Radiation therapy systems that include primary radiation shielding, and modular secondary radiation shields

Radiation therapy systems and their components, including secondary radiation shields. At least some versions of the disclosed systems combine a radiation delivery device, a primary radiation shielding device, and a secondary shielding layer into an integrated, modular unit. This is accomplished by using a small direct beam shield capable of blocking a primary beam from a radiation delivery device. In turn, a thinner shielding layer can be used to surround the radiation delivery device and primary shielding device, enabling a single modular unit to be delivered to an installation site. In some embodiments, a bed may be disposed within the secondary shielding layer. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide up to 4-pi (4π) steradians of radiation coverage to the bed from the radiation delivery device.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosed invention relates generally to radiation therapy systems, such as linear accelerator (linac) systems, and to radiation shields for use with such systems.

2. Description of Related Art

A typical example of a radiation therapy photon producing linac system comprises a linac device placed within a large, thick, concrete-lined room or bunker. The linac usually rotates on a horizontal axis around a patient lying on a horizontal platform. Primary radiation is generated from the head of the linac. Primary radiation can emanate in multiple directions and potentially has considerable penetrating power depending on the energy range of the linac. Secondary radiation arises when primary radiation interacts with components of the linac, the patient, equipment in the bunker, and/or the walls of the bunker. Secondary radiation typically has less penetrating power, but remains an exposure health risk.

The primary radiation beam is collimated to be mostly unidirectional. As the patient is treated, much of the primary radiation beam exits the patient and hits the thick walls of the bunker. The bunker is intended to shield the staff and the public from both primary radiation and secondary radiation. The bunker's shielding walls are stationary and completely decoupled from the linac device itself. Some such systems have a shield, or beam stopper, opposing the radiation source and that stays aligned with (and in opposition to) the radiation source as the two rotate. Configurations of linac systems may be limited in their directional geometry by their inherent size, orientation of beams relative to the patient, and integrated devices used in the control and guidance of the linac beam. Examples of radiation therapy systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,512,813 and 7,758,241; and in Pub. Nos. US 2012/0150016; US 2012/0150018; US 2012/0294424; and US 2013/0144104.

SUMMARY

This disclosure includes embodiments of radiation therapy systems in combinations with shielding for both primary and secondary radiation. This disclosure also includes embodiments of components of such systems, such as rail devices (or rail structures) to which one or more radiation sources and, optionally, one or more imaging sources may be coupled; such components may also include a housing for covering at least a portion of such rail devices. This disclosure also includes embodiments of shields, including shields having a dome shape and including a pivotable door that can cover an opening through which a patient may enter the shield.

Some embodiments of the disclosed systems comprise a radiation therapy apparatus that includes an inner layer having a radiation delivery device and a primary radiation shielding device; and an outer layer having a secondary radiation shielding device.

In some embodiments, the outer layer comprises a dome shape. In some embodiments, the inner layer further comprises one or more rails mounted on an inner surface of the inner layer, the rails being disposed in a circular shape. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device are disposed on the one or more rails, the primary radiation shielding device disposed opposite the radiation delivery device and configured to block primary radiation emitted from the radiation delivery device. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a treatment table disposed inside the one or more rails. In some embodiments, the treatment table comprises a platform supported by one or more legs connected to the inner surface of the inner layer. In some embodiments, the treatment table is configured to isocentrically rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the treatment table is configured to move in a lengthwise direction, a widthwise direction, and an orthogonal direction relative to a horizontal axis, thereby allowing up to 4-pi (4π) steradians of beam entry toward the patient.

In some embodiments, the inner layer further comprises one or more imaging sources. In some embodiments, the one or more imaging sources are disposed on the one or more rails. In some embodiments, the inner layer further comprises one or more imaging panels. In some embodiments, the one or more imaging sources are disposed on the one or more rails, the one or more imaging panels disposed opposite the one or more imaging sources and configured to receive radiation emitted from the one or more imaging sources. In some embodiments, the one or more imaging sources are X-ray emitting devices. In some embodiments, the one or more imaging sources provide one or more of 2D images, 3D images, 2D plus time images, and 3D plus time images.

