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Publication Number
US-10653895-B2
Publication Date
2020-05-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
A radiotherapy apparatus includes a fixed support and a gantry including a chassis part and a source part, the chassis part being rotatably attached to the fixed support to allow rotation thereof about a generally horizontal axis, and the source part being connected to the chassis part via a rotatable connection allowing the source part to rotate relative to the chassis part around a transverse axis. The source part includes a source of therapeutic radiation directed towards the intersection of the transverse axis and the horizontal axis. The chassis part and the source part together define an annular ring that encircles the horizontal axis. In this way, the radiotherapy apparatus can provide the full usual range of treatments, but can also adapt itself to adopt a non-coplanar geometry when required, for example to treat difficult locations in the head and neck.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to a radiotherapy apparatus that includes a fixed support and a gantry having an opening configured to receive a patient. The gantry comprises a chassis part rotateably attached to the fixed support such that the chassis part is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, and the therapeutic radiation is directed towards an intersection of the first rotation axis and a second rotation axis.
A source part is mounted upon the chassis part and is connected to the chassis part via at least one rotateable connection. The source part is configured to rotate relative to the chassis part around a second rotation axis that is transverse to and intersects with the first rotation horizontal axis. The therapeutic radiation source in the source part is configured to be directed towards the intersection of the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, while the chassis part and the source part define an annular ring that encircles the first rotation axis.
In the described implementation, the annular, two-axis gantry architecture enables conventional coplanar treatment and selectable non-coplanar geometries without moving the isocentre, including geometries such as head and neck. The source part may include optional therapeutic collimation using a multi-leaf collimator (MLC), and an integrated diagnostic imaging system aligned with the transverse axis, including a kV x-ray tube and a detector panel with a moveable detector on an arc for switching between kV imaging and MV imaging.
Claims Coverage
The provided claim set includes one independent claim and dependent claims that refine the two-axis gantry kinematics. The core inventive features are the chassis part rotating about a first rotation axis, the source part rotating relative to the chassis about a transverse second rotation axis intersecting the first axis, therapeutic radiation directed to the intersection, and an annular ring geometry encircling the first axis.
Two-axis rotation gantry with transverse intersecting axes
The chassis part is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, and the source part is connected to the chassis part via at least one rotateable connection such that the source part rotates relative to the chassis around a second rotation axis that is transverse to and intersects with the first rotation horizontal axis.
Therapeutic radiation directed to the intersection
A source of therapeutic radiation in the source part is configured to be directed towards the intersection of the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.
Annular ring encircling the first rotation axis
The chassis part and the source part define an annular ring that encircles the first rotation axis.
Therapeutic collimation apparatus in the source part
The source part includes a collimation apparatus for therapeutic radiation.
Diagnostic radiation source and detector in the chassis part
The chassis part contains a diagnostic radiation source and a detector for the diagnostic radiation.
Transverse directional relationship between diagnostic and therapeutic radiation beams
The diagnostic radiation source emits a diagnostic radiation beam transversely relative to the therapeutic radiation beam direction.
Chassis rotation capability exceeding 360 degrees
The chassis part can rotate around a fixed support by more than 360 degrees.
Incomplete ring of the source part between two rotatable connections
The source part forms an incomplete ring extending between a first and a second rotatable connection to the chassis part.
The central claim structure is a fixed-support gantry with a chassis rotating about a first axis and a therapeutic radiation source rotating relative to the chassis about a transverse, intersecting second axis. The therapeutic beam is directed to the axis intersection, and the chassis and source define an annular ring encircling the first axis. Dependent claims add therapeutic collimation, diagnostic imaging hardware, a transverse relationship between diagnostic and therapeutic beam directions, quantified rotation beyond 360 degrees, and an incomplete ring geometry between rotatable connections.
Stated Advantages
Enables conventional coplanar treatment and selectable non-coplanar geometries without moving the isocentre.
Allows selectable non-coplanar geometries including head and neck.
Documented Applications
Radiotherapy treatment using conventional coplanar treatment and selectable non-coplanar geometries, including head and neck.
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