Patient Positioning System for Proton Beam Cancer Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for precise patient and tumor positioning in charged particle cancer therapy to ensure targeted delivery of energy to cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, and for efficient control of magnetic fields in synchrotrons to deliver charged particles with specified energy, intensity, and timing.
Innovation Solution
A patient positioning system and apparatus are used in conjunction with multi-axis controlled charged particle beam radiation therapy, incorporating novel features such as intensity control of charged particle beams, turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, and magnetic field control systems to achieve precise tumor targeting and reduced tissue damage. This system includes a synchrotron design with multiple smaller magnets and correction coils for tight control of the proton beam, allowing continuous acceleration and extraction of protons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional electromagnetic X-ray therapy is used, then cancer treatment can be performed, but radiation is delivered outside of the tumor with large amounts of radiation outside the targeted tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation delivery from electromagnetic radiation (X-rays) to charged particle radiation (protons). This parameter change enables precise depth control through the Bragg peak effect, allowing radiation to be delivered specifically at the tumor depth with minimal radiation outside the tumor volume, thereby resolving the contradiction between radiation delivery precision and damage to healthy tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic radiation mechanism with a charged particle beam mechanism. The charged particle beam can be precisely controlled in terms of energy, direction, and range, enabling targeted delivery to the tumor while minimizing radiation to surrounding healthy tissue, thus solving the precision versus harm contradiction
2Manufacturing precision
If proton therapy is used to target tumors, then radiation delivery precision is improved, but the system complexity increases due to requirements for precise patient and tumor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image guidance and tumor localization before the actual proton therapy delivery. Imaging systems capture pre-treatment images to determine tumor position, and this information is used to plan and execute precise beam positioning, thereby achieving high tumor targeting precision while managing system complexity through systematic pre-processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through image guidance systems that monitor and verify tumor position during treatment. The system uses imaging feedback to adjust and verify beam positioning, ensuring accurate tumor targeting while managing complexity through automated feedback loops that reduce manual intervention requirements
3Measurement precision
If synchrotron with multiple smaller magnets is used, then control of charged particle beam is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the magnet system into multiple smaller magnets instead of using fewer larger magnets. This segmentation allows for more precise and independent control of the charged particle beam through distributed magnetic field elements, enabling fine adjustments in beam direction and focus while managing overall system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different functions to different magnets in the synchrotron system. Each magnet is optimized for specific tasks such as beam focusing, steering, or energy control, allowing precise local control of the beam properties at different locations within the synchrotron, thereby improving beam control precision while managing complexity through functional specialization
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 solution enables efficient and precise treatment of solid tumors with reduced damage to surrounding tissue, achieving targeted proton delivery and optimizing the use of magnetic fields for controlled proton beam intensity and timing.
Implementation Method 1
charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods
Implementation Method 2
efficient control of magnetic fields used in the control of charged particles in a synchrotron
Implementation Method 3
charged particle cancer therapy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a patient positioning method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The patient positioning system is used to translate the patient and/or rotate the patient into a zone where the proton beam can scan the tumor using a targeting system. The patient positioning system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems.