Skin Radiation Applicator with Integrated Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation treatment systems for skin conditions, such as skin cancer, lack precise targeting and real-time visualization capabilities, leading to potential misalignment and reduced treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A medical device equipped with a radiation source, collimator, optical device (including a camera), and optional flattening filter, which allows for precise alignment and real-time imaging of the target area on the skin, ensuring accurate radiation delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If radiation treatment systems use traditional delivery methods without integrated imaging, then the device complexity is lower, but the manufacturing precision and treatment accuracy deteriorate due to lack of real-time visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation delivery system with an integrated optical imaging system (camera) and illumination source within the same applicator device. This merging allows real-time visualization of the treatment area during radiation delivery, ensuring precise targeting while maintaining a compact, unified device structure that does not significantly increase overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device serves multiple functions: it delivers radiation therapy while simultaneously providing optical imaging and illumination capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate imaging equipment, improving treatment accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the collimator is made opaque for radiation shielding, then radiation protection is improved, but the ability to view the target area through the collimator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of a camera and illumination source positioned within the collimator. The illumination source provides light to illuminate the target area, while the camera captures images through the collimator structure. This intermediary system enables visualization without compromising the collimator's radiation shielding function, as the optical components are positioned to allow both imaging and radiation protection.
3Measurement precision
If real-time imaging capabilities are added to the radiation treatment device, then treatment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements imaging capabilities locally within the radiation applicator itself, rather than using a separate complex imaging system. The camera and illumination source are positioned specifically at the treatment site, providing targeted visualization only where needed. This localized approach improves measurement precision for target identification while minimizing overall device complexity by avoiding system-wide imaging infrastructure.
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 precise radiation delivery and real-time monitoring, improving treatment accuracy and ensuring that the radiation source is properly aligned with the target area, enhancing the effectiveness of skin cancer treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source configured to provide radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical device for viewing a target area on the skin
Implementation Method 3
a fiber optic bundle coupled to the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for treating a skin of a patient includes: a radiation source configured to provide radiation; a collimator coupled to the radiation source; and an optical device for viewing a target area on the skin when a distal end of the medical device is covering the skin. A method of treating a skin of a patient includes: providing a treatment device having a distal end, a radiation source, and a collimator, wherein the distal end is configured for placement over the skin of the patient so that the skin of the patient is covered by the distal end of the treatment device; and providing an image of a target on the skin when the distal end of the treatment device is covering the skin of the patient.