3D Printed Anthropomorphic Model with Localized Contrast for Radiation Dosimetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anthropomorphic models used in radiology and radiation therapy lack accuracy in simulating individual human anatomy and interaction with electromagnetic radiation, leading to errors in dosimetry and therapy planning, as they are made using laborious and expensive methods with idealized, homogeneous materials that fail to replicate tissue heterogeneities.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional model comprising volume elements with defined interaction intensities, created using layers of supporting material like paper with strategically applied contrast material, allowing for precise simulation of human tissue interaction with electromagnetic radiation, enabling more accurate calibration and therapy planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If anthropomorphic models are made using laborious and expensive methods with homogeneous materials, then the models can simulate basic tissue properties, but they fail to replicate tissue heterogeneities and individual anatomy accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the contrast material concentration in different regions of the model to simulate tissue heterogeneities. Each volume element has a specific contrast material concentration corresponding to the interaction intensity of the respective human tissue, creating localized property variations that accurately represent different tissue types and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The model is divided into multiple volume elements with different contrast material concentrations. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for simulating specific tissue properties, enabling accurate representation of heterogeneous tissue structures while using a systematic manufacturing approach based on printed interaction intensity data.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple geometric models are used for dose calibration, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the models lack anatomical realism and tissue property accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by obtaining interaction intensity data from actual human patient data and reproducing this data pattern in the model through printed contrast material distribution. This allows the model to replicate real human tissue properties and anatomical variations without requiring complex manual fabrication, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high anatomical accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If current anthropomorphic models use idealized homogeneous materials, then the models are easier to manufacture, but they produce images that deviate substantially from real patient images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different contrast material concentrations to different volume elements based on the interaction intensity of corresponding human tissues. This creates localized variations in material properties that accurately represent tissue heterogeneities, significantly improving image accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
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
The model provides a cost-effective and accurate representation of human tissue interaction with electromagnetic radiation, reducing errors in dosimetry and therapy planning by simulating tissue inhomogeneities and anatomical details, thus enhancing the precision of radiation therapy and device calibration.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation dense contrast agents are known, the functional principle of which is based on the high atomic number of the elements contained in the contrast agent, whereby a large number of electrons exists around the nucleus, which absorb the incoming electromagnetic radiation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a model for use in an imaging technique based on an interaction of the model with an electromagnetic radiation. The model comprises a plurality of volume elements. The interaction intensities of two neighbouring volume elements are distinguishable by an imaging technique. The model comprises first volume elements made of a supporting material, and second volume elements are made of a supporting material and a contrast material and exhibit a higher interaction intensity with the electromagnetic radiation than the first volume elements because of the presence of contrast material. The second volume elements have been generated by a printing method. The invention further relates to a method for fabricating the model by 3D printing.