Radiosurgical Needle with Internal X-Ray Target
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy methods, such as brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy, have limitations in terms of invasiveness and precision, particularly in delivering targeted radiation doses to tumors without causing excessive damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy system that includes an electron source, a beam corrector, a target material, and a radiosurgical needle with a radiolucent portion, which generates Bremsstrahlung x-ray photons for precise radiation delivery to tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If brachytherapy is used to deliver radiation therapy, then radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor site, but surgical penetration of the skin is required which increases invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing a radiation source (such as a radioactive seed or capsule) inside a catheter or needle that is inserted into the tumor site. This intermediary device allows radiation delivery without requiring direct surgical penetration of the skin for source placement, as the source can be delivered through minimally invasive catheters. The catheter acts as a mediator between the radiation source and the tumor, enabling precise radiation delivery while minimizing invasiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external beam radiation therapy is used to avoid surgical penetration, then invasiveness is reduced, but precision in delivering targeted radiation doses to tumors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by making the radiation delivery system adjustable and repositionable. The catheter or needle containing the radiation source can be dynamically positioned and repositioned to accurately target the tumor site. The system allows for real-time adjustment of the radiation source position and delivery parameters, enabling precise radiation delivery to the tumor while maintaining minimal invasiveness through percutaneous or endoscopic access routes.
3Measurement precision
If IORT is used to deliver localized dose with source positioned at or very near the tumor site, then treatment precision is improved, but the procedures are inherently more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the radiation delivery system into separate components: a radiation source (such as a radioactive seed or capsule), a catheter or needle for delivery, and a positioning system. This segmentation allows the radiation source to be positioned precisely at the tumor site through minimally invasive catheter insertion, achieving localized dose delivery without requiring highly invasive surgical procedures. The segmented design enables the source to be delivered through smaller incisions or natural body openings rather than requiring large surgical incisions.
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 system enables precise and controlled delivery of radiation to tumors, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes by allowing for intensity and dose modulation during the radiation therapy process.
Implementation Method 1
A target comprises target material that when impacted by the focused electron beam generates Bremsstrahlung x-ray photons
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy device includes an electron source, a first beam corrector, a drift tube, a target with target material that when impacted by an electron beam generates Bremsstrahlung x-ray photons, and a radiosurgical needle. The radiosurgical needle has an elongated radiopaque needle body with a lumen and a pointed tip for piercing a tissue of a patient. The target is positioned within the lumen of the radiosurgical needle. A first beam steering device steers a focused electron beam within the micro drift tube to the target. A radiotherapy system and a method for conducting radiotherapy are also disclosed.