Rotating Imaging Device for Hadron Therapy Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hadron therapy installations face challenges in positioning patients precisely due to bulky and collision-prone imaging devices, which hinder access and increase the risk of accidents during cone beam computed tomography and fluoroscopy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging device that rotates with the irradiation unit and translates laterally, featuring a cradle and guide system to move from a retracted to a deployed position, allowing optimal imaging while minimizing bulk and collision risk, equipped with x-ray producing and receiving equipment on either side of the target volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bulky imaging device is used for cone beam computed tomography, then imaging precision is improved, but the risk of collisions and hindrance to access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is made dynamically movable between a retracted position (where it is received within the irradiation unit) and a deployed position (where it is laterally spaced from the irradiation unit). This dynamic positioning allows the device to be compact during rotation to avoid collisions, while providing adequate imaging capability when deployed for patient positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging device is positioned laterally of the target volume, then access to the patient is improved, but the device bulk increases collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device transitions between a retracted position within the irradiation unit and a deployed position laterally spaced from it. When deployed, the device is positioned laterally of the target volume to facilitate patient access while maintaining a compact profile that reduces collision risk during gantry rotation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the imaging device rotates with the irradiation unit, then alignment with the isocenter is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is merged with the irradiation unit through a shared rotational mechanism. The imaging device is supported by the irradiation unit and rotates therewith, ensuring that the imaging device maintains alignment with the isocenter throughout the rotation. This integration reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms and simplifies the overall system.
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
The solution enables precise patient positioning with reduced bulk and risk of collisions, facilitating better access and efficient imaging during hadron therapy treatments by maintaining alignment and avoiding obstacles within the treatment area.
Implementation Method 1
a piece of x-ray producing equipment and a piece of x-ray receiving equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hadron therapy installation that comprises an irradiation unit (1) supported by a rotary support structure, so as to be able to rotate around a target volume (15) centered on the axis of rotation (22), to deliver a treatment beam (17) from different angles on the target volume (15). An imaging device (3, 4) is secured in rotation with the irradiation unit (1) and translatable relative to the irradiation unit (1) between a retracted position at the irradiation unit (1) and a lateral deployed position relative to the target volume (15), such that in its deployed position, the imaging device (3, 4) can rotate around the target volume (15) together with the irradiation unit (1). Such an installation can be used for a cone beam computed tomography method and/or a fluoroscopic imaging method on a patient to be treated in the hadron therapy installation.