Radiotherapy Imaging System With Switchable CT and CBCT Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiotherapy devices lack integrated imaging systems that provide both high-quality CT and CBCT capabilities without significant cost or complexity, as tileable detectors are unsuitable for radiotherapy environments due to the intense radiation levels.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy device equipped with a single source of imaging radiation and a detector comprising an array of tileable photodetectors, capable of switching between CT and CBCT modalities, allowing for both high-quality CT imaging and efficient CBCT imaging without increasing device size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large CT imaging panel is used to collect more imaging radiation attenuation data, then imaging speed and image quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform both CT and CBCT imaging modalities using a single detector array, allowing the system to serve multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each modality
Solution Approach 2:
The detector panel is divided into multiple tileable photodetector modules that can be independently configured and arranged to form different detector geometries suitable for CT or CBCT imaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If tileable detectors are used to create a custom-sized photodetector panel, then imaging flexibility and image quality are improved, but reliability under intense radiation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different imaging modalities (CT and CBCT) and adjusting detector configuration to optimize performance for each modality while managing radiation exposure levels
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable, allowing the system to adapt the detector geometry and arrangement based on the imaging modality being performed, optimizing both flexibility and radiation resistance
3Productivity
If CBCT imaging is used instead of CT imaging in radiotherapy devices, then imaging speed is improved and patient radiation dose is reduced, but imaging quality for treatment planning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform both CT and CBCT imaging modalities using a single detector array, allowing the system to serve multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each modality
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or alternating use of different imaging modalities - using CT imaging for initial treatment planning when high quality is needed, and CBCT imaging during treatment for faster monitoring and verification
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
Enables high-quality CT imaging for pre-treatment planning and fast, artifact-free CBCT imaging during treatment, reducing the dose to the patient and maintaining device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an array of photodetectors each capable of providing a signal indicative of the intensity of imaging radiation incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a radiotherapy device comprising a source of therapeutic radiation and an imaging system, the imaging system comprising a source of imaging radiation and a detector. The imaging system is switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration wherein, in the first configuration, the imaging system is configured to emit a beam of imaging radiation shaped for a first imaging modality toward the detector and, in the second configuration, the imaging system is configured to emit a beam of imaging radiation shaped for a second imaging modality toward the detector. The detector is of a shape formed by at least a first and a second section, the first and second section intersecting one another, wherein the first section is positioned for receiving the beam of imaging radiation for the first imaging modality, and the second section is positioned for receiving the beam of imaging radiation for the second imaging modality.