Respiratory Gating via Triangulation and Polynomial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory gating systems for radiation therapy either require invasive fiducial markers or rely on a single external marker, leading to reduced accuracy and increased treatment time due to uncertainty in patient breathing stability and the need for costly biofeedback training.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory gating system that uses a breathing respirator to measure inhalation and exhalation amounts, combined with three external markers and a computer program applying triangulation methods and dual polynomial equations to track and calculate real-time position coordinates, allowing for accurate radiation orientation based on natural breathing patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single external marker is used for tracking, then the system is non-invasive and easier to operate, but the tracking accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into multiple independent external markers (at least three markers) distributed across the patient's body surface. Each marker provides independent position data, and their collective information enables accurate 3D position tracking of the internal organ through geometric calculation, thereby maintaining non-invasive operation while improving tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D image-based tracking to 3D spatial tracking by using multiple external markers positioned at different locations. The computer calculates the third dimension (depth) by triangulating positions from multiple camera views or by using the spatial relationships between multiple markers, enabling precise 3D position tracking that overcomes the limitations of single-marker 2D tracking.
2Reliability
If biofeedback training is used to stabilize breathing, then breathing control may be improved, but treatment time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to undergo radiation therapy using their natural breathing patterns without requiring biofeedback training. The system automatically tracks organ position based on external marker movement caused by natural respiration, and the computer calculates real-time position coordinates to guide radiation delivery. This eliminates the need for time-consuming breathing stabilization training while maintaining treatment reliability through continuous position monitoring and adjustment.
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 system enhances the accuracy and stability of radiation therapy by tracking organ movement in real-time using natural breathing, enabling more precise radiation emission on a varying target position, thus reducing treatment time and costs associated with biofeedback training.
Implementation Method 1
a breathing respirator for allowing the patient's respiration amount to be measured
Implementation Method 2
an image diagnosis device for imaging the region of the subject of the patient on which treatment is to be carried out by photographing the same
Implementation Method 3
a computer program programmed so as to calculate, as position coordinates, the change in position of the subject on which treatment is to be carried out, according to the respiration amount measured by the computed tomography equipment and the each external marker, through a triangulation method and dual polynomial equations
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory gating system is disclosed that varies the orientation of a radiation emitting device according to a patient's natural breathing. A breathing respirator is provided that allows the patient's respiration amount to be measured. External markers are adhered to triangulation points around a radiation target region, such as a heart, of the patient. An image diagnosis device images the target region. A computed tomography device reveals movements of the target region caused by the respiration. Triangulations and polynomial approximations are used to estimate the trajectory of the target region in real time. Position coordinates derived from the estimated trajectory are transmitted to the radiation emitting device. The system increases the accuracy and stability of the entire radiation therapy result.