Rapid Patient Positioning System for Charged Particle Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current charged particle irradiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately, precisely, and quickly positioning patients prior to treatment, with existing methods requiring 15 to 20 minutes and being inaccessible to patients with physical or health constraints.
Innovation Solution
A rapid patient positioning system that includes a charged particle beam therapy system with a negative ion beam source, synchrotron, and X-ray imaging, allowing for precise and efficient positioning of patients in various orientations, including semi-vertical and horizontal positions, using a robot arm and respiration monitoring sensors to coordinate treatment with the patient's cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional patient positioning methods are used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but positioning time is excessive (15-20 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging and positioning calculations before treatment begins. The rapid positioning system pre-aligns the patient using real-time X-ray imaging and automated calculation of isocenter position, eliminating the need for lengthy manual positioning adjustments during treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computer-controlled system that uses real-time X-ray imaging and automated calculations to determine and execute patient positioning, significantly reducing positioning time while maintaining accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional flat table positioning is used, then simple setup is possible, but accessibility for patients with physical constraints is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable, articulating table with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust to various positions and orientations. This dynamic table allows patients with physical constraints to be positioned comfortably while maintaining the simplicity of the overall setup through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to accommodate multiple patient positions and types (supine, prone, lateral, and patients with physical constraints) using a single multi-functional table and imaging system, eliminating the need for multiple specialized positioning devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning is achieved through manual methods, then treatment accuracy is maintained, but treatment efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time X-ray imaging feedback that continuously monitors patient position and provides automated adjustments. This feedback loop ensures treatment accuracy is maintained while eliminating time-consuming manual verification and adjustment steps, thereby improving treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rapid positioning system performs automated positioning and verification without requiring extensive manual intervention. The system self-adjusts patient position based on real-time imaging data, maintaining treatment accuracy while significantly reducing the time and labor required for positioning.
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 efficient, accurate, and precise tumor treatment with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue by rapidly positioning patients and coordinating charged particle beam delivery with their respiratory cycle, reducing treatment time and improving accessibility for all patients.
Implementation Method 1
a charged particle beam apparatus including a synchrotron
Implementation Method 2
X-ray imaging, allowing for precise and efficient positioning of patients
Implementation Method 3
These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death
Implementation Method 4
Proton therapy works by aiming energetic ionizing particles, such as protons accelerated with a particle accelerator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a charged particle beam, rapid patient positioning system including steps of: positioning a patient relative to a table in a substantially vertical orientation, optionally constraining motion of the patient with one or more constraints, transitioning the table through a semi-vertical orientation, such as with a robot arm, and orientating the patient and table in a substantially horizontal orientation, such as in a position for tumor therapy. Preferably, the robot arm is in common with an arm used to move the patient in traditional proton therapy. Optionally, the robot arm is used to re-orientate the patient into a substantially vertical orientation at the conclusion of a charged particle therapy session.