Radiation Treatment Bra Adjustable Geometry Reproduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy for breast cancer patients, particularly those with large or pendulous breasts, faces challenges in achieving precise and reproducible breast geometry and alignment, leading to inefficiencies and increased skin toxicity due to inadequate immobilization and positioning methods.
Innovation Solution
A radiation treatment bra with clear windows and adjustable elements, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, allows for precise adjustment and reproducible positioning of the breast, enabling accurate alignment with treatment machines and minimizing exposure of normal tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional immobilization devices (cradles, plastic molds, netting) are used for large-breasted patients, then some form of breast support is provided, but precise and reproducible breast geometry cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The bra incorporates adjustable elements (straps, closures, pads) that can be dynamically modified to accommodate different breast sizes and shapes. This adjustability allows the same device to achieve precise geometry for various patients, replacing fixed immobilization devices with a adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the breast support system by introducing adjustable straps with multiple hole positions, removable pads of different densities, and flexible closure mechanisms. These parameter changes enable precise control over breast positioning and geometry reproduction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the treatment machine is idled to adjust patient position, then breast geometry can be attempted to be reproduced, but treatment time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bra is designed to pre-establish the correct breast geometry and positioning during the planning scan phase. The adjustable elements are configured to match the patient's specific anatomy, creating a reproducible reference position that eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during subsequent treatment sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bra creates a reproducible copy of the breast geometry established during the planning scan. By using the same adjustable settings and support structure, the system reproduces the exact breast position and shape, ensuring consistent radiation delivery without requiring re-adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If conventional bras or underwire bras are worn during treatment, then patient comfort is maintained, but radiation beam scattering occurs and treatment accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bra is designed with spatially varying material properties - the cups use radiolucent materials to minimize beam scattering, while the straps and bands use radiopaque materials for structural support and positioning. This local differentiation of material quality allows the bra to simultaneously maintain comfort and ensure radiation beam accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining radiolucent materials (for breast coverage areas) with radiopaque materials (for structural support areas). This composite approach allows different parts of the bra to serve different functions - comfort and radiation transparency where needed, and structural integrity where required.
4Manufacturing precision
If higher-energy radiation is used to treat widely spaced large pendulous breasts, then homogeneous treatment is achieved, but skin dose increases and skin toxicity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The bra pre-positions the breasts in a compressed, elevated configuration that reduces the distance between the breasts and optimizes the treatment geometry. This preliminary positioning allows the use of lower-energy radiation beams to achieve homogeneous treatment, avoiding the skin toxicity associated with higher-energy beams.
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 bra ensures precise and reproducible breast geometry, reducing treatment time, minimizing skin toxicity, and maintaining patient privacy by allowing for reliable alignment and positioning during radiation therapy sessions.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable elements, such as hook-and-loop fasteners
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
A radiation treatment bra and method for its use are disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the bra includes adjustable elements (110,112,114) and a medial window (108). During radiation treatment planning, the elements (110,112,114) are adjusted to establish a reference breast geometry. The reference breast geometry is reproduced prior to an actual treatment session by repeating the original adjustment of the elements, as necessary. The medial window (108) enables a light field to be projected onto the patient's chest, and read therefrom, thereby establishing proper alignment of the patient to the radiation treatment machine.