Radiation Treatment MLC With Multi-Plane Leakage Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation treatment systems face challenges in effectively blocking pathways of leaking radiation outside the treatment region, leading to potential damage to normal tissues due to the limitations of multi-leaf collimators and collimation jaws, which are often large and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A radiation treatment system incorporating a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) with movable leaves and a block situated in a different plane, configured to shield leaking radiation beams, along with a method to adjust the operation of the MLC and block movement based on detected leakage regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If collimation jaws are used to reduce leaking radiation, then radiation leakage is reduced, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation function is divided between the MLC (multi-leaf collimator) and separate collimation jaws. The MLC handles primary beam shaping while the collimation jaws specifically address leaking radiation in the end area, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring one large heavy component to do everything.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimation jaws are positioned in a different plane than the MLC, creating a multi-plane collimation system. This spatial arrangement allows the jaws to block leaking radiation from the end area that the MLC cannot block, without requiring the jaws to be as large as traditional single-plane collimation systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If collimation jaws are used to shape radiation, then radiation shaping is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation task is segmented between the MLC and collimation jaws, with each component having a specific role. The MLC provides primary beam shaping while the jaws address specific leakage paths, simplifying the control logic compared to a single complex collimation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines MLC and collimation jaws in a configuration where both components contribute to radiation shaping and leakage reduction. This multi-functional arrangement achieves superior treatment boundary resolution without requiring each component to be overly complex, as they work complementarily rather than redundantly.
3Shape
If MLC leaves are moved to block radiation pathways, then treatment region conformity is improved, but radiation leakage in end area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation jaws are positioned in a different plane than the MLC, creating a multi-plane collimation system. This spatial arrangement allows the jaws to block leaking radiation from the end area that the MLC cannot block, while the MLC continues to provide excellent treatment region conformity through its movable leaves.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimation jaws act as an intermediary component that specifically addresses the leakage problem in the end area. They are positioned to block radiation pathways that the MLC leaves cannot block, serving as a complementary element that resolves the leakage issue without interfering with the MLC's primary function of treatment region conformity.
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
Effectively blocks leaking radiation beams, reducing damage to normal tissues by conforming the treatment region to the lesion shape while minimizing system size and weight, and improving the resolution of the treatment boundary.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one block may be configured to shield at least a portion of leaking radiation beams within an end area
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a radiation treatment system. The radiation treatment system may include an MLC having at least one layer of leaves and at least one block. Each of the at least one layer of leaves may include a first group of leaves and a second group of leaves. At least a portion of the leaves may be movable to block pathways of a first portion of the radiation beams within a radiation area. A second portion of the radiation beams may be incident at a treatment region of the radiation treatment system. The MLC may be situated in a first plane. The at least one block may be situated in a second plane different from the first plane. The at least one block may be configured to shield at least a portion of leaking radiation beams within an end area.