Radiotherapy Collimator with Interchangeable Stereotactic Cones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy collimation systems face challenges in achieving precise and accurate delivery of small radiation fields due to the coarse resolution of standard multi-leaf collimators and the limitations of stereotactic cones, which are difficult to engineer and position accurately near the patient.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy apparatus featuring a primary collimator with controllably extendable elongate leaves and at least one block collimator with apertures that can be positioned to act as stereotactic cones, allowing for precise beam shaping and placement of the block collimator close to the patient, enabling the use of stereotactic cones when needed and functioning as a standard collimator otherwise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard multi-leaf collimators are used for beam shaping, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the resolution is too coarse for very small radiation fields
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation system is divided into multiple independent components: a primary collimator with coarse leaves for general beam shaping, and interchangeable stereotactic cones with precise apertures for small field delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high precision where needed while maintaining system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static collimator configuration to a dynamic one where stereotactic cones can be exchanged based on treatment requirements. The cones are designed to be quickly attachable and detachable from the radiation head, enabling the system to adapt its precision characteristics dynamically according to the specific clinical need without requiring a completely different apparatus.
2Measurement precision
If stereotactic cones are placed close to the patient for accuracy, then beam delivery precision improves, but positioning and securing the cones becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stereotactic cones are pre-configured with mounting features and positioning mechanisms that enable quick attachment to the radiation head. The cones are designed with predetermined aperture sizes and geometries optimized for specific small field applications, eliminating the need for complex positioning adjustments during patient treatment while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface mechanism serves as an intermediary between the radiation head and the stereotactic cones. This interface includes positioning features and securing mechanisms that simplify the attachment process, allowing cones to be quickly and accurately mounted close to the patient without requiring complex manual alignment or securement procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If stereotactic cones are fitted to the exterior of the radiation head for accuracy, then beam delivery precision improves, but the system complexity and difficulty of secure placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stereotactic cones are integrated with the primary collimator assembly rather than being separate external attachments. The cones share the same mounting interface and positioning system as the primary collimator, merging multiple functions into a unified structure. This reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate mounting mechanisms while maintaining the precision benefits of having cones close to the patient.
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 configuration allows for accurate and secure placement of stereotactic cones near the patient, enhancing the precision of radiation delivery while maintaining the functionality of standard collimation systems, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of radiotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
A block collimator is a solid block of radiopaque material such as tungsten
Implementation Method 2
A multi-leaf collimator such as the one disclosed in our earlier application EP-A-0,314,214 comprises an array of long, narrow, deep leaves of radiopaque material that can each be extended into and out of the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclose a radiotherapy apparatus comprising a source of radiation configured to emit a beam of radiation and a collimator structure configured to limit a lateral extent of the beam, the collimator structure including a primary collimator configured to shape the beam, a first collimator comprising a plurality of adjacent elongate leaves, the leaves being extendable into the beam in a first direction transverse to the beam, and a block collimator including an aperture configured to permit the beam to pass through, the block collimator being extendable into the beam in a second direction transverse to the beam and transverse to the first direction. In some embodiments, the aperture may be cone-shaped or a through-hole, which may be empty or filled with a radiotransparent material. In some embodiments, the block collimator may include a plurality of apertures, which may be of varying dimensions.