Phased Array Tumor Marker Tracking With Lower EM Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for real-time tumor tracking in movable tissues face challenges such as high cost, limited field of view, complex imaging requirements, and exposure to high EM radiation, particularly for patients with large body sizes and during radiotherapy.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna system with a ferromagnetic layer and adaptive impedance matching network is used to transmit and receive wireless signals from implanted markers, reducing EM radiation exposure and improving tracking accuracy by adjusting signal strength and compensating for impedance mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wireless transceiver is placed on top of the patient to track tumor location, then millimeter range accuracy is achieved, but the patient is exposed to significantly high dose of EM radiation and EM energy is wasted due to antenna impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
A ferromagnetic layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the phased array antenna and the patient's body. This layer acts as a mediator that improves electromagnetic field coupling and reduces impedance mismatch, thereby reducing the EM radiation dose required for accurate marker tracking while maintaining millimeter-level precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electromagnetic parameters by using a phased array antenna with adjustable beamforming capabilities. By dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals across multiple antenna elements, the system optimizes energy distribution and reduces overall EM radiation exposure while maintaining tracking accuracy
2Measurement precision
If a wireless transceiver is placed on top of the patient to track tumor location, then millimeter range accuracy is achieved, but the navigation volume is limited by the generated magnetic field and the beam path is blocked during radiotherapy
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transceiver system is segmented into separate components: a phased array antenna positioned on the treatment machine and small wireless markers implanted near the tumor. This segmentation allows the antenna to be positioned optimally for both tracking and radiotherapy delivery, eliminating beam path blocking and expanding navigation volume
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point transceiver to a distributed phased array system. By distributing multiple antenna elements across a two-dimensional array, the system creates three-dimensional beamforming capabilities that expand the navigable volume and allow simultaneous tracking and radiotherapy delivery without beam path interference
3Measurement precision
If imaging guided approaches such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance are used to track tumor, then real-time tracking is achieved, but the cost is high and the field of view is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex imaging systems to directly visualize the tumor, the system uses simple wireless markers that copy the tumor's position and movement characteristics. These passive markers are tracked by the phased array antenna, providing real-time location data without requiring expensive imaging equipment or complex reconstruction algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (ultrasound transducers, MRI scanners) with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The phased array antenna uses electromagnetic signals to track the wireless markers, eliminating the need for bulky imaging equipment and complex real-time image reconstruction while maintaining real-time tracking capability
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
Accurately tracks implanted wireless markers near tumors with reduced EM radiation exposure and improved signal strength, suitable for various patient sizes and radiotherapy environments.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array antenna and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the phased array antenna to transmit a wireless signal to the wireless marker, receive a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless marker
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus further comprises a ferromagnetic layer, wherein the ferromagnetic layer is configured to be placed between the phased array antenna and the patient table
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for determining a location of a wireless marker for a tumor, the apparatus comprising: a phased array antenna, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the phased array antenna to transmit a wireless signal to the wireless marker, receive a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless marker in response to the transmitted wireless signal, and analyze the wireless signals transmitted and received by the phased array antenna to determine a location of the wireless marker. The present disclosure also provides a method for determining a location of a wireless marker for a tumor, wherein the method comprises: transmitting, using a phased antenna array, a wireless signal to the wireless marker, receiving, at the phased antenna array, a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless marker in response to the transmitted wireless signal, and analyzing the wireless signals transmitted and received by the phased array antenna to determine a location of the wireless marker.