In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device comprises one or more of a linac device or a Co-60 emitting device. In some embodiments, the primary radiation shielding device comprises a beam block. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device rotate around a horizontal axis in synchrony with each other. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device rotate around a vertical axis in synchrony with each other.

Some embodiments of the disclosed systems comprise a radiation therapy apparatus that includes an inner layer having a radiation delivery device and a primary radiation shielding device; and an outer layer having a secondary radiation shielding device, where the inner layer is movable in relation to the outer layer and the outer layer is disposed in a cylindrical tube shape.

In some embodiments, the inner layer further comprises one or more rails mounted on an inner surface of the inner layer, the rails being disposed in a circular shape around a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device are disposed on the one or more rails, the primary radiation shielding device disposed opposite the radiation delivery device and configured to receive primary radiation emitted from the radiation delivery device. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device rotate around a horizontal axis in synchrony with each other. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device further comprises a treatment table disposed inside the one or more rails. In some embodiments, the treatment table is movable and configured to slide in a longitudinal direction along the horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the one or more rails are disposed to slide in a longitudinal direction along the horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the outer layer covering the ends of the tube comprises doors, the doors configured to enable the treatment table to enter the tube through a first door and exit the tube through a second door.

Some embodiments of the disclosed systems comprise a radiation therapy apparatus, comprising a radiation delivery device disposed to rotate around a horizontal axis; a primary radiation shielding device; and an outer layer comprising a secondary radiation shielding device, configured to cover the radiation delivery device.

In some embodiments, the outer layer comprises a dome shape. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device further comprises one or more rails mounted on an inner surface of the outer layer, the rails being disposed in a circular shape. In some embodiments, the primary radiation shielding device is disposed on the one or more rails, the primary radiation shielding device disposed opposite the radiation delivery device and configured to block primary radiation emitted from the radiation delivery device. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device comprises one or more of a linac device or a Co-60 emitting device. In some embodiments, the primary radiation shielding device comprises a beam block. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device rotate around a horizontal axis in synchrony with each other.

In some embodiments, the radiation therapy apparatus comprises a secondary shielding device comprising a cylinder-shaped portion and a ring-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the ring-shaped portion is disposed to cover a radiation delivery device, and a primary radiation shielding device. In some embodiments, a housing is configured to cover the secondary shielding device.

In some embodiments, the radiation therapy apparatus comprises one or more rails disposed in a circular shape and configured to rotate around a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device are coupled to the one or more rails, the primary radiation shielding device being disposed opposite the radiation delivery device and configured to receive primary radiation emitted from the radiation delivery device. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured so that the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device can rotate around a horizontal axis in synchrony with each other.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a treatment table disposed inside the one or more rails. In some embodiments, the treatment table is movable and configured to slide in a longitudinal direction inside the inner layer. In some embodiments, the housing comprises one or more doors coupled to the third cylinder-shaped section.

In some embodiments, a radiation therapy apparatus further comprises a gear device. In some embodiments, a rotating member is coupled to the gear device, the rotating member configured to rotate around a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the inner layer comprises a ring structure coupled to the rotating member. In some embodiments, the ring structure rotates around the vertical axis.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a treatment table disposed inside the ring structure. In some embodiments, the treatment table is supported by one or more legs coupled to the outer layer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a floor, the floor being coupled to the ring structure and configured to rotate around a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the floor further comprises one or more openings disposed around the one or more legs, the openings configured to enable the floor to avoid contact with the one or more legs when the floor rotates about the vertical axis.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured so that the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device can rotate around a horizontal axis in synchrony with each other. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to provide 4π steradians of radiation coverage to the isocentrically rotating treatment table.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a radiation therapy device comprises disposing a radiation delivery device on an inner layer; disposing a primary radiation shielding device on an inner layer, where the primary radiation shielding device is configured to block a primary radiation beam emitted from the radiation delivery device; and disposing an outer layer covering the inner layer, the outer layer comprising a secondary radiation shielding layer configured to block secondary radiation.

