Static CT System for Real-Time Monitoring During Pulsed Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in achieving high-precision and adaptive treatment due to the interference of CT imaging with radiation therapy, as CT systems are not designed to operate during treatment without causing vibrations and data corruption from radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A radiation therapy system incorporating a static CT system with x-ray sources and detectors distributed around the treatment area, allowing for scan data acquisition during inter-pulse times of pulsed radiation therapy, avoiding rotation and thus minimizing vibrations and radiation interference, and enabling high-temporal resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a rotating CT system is used for online imaging during radiation therapy, then temporal resolution is improved, but vibrations and radiation interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the CT system during treatment as conventionally done, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the CT system static and utilizing the inter-pulse times of the pulsed radiation therapy beam to acquire images. This eliminates vibrations and radiation interference while maintaining temporal resolution through the pulsed acquisition strategy during inter-pulse intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by synchronizing CT image acquisition with the periodic pulsed structure of the radiation therapy beam. Images are acquired during the inter-pulse times when the beam is off, creating a periodic acquisition pattern that matches the beam pulsing frequency, thereby achieving temporal resolution without continuous rotation or exposure interference.
2Productivity
If CT imaging is performed during radiation therapy, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to radiation interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves real-time monitoring while maintaining image quality by acquiring CT images periodically during the inter-pulse intervals when the radiation beam is off. This periodic acquisition during beam-off periods prevents radiation interference from corrupting the CT data while still providing real-time monitoring capability through continuous or frequent sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the CT system ready and acquiring images at every available inter-pulse interval, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring capability. The static CT system remains continuously operational, acquiring images during each inter-pulse period without interruption to the overall treatment workflow.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a static CT system is used to avoid vibrations, then system stability is improved, but temporal resolution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The static CT system achieves temporal resolution through periodic action by acquiring images at each inter-pulse interval of the pulsed radiation beam. Instead of relying on mechanical rotation speed, the system uses the temporal periodicity of the beam pulsing to drive image acquisition frequency, maintaining system stability while achieving high temporal resolution through frequent periodic sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an electronic/software-controlled periodic acquisition system. Instead of mechanically rotating components to achieve temporal resolution, the system uses electronic control to trigger image acquisition at precise inter-pulse intervals, substituting mechanical motion with electronically timed periodic action that maintains stability while achieving high temporal resolution.
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 configuration enhances imaging precision and reduces radiation exposure, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment during therapy, improving treatment accuracy and reducing toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
a static computed tomography system comprising x-ray sources and detector elements distributed around the treatment area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Radiation therapy system and method for monitoring a subject during a radiation therapy A radiation therapy system comprising a treatment area (4) configured such that a subject (5) or part of a subject (5) can be placed within the treatment area, a static computed tomography system (1) comprising x-ray sources (15) and detector elements distributed around the treatment area (4), and a radiation therapy device (2) configured to create pulsed treatment beams (21) aiming at the treatment area (4) with a pulsed beam pattern comprising pulse duration times (22) of individual pulses and inter-pulse times (23) between pulses; wherein the computed tomography system (1) is configured to acquire scan data from the subject (5) or part of the subject (5) during the inter-pulse times (23).