Phased Array Tumor Marker Localization With Adaptive Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking tumors inside movable patient tissues face limitations such as high cost, limited field of view, complex imaging requirements, and exposure to high EM radiation, especially for patients with large body sizes, and inefficient use of EM energy due to antenna impedance mismatch.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna system with a processor to transmit and receive wireless signals from implanted markers, using adaptive impedance matching and beamforming to determine the marker's location, reducing EM radiation exposure and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wireless transceiver is placed on top of the patient to track tumor location, then millimeter range accuracy can be achieved, but the system blocks the beam path during radiotherapy and exposes the patient to significantly high EM radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary marker (seed implant) that is implanted near the tumor rather than using a transceiver on the patient's surface. This marker acts as a mediator that reflects EM signals back to the antenna array, enabling accurate tumor tracking while avoiding the harmful effects of placing a powered transceiver on the patient. The marker passively reflects signals, significantly reducing EM radiation exposure to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active transceiver that transmits and receives signals (as in conventional systems), the patent inverts the approach by using a passive marker that only reflects signals. The antenna array performs both transmission and reception, eliminating the need for a separate receiver on the patient and reducing overall EM radiation exposure while maintaining tracking accuracy.
2Reliability
If a wireless transceiver is placed on top of the patient to track tumor location, then real-time tracking can be achieved, but the navigation volume is limited by the generated magnetic field and usage is limited for patients with large body size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into two independent components: a passive marker implanted near the tumor and an external antenna array. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different patient sizes by adjusting the antenna array configuration without being constrained by a fixed transceiver position on the patient's body, thereby improving versatility across different patient anatomies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point transceiver measurement to a distributed antenna array system that captures signal reflections from multiple spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables the system to track tumors in patients of various sizes by utilizing the spatial distribution of antenna elements to overcome body size limitations and expand navigation volume.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional antenna systems are used to transmit wireless signals to implanted markers, then communication can be established, but lots of EM energy is wasted due to antenna impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the reflection of EM signals from the implanted marker back to the antenna array. By analyzing the reflected signals, the system can adjust transmission parameters and impedance matching in real-time, maximizing energy transfer efficiency and minimizing EM energy waste due to impedance mismatch between the antenna and the implanted marker.
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
Accurately tracks implanted wireless markers near tumors with reduced EM radiation and improved signal strength, overcoming limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the processor is configured to control the phased array antenna to transmit a wireless signal to the wireless marker, receive a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless marker in response to the transmitted wireless signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for determining a location of a wireless marker for a tumor, the apparatus comprising: a phased array antenna, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the phased array antenna to transmit a wireless signal to the wireless marker, receive a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless marker in response to the transmitted wireless signal, and analyze the wireless signals transmitted and received by the phased array antenna to determine a location of the wireless marker. The present disclosure also provides a method for determining a location of a wireless marker for a tumor, wherein the method comprises: transmitting, using a phased antenna array, a wireless signal to the wireless marker, receiving, at the phased antenna array, a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless marker in response to the transmitted wireless signal, and analyzing the wireless signals transmitted and received by the phased array antenna to determine a location of the wireless marker.