Automated Supplemental Patient Volume Calculation for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation treatment plans are rendered less viable or unusable due to changes in a patient's physical circumstances over time, such as variations in organ size and shape, which existing technologies fail to accurately account for.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that calculates supplemental patient volume information using subsequent data, allowing for real-time adjustments to radiation-treatment plans by applying rules or deformable registration algorithms to update the treatment plan based on new patient information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If radiation treatment plans are based on presumed patient volume metrics obtained beforehand, then the treatment planning process is efficient and can be implemented, but the treatment plan becomes less viable or unusable when the patient's physical circumstances change over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a baseline treatment plan based on presumed patient volume metrics obtained beforehand (such as from previous x-rays, CT data, or atlases). This preliminary plan serves as a foundation that can be quickly adjusted later, allowing efficient initial planning while maintaining the ability to adapt when patient circumstances change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by enabling real-time or near-real-time updates to the treatment plan based on subsequently obtained patient volume information. The control circuit automatically recalculates and adjusts radiation dosing parameters when new imaging data becomes available, transforming a static treatment plan into a dynamic one that adapts to changing patient anatomy.
2Reliability
If real-time updates to treatment plans are implemented based on subsequent patient information, then treatment plan reliability improves, but system complexity and calculation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring patient volume metrics through subsequent imaging data and automatically using this information to recalculate and update treatment plan parameters. The control circuit receives feedback from new imaging data and adjusts radiation dosing accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains treatment plan reliability without requiring manual re-planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating supplemental patient volume information and adjusting treatment plans without requiring manual intervention from radiation therapists or physicians. The control circuit autonomously processes new imaging data, applies appropriate algorithms (such as deformable registration), and updates treatment parameters, reducing the burden on medical personnel while maintaining high reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated calculation of supplemental patient volume information is implemented, then adaptability to patient changes improves, but information processing requirements and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by focusing computational resources on calculating only the supplemental patient volume information that is relevant to treatment plan adjustments, rather than performing complete re-planning. The control circuit identifies and processes only the specific volume metrics and anatomical changes that impact radiation dosing, reducing overall computational energy requirements while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit that operably couples to a memory having a radiation-treatment plan stored therein that is based upon a particular patient volume receives subsequent information regarding that particular patient volume and automatically uses that subsequent information to calculate supplemental patient volume information to be used by the radiation-treatment plan. By one approach this supplemental patient volume information comprises replacement information to be used in lieu of the presumed patient volume information. The foregoing may include applying at least one rule to effect the aforementioned calculation, applying one or more deformable registration algorithms, and/or one or more Boolean operators.