Radiation Therapy Scan Setup With Guided Imaging Protocol Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately positioning patients due to different coordinate systems between treatment planning imagers and radiation therapy systems, leading to errors like 'wrong shift instructions' and 'wrong shift performed at treatment', and require extensive user training for optimizing treatment planning scans with onboard imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A structured user interface for radiation therapy systems that guides users through a repeatable workflow for selecting optimal imaging modes and protocols, ensuring accurate patient positioning and efficient setup of treatment planning scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated treatment planning imager is used separate from the radiation therapy system, then treatment planning scans can be acquired, but coordinate system differences cause positioning errors and require complex conversion calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the treatment planning imaging function with the radiation therapy delivery system by mounting an imaging device on the radiation therapy system. This integration eliminates the need for separate imaging systems and their associated coordinate system conversion complexities, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation therapy system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can both deliver radiation treatment and acquire treatment planning images using the integrated imaging device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated imaging systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through a unified coordinate system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modes and parameters are available for treatment planning scans, then image quality and dosing can be optimized, but user training requirements increase and setup becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configured imaging protocols that are set up in advance with optimized parameters for different treatment planning scenarios. Users can select from these pre-configured protocols rather than manually adjusting multiple imaging parameters, significantly reducing training requirements while maintaining image quality optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides standardized imaging protocols that define specific parameter settings (energy, dose, acquisition parameters) optimized for different anatomical regions and treatment types. By changing between predefined protocols rather than manually adjusting parameters, users can achieve optimized image quality without extensive training in parameter selection.
3Reliability
If treatment planning scans are acquired with the same radiation therapy system, then coordinate system errors are eliminated, but additional user skills and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides pre-configured imaging protocols that are set up in advance with optimized parameters for different treatment planning scenarios. Users can select from these pre-configured protocols rather than manually adjusting multiple imaging parameters, significantly reducing training requirements while maintaining image quality optimization.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate setup of treatment planning scans by guiding users through a structured workflow, reducing errors and optimizing imaging parameters, thus enhancing the precision of radiation therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging X-ray source configured to rotate about the isocenter of the radiation treatment system and direct imaging X-rays to a target region
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for a radiation treatment system includes: a treatment-delivering X-ray source configured to rotate about an isocenter of the radiation treatment system and direct treatment X-rays to a target volume; an imaging X-ray source configured to rotate about the isocenter of the radiation treatment system and direct imaging X-rays to a target region that includes the target volume; and a processor. The processor is configured to perform the steps of: displaying a first set of multiple first user input elements, wherein each first user input element corresponds to a different anatomical region; in response to receiving a first user input via a specific first user input element included in the first set, displaying a second set of multiple second user input elements, wherein each second user input element corresponds to a different imaging protocol for an anatomical region that is associated with the specific first user input element in the first set; and in response to receiving a second user input via a specific second user input element included in the second set, acquiring at least one X-ray image of the target region via the imaging X-ray source and an imaging protocol that is associated with the specific second user input element.