Tomosynthesis Imaging for Moving Target Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy methods face challenges in accurately irradiating moving targets, such as tumors in the lung and liver, due to respiratory movements, which can result in incomplete or inaccurate delivery of the treatment dose.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a particle beam system with an imaging unit and control unit that captures and reconstructs digital tomosynthesis images from x-ray images taken from different directions, allowing for precise tracking and adjustment of the irradiation profile to match the movement of the target, enabling more precise and flexible treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional x-ray images or fluoroscopy images are used to capture object movement, then the movement can be captured, but the temporal resolution is insufficient and soft part contrast is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple x-ray emitters and detectors positioned at different locations around the object. Each emitter-detector pair captures images from its specific direction, and these segmented views are later synthesized to create high-temporal-resolution tomosynthesis images with improved soft tissue contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional two-dimensional x-ray or fluoroscopy images to three-dimensional tomosynthesis images by adding the spatial dimension of multiple viewing angles. This dimensional change enables simultaneous improvement of temporal resolution and soft part contrast through online reconstruction of 3D image data records.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging unit is positioned fixed relative to the beam outlet, then the system structure is simplified, but the ability to capture movement from multiple directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is segmented into multiple independent x-ray emitters and detectors positioned at different locations around the object. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and optimized for capturing movement from its specific direction, thereby improving overall movement capture capability without requiring a single complex positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multiple emitter-detector pairs that can be positioned at various locations around the object, making the system universal for capturing movement from any direction. This multi-functional capability allows the same basic imaging unit to serve multiple positioning configurations depending on the irradiation requirements.
3Measurement precision
If digital tomosynthesis images are reconstructed online during irradiation, then temporal resolution is improved, but computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is pre-programmed with algorithms for online reconstruction of digital tomosynthesis images. These algorithms are prepared and optimized in advance, allowing the reconstruction process to run efficiently during irradiation without requiring complex real-time computational decisions, thus reducing the operational complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the control unit continuously receives image data from the imaging unit, reconstructs tomosynthesis images in real-time, evaluates the object's movement, and uses this information to adapt the irradiation profile. This automated feedback mechanism manages the computational complexity through structured processing stages.
4Manufacturing precision
If the irradiation profile is continuously adapted to target movement, then treatment precision is improved, but the complexity of controlling the irradiation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from the evaluated tomosynthesis images regarding the target's position and movement. This feedback is processed through pre-programmed algorithms that automatically adjust the irradiation profile, enabling continuous adaptation to maintain precision while reducing manual intervention and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to self-regulate the irradiation process by automatically evaluating movement data and adjusting the irradiation profile without external intervention. This self-service capability improves treatment precision through continuous adaptation while simplifying the operational complexity by eliminating the need for manual real-time adjustments.
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 provides higher temporal resolution and improved precision in capturing tumor movement, allowing for tailored irradiation that adapts to the target's position and movement, enhancing treatment accuracy and effectiveness, particularly for lung and liver tumors.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging unit may include an x-ray detector and an x-ray emitter opposite the x-ray detector. The imaging unit may be configured to record x-ray images from different directions during an application of the treatment beam
Data Source
AI summary
A system for carrying out or monitoring irradiation of a moving object using a particle beam is provided. A particle beam may be directed onto the moving object from a beam outlet. X-ray images from different directions are recorded by an imaging unit. The imaging unit may include an x-ray detector and an x-ray emitter opposite the x-ray detector. The imaging unit may be positioned around the object independently of the position of the beam outlet, for example, during application of the particle beam. The X-ray images may be used to reconstruct a series of digital tomosynthesis images of the moving object online. The reconstructed digital tomosynthesis images are evaluated so that movement of the moving object is captured and the irradiation profile is controlled.