Radiotherapy Image Registration for Faster Patient Support Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current online adaptive radiotherapy workflows require significant manual steps and clinical expertise, making them time and resource-intensive, and do not efficiently account for inter-fraction anatomical changes in patients.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes MR-linac devices for real-time imaging and automated image registration, allowing for efficient alignment of patient positioning by comparing reference and localization images to determine and apply necessary adjustments to the patient support, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing treatment precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual steps and clinical expertise are used in online adaptive radiotherapy workflows, then treatment accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time and resource intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment accuracyVSAvoidtime and resource intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated image registration and patient positioning by having the computer system perform image comparison and adjustment calculations without requiring manual clinical intervention. The system self-regulates by automatically determining positional adjustments based on image analysis, reducing dependency on manual clinical steps while maintaining treatment accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and visual image assessment with automated computer-based image registration algorithms. The system uses computational methods to compare images and calculate positional adjustments, substituting the mechanical and manual processes with automated digital systems that reduce time and resource requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual image assessment and repositioning steps are performed, then patient positioning accuracy can be verified, but the workflow complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient positioning accuracyVSAvoidworkflow complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges image quality assessment, image registration, and positional adjustment determination into a single integrated automated workflow. The computer system performs multiple functions simultaneously - assessing image quality, comparing images, and calculating adjustments - thereby reducing workflow complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback loops where image quality is assessed and used to determine whether re-imaging is necessary. The computer system provides continuous feedback on positioning accuracy through automated image comparison, eliminating the need for complex manual verification steps while ensuring patient positioning accuracy is maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated image registration is implemented, then processing speed increases, but the need for clinical expertise in monitoring decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidclinical oversight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification through automated image quality assessment and registration validation. The computer system monitors its own performance by evaluating image quality metrics and determining whether adjustments are necessary, maintaining reliability through self-checking mechanisms while enabling high-speed automated processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual clinical monitoring with automated computer-based validation systems. The system uses algorithmic methods to verify positioning accuracy and image quality, substituting clinical expertise with automated digital validation that maintains reliability while enabling faster processing speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250345633A1Computer-implemented method for use in a radiotherapy workflow

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 ELEKTA AB

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for use in a radiotherapy workflow, comprises loading a reference image and obtaining at least one localization image of a patient positioned on an adjustable patient support. The method can further comprise loading the at least one localization image for display for user image quality review and for comparison with the reference image to identify patient support adjustment values and permit user image registration optimization. The at least one localization image and the reference image are loaded for display at a common display location, the patient support adjustment values are displayed for patient setup positioning error review, and upon receiving user input confirming the at least one localization image is of acceptable quality and image registration is optimized, the patient support adjustment values are sent for application to the adjustable patient support.