Radiotherapy Device Shuttle Mode Imaging Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy devices face challenges in achieving precise targeting of moving organs within the body during treatment, leading to unnecessary irradiation of healthy tissues and side effects, due to limitations in imaging modalities and the need for complex integration of imaging and irradiation devices.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy treatment device design where the image acquisition device and irradiation device, such as a magnetic resonance device and a linear accelerator, are operated in a 'shuttle mode' as separate functional units, allowing them to be moved independently around a stationary patient, enabling high-quality imaging and treatment without patient movement, using a guidance system and shielding to minimize interaction and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If imaging and irradiation devices are integrated into a single combined system, then continuous real-time imaging during irradiation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate functional units: an imaging device and an irradiation device. These units operate independently but are coordinated through a control system that synchronizes their operations based on pre-planned timing sequences, allowing continuous imaging capability without physical integration
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging and irradiation operations follow a periodic alternating pattern where the imaging device captures images at predetermined time intervals, and the irradiation device delivers treatment in synchronized cycles. This periodic coordination achieves continuous monitoring capability without requiring simultaneous operation of both devices
2Device complexity
If imaging and irradiation devices are operated as separate units, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but continuous real-time imaging during irradiation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives image data from the imaging device, processes it to determine target position and movement, and uses this feedback information to adjust and synchronize irradiation timing. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate target tracking despite the separate operation of imaging and irradiation devices
Solution Approach 2:
Irradiation parameters and timing are pre-planned and pre-configured based on treatment protocols. The control system has predetermined sequences ready that coordinate when imaging should occur and when irradiation should be delivered, enabling seamless alternating operation without real-time complex decision-making
3Productivity
If patient is moved between imaging and treatment positions, then both imaging and irradiation can be performed, but patient comfort decreases and treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the patient between separate imaging and treatment rooms (spatial separation), the system uses temporal separation where imaging and irradiation devices alternate operations at the same patient position. This dimensional change from spatial to temporal arrangement maintains patient comfort while achieving both functions
4Manufacturing precision
If safety margins are increased to account for organ movement, then target coverage is improved, but healthy tissue exposure increases causing side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of fixed safety margins with an image-guided dynamic positioning system. By capturing images at multiple time points and calculating target position changes, the control system dynamically adjusts irradiation timing to track the moving target, eliminating the need for excessive static safety margins and reducing healthy tissue exposure
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 approach reduces the need for costly integration of devices, enhances image quality, and allows for precise adaptation of irradiation planning to the current position of the target organ, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues and improving patient comfort by avoiding patient movement.
Implementation Method 1
an image acquisition device, in particular a magnetic resonance device
Implementation Method 2
an irradiation device comprising in particular a linear accelerator... accelerated particles are emitted in a targeted manner in such a way that they deposit the majority of their energy in an irradiation target
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy treatment device comprising an image acquisition device, in particular a magnetic resonance device, an irradiation device comprising in particular a linear accelerator, and a patient positioning device having a patient positioning platform, wherein a movement device is provided for jointly moving the image acquisition device and the irradiation device between an irradiation position, in which a radiotherapeutic treatment of a patient located on the patient positioning platform is possible by means of the irradiation device, and an image acquisition position, in which an image acquisition of the patient located on the patient positioning platform is possible by means of the image acquisition device is provided. A radiotherapy method for treating an irradiation target in a patient by means of such a radiotherapy treatment device is also disclosed.