Radiation Distribution Evaluation Apparatus for Teletherapy Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anatomical changes during teletherapy treatment can render existing treatment plans ineffective or harmful to healthy tissues, as they are based on initial anatomical information that may no longer be accurate due to topological and morphological changes in the target tissue and surrounding organs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that evaluate changes in radiation distribution within a target tissue by comparing present images with reference images, determining differences in radiation distribution parameters, and outputting signals or compensation algorithms to adjust the treatment plan, including changes in patient positioning or radiation parameters, to ensure precise targeting and minimize harm to healthy tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If treatment plan is based on initial anatomical information, then treatment planning is simplified, but radiation distribution becomes inaccurate due to anatomical changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of radiation distribution changes by comparing current anatomical images with reference images before actual irradiation. This preliminary action identifies anatomical changes that would affect radiation distribution, allowing treatment plans to be adjusted in advance rather than relying solely on initial planning data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where current anatomical images are continuously compared with reference images, and the differences in radiation distribution are calculated and fed back to the treatment planning system. This feedback mechanism ensures that treatment plans remain accurate despite anatomical changes occurring during the treatment course.
2Reliability
If multiple beams are used to ensure complete irradiation, then target coverage is improved, but positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of radiation distribution from multiple beams by comparing current anatomical images with reference images. This preliminary assessment determines whether anatomical changes have shifted the isocenter or altered the radiation distribution pattern, allowing for adjustments to be made before actual irradiation to maintain both complete target coverage and precise positioning.
3Productivity
If treatment plan is not adjusted for anatomical changes, then treatment delivery is efficient, but harmful effects on healthy tissue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of radiation distribution changes before irradiation by comparing current anatomical images with reference images. This preliminary action identifies anatomical changes that would cause radiation to miss the target or affect healthy tissues, allowing treatment parameters to be adjusted in advance to prevent harmful effects while maintaining treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where current anatomical information is continuously monitored and compared with reference data, and the resulting radiation distribution changes are fed back to the treatment delivery system. This feedback allows for real-time adjustments to prevent damage to healthy tissues while maintaining efficient treatment delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for evaluating a change in radiation distribution within a target tissue of a patient, the apparatus constituted of: a memory having stored thereon parameters of radiation to be output by an irradiation source, the radiation parameters determined responsive to a reference image of the patient target tissue; a processor in communication with the memory; and an output module in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is arranged to: receive a present image of the patient target tissue; determine the expected distribution of radiation within the patient target tissue for an irradiation incidence according to the stored radiation parameters; determine the difference between the determined distribution and a predetermined distribution parameter; and control the output module to output a signal responsive to the determined difference.