Patent ID: 9144691
Filing Date: 2015-09-29
Classification: A61N,G21F

Abstract:
1. A method for use in intensity modulated radiation therapy by irradiating a target from a plurality of orientations, wherein the orientations are associated with radiation beams respectively collimated into radiation fields, comprising the steps of: for each of the plurality of orientations, segmenting the corresponding radiation field into segments, and for each segment: selecting segment intensity and segment profiles for radiation attenuating elements of a modulator, and irradiating the segment by the segment intensity and modulating the segment intensity according to the segment profiles; and wherein said modulator comprises a plurality of solid, displaceable radiation attenuating elements arranged in at least one row, said radiation attenuating elements being configured to attenuate portions of a radiation beam inside the radiation field according to the position of the radiation attenuating elements, and wherein each radiation attenuating element is respectively attached to a substantially radiolucent member; and wherein the step of modulating the segment intensity according to the segment profiles comprises storing motion profiles and driving said radiation attenuating elements in directions generally perpendicular to the radiation beam via the substantially radiolucent members, wherein the respective motions of the radiation attenuating elements are according to corresponding motion profiles, and wherein a motion profile of each segment relates position and/or velocity of said radiation attenuating elements to time and/or irradiation level.