Semi-Vertical Patient Positioning With X-Ray Beam Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for precise patient positioning and verification in particle beam therapy to ensure targeted delivery of energy to cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, and maintaining patient position throughout the treatment.
Innovation Solution
A semi-vertical patient positioning and immobilization method using a system with X-ray verification for aligning the patient before and during proton beam therapy, incorporating movable supports for precise alignment and stabilization, and synchronizing proton delivery with the patient's breathing cycle to account for internal movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional patient positioning methods are used, then setup time is reduced, but positioning precision and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary X-ray imaging and positioning verification before the actual particle beam therapy treatment. The patient is positioned on the treatment table and X-ray images are acquired to verify alignment with the treatment plan, allowing corrections to be made before beam delivery begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures high precision without adding significant time to the overall treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time X-ray imaging to provide feedback on patient positioning accuracy during setup. The acquired images are compared against the treatment plan geometry, and adjustments are made based on this feedback. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise positioning while minimizing iterative adjustments and associated time loss.
2Reliability
If patient positioning is verified frequently, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic positioning verification using X-ray imaging at key stages: initial setup, before beam delivery, and optionally during treatment if patient movement is detected. This periodic verification maintains positioning reliability without requiring continuous imaging, thereby preserving treatment efficiency by minimizing interruptions to the beam delivery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning verification process is integrated into the treatment workflow without breaking the continuity of useful action. The X-ray imaging and verification steps are efficiently coordinated with beam delivery schedules, ensuring that positioning accuracy is maintained while minimizing interruptions to the overall treatment process and maintaining high productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If X-ray imaging is performed in the same path as particle beam, then alignment precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the X-ray imaging system with the particle beam therapy system by positioning the X-ray source and detector in the same treatment path as the particle beam. This integration allows both imaging and therapy to be delivered through the same gantry and positioning mechanisms, improving alignment precision between the imaging reference and treatment beam while reducing the need for separate positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment table, gantry, and positioning mechanisms serve dual functions: they position the patient for both X-ray imaging and particle beam delivery. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating redundant positioning systems while maintaining high alignment precision through unified control of all components.
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 allows for accurate and precise targeting of tumors, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues and optimizing the efficiency of proton beam therapy by maintaining patient alignment and synchronizing treatment with natural body movements.
Implementation Method 1
The system uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a charged particle beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system to align the subject just prior to proton beam therapy and/or to verify patient positioning during proton beam therapy
Implementation Method 2
Proton therapy works by aiming energetic ionizing particles, such as protons accelerated with a particle accelerator, onto a target tumor. These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a semi-vertical patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.