provides information about tissue density and composition, dark-field imaging adds microstructural information about tissue architecture and scattering properties. This dimensional expansion of information types enables more comprehensive characterization of target structures and surrounding tissues
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
Improves target structure tracking accuracy, reducing target miss and healthy tissue damage by leveraging improved motion management and dose accuracy during treatment.
Implementation Method 1
phase-contrast image data associated with the target structure
Implementation Method 2
dark-field image data associated with the target structure
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for target structure tracking are provided. In one example, a computer system may obtain projection image data that is generated using an imaging source to emit an imaging beam towards a patient and a detector to image a target structure within the patient during a treatment phase of radiation therapy. Based on the projection image data, the computer system may generate at least one of (a) phase-contrast image data associated with the target structure and (b) dark-field image data associated with the target structure. The computer system may determine position data associated with the target structure by processing at least one of the following: (a) the phase-contrast image data, (b) the dark-field image data and (c) derived image data that is generated based on the phase-contrast image data or the dark-field image data, thereby tracking the target structure during the treatment phase of the radiation therapy.