Radiation Beam Intensity Modulation Device for Real-Time Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intensity modulation techniques in radiation therapy, such as segmental IMRT and IMRT compensators, face issues like prolonged treatment time, delivery time differentials causing hot and cold spots, and the need for manual compensator exchange, which are not suitable for moving tumors or efficient in real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A radiation beam intensity modulation device comprising a 3D array of cells that can switch between attenuating and transparent states, controlled by a circuitry system, allowing for real-time creation of a customized radiation attenuating block to achieve simultaneous delivery of a complete intensity map, using electro-mechanic gates and fluid-based transportation of attenuating material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If segmental IMRT is used to deliver intensity modulated beam, then the intensity distribution can be optimized, but the total treatment time is significantly extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the attenuating block movable and reconfigurable during treatment. The block can be dynamically adjusted between different configurations to deliver different intensity patterns without requiring multiple separate treatment sessions, thereby reducing total treatment time while maintaining intensity distribution optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuating block is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections that can be selectively positioned. This allows the system to deliver complex intensity modulated radiation therapy patterns by combining multiple segmented deliveries, achieving the desired intensity distribution more efficiently than traditional segmental IMRT.
2Manufacturing precision
If segmental IMRT is used to deliver intensity modulated beam, then the intensity map can be delivered in segments, but the time differential in delivery creates hot and cold spots
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through radiation sensors that detect the actual intensity map delivered. This feedback is used by control circuitry to make real-time adjustments to the attenuating block configuration, ensuring accurate dose distribution and eliminating hot and cold spots caused by timing differentials in segmental delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfigurability of the attenuating block allows for continuous adjustment during treatment to compensate for delivery timing issues. The block can be repositioned between segments to account for tumor movement and delivery variations, maintaining dose distribution uniformity.
3Loss of time
If IMRT compensators are used to achieve simultaneous complete intensity map irradiation, then the treatment time is reduced, but a pre-manufacturing process is necessary for each patient and each beam
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static pre-manufactured compensators with a dynamic, reconfigurable attenuating block that can be programmed and adjusted electronically. This eliminates the need for custom manufacturing of compensators for each patient and beam configuration, while still enabling simultaneous complete intensity map irradiation to reduce treatment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuating block is designed as a universal device that can be configured for different patients and beam types through electronic control rather than physical manufacturing. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace multiple custom-made compensators, eliminating pre-manufacturing requirements while maintaining treatment efficiency.
4Loss of time
If IMRT compensators are used for intensity modulation, then simultaneous irradiation is achieved, but manual exchange between different compensators is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical system of manual compensator exchange with an automated electronic control system. The attenuating block can be reconfigured between different beam treatments through electronic programming, eliminating the need for manual physical exchange of compensators while maintaining efficient simultaneous irradiation delivery.
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
This solution enables efficient, real-time intensity modulation of radiation beams, reducing treatment time, minimizing hot and cold spots, and allowing for dynamic adjustments suitable for moving tumors, while eliminating the need for pre-manufactured compensators and manual exchange.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of cells arranged to contain therewithin a portion of the attenuating material when in the attenuating state
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of cells comprises an electric coil, the control circuitry arranged to sense an indication of attenuating material in the respective cell responsive to inductive properties of the electric coil
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation beam intensity modulation device constituted of: a control circuitry; a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells arranged, responsive to the control circuitry, to be switched between an attenuating state and a transparent state; and attenuating material, each of the plurality of cells arranged to contain therewithin a portion of the attenuating material when in the attenuating state and not contain therewithin the portion of the attenuating material when in the transparent state.