In some embodiments, a radiation therapy apparatus comprises a circular rail structure comprising a radiation delivery device and a primary radiation shielding device. In some embodiments, the rail structure is disposed to rotate around a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, a bed is configured to isocentrically rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis and is disposed at a center of the circular rail structure. In some embodiments, a secondary radiation shielding device is configured to cover the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device. In some embodiments, the bed is further configured to move in a vertical direction and configured to receive 4π steradians of radiation coverage.

In some embodiments, a radiation therapy apparatus comprises a circular rail structure comprising a radiation delivery device and a primary radiation shielding device. In some embodiments, the rail structure is disposed to rotate around a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, a bed is configured to move in three spatial directions and is disposed at a center of the circular rail structure. In some embodiments, a secondary radiation shielding device is configured to cover the radiation delivery device and the primary radiation shielding device. In some embodiments, the bed is further configured to move in directions that comprise length, width, and depth and receive 4π steradians of radiation coverage.

The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two items are “couplable” if they can be coupled to each other. Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, items that are couplable are also decouplable, and vice-versa. One non-limiting way in which a first structure is couplable to a second structure is for the first structure to be configured to be coupled (or configured to be couplable) to the second structure. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a systems, or a component of a systems, that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements or features possesses those one or more elements or features, but is not limited to possessing only those elements or features. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps. Additionally, terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to differentiate structures or features, and not to limit the different structures or features to a particular order.

Details associated with the embodiments described above and others are presented below.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIG. 1, system10, which is one embodiment of the disclosed systems, is shown. In the embodiment shown, a modular dome12, door14, and base16comprise an outer shielding layer for a radiation therapy device. Floor22may be disposed inside base16. In the embodiment shown, dome12is comprised of two sections68coupled together with fasteners70. In other alternative embodiments, dome12may comprise a single section or more than two sections coupled together, and may be characterized as a stationary element. Sections68may be coupled together such as by riveting, bolting, welding, bonding, brazing, dimpling, or the like. In the embodiment shown, ring54is disposed within dome12. Inner face60may be configured to rotate about a horizontal axis. This rotation enables collimator38, a primary shielding device (not shown), imaging sources46a-b, and imaging panels50a-bto be positioned in various configurations about treatment table64. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64is disposed around an isocenter of ring54and comprises bed72disposed centrally on treatment table64. The isocenter of ring54represents the point in space where radiation beams emitted from collimator38intersect as inner face60rotates. Treatment table64may rotate about a vertical axis via tracks, rollers, ball bearings, or the like. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64further comprises one or more legs66coupling treatment table to the center of floor22. One or more legs66may be disposed on a side of channel24. In some embodiments, legs66may be configured to move or telescope in a vertical direction. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64is disposed over channel24and is configured with adequate height to allow collimator38, imaging sources46a-b, and imaging panels50a-b, protruding from (or otherwise having portions positioned more inwardly than) inner face60to clear the underside of treatment table64. In some embodiments, treatment table64may move up and down in a vertical direction via legs66. In the embodiment shown, ring54is disposed to provide a source-to-isocenter distance of greater than 1 meter (m) between a radiation source (not shown) and the isocenter.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bshow an embodiment of the disclosed shields, which can be retrofitted to an existing radiation therapy system or used with one of the disclosed radiation therapy systems. Dome12can be coupled to base16such as by riveting, bolting, welding, bonding, or the like. Door14can be coupled to the top of dome12in such a way as to allow door14to rotate around dome12on a vertical axis. Door14, as the depicted embodiment shows, may have a curved surface or profile that matches or cooperates with an adjacent surface or profile of dome12. Accordingly, dome12and door14may, together, have a substantially dome configuration.

In the embodiment shown, door14is disposed on the outside of dome12and enabled to partially rotate around dome12. In other embodiments, door14may be disposed on the inside of dome12and/or may be enabled to completely rotate around dome12. The bottom of door14can be disposed in guide18. Guide18may be set into base16and outside a side face of dome12in an arc shape. Alternatively, guide18may be disposed on top of base16. Door14may slide along guide18using tracks, rollers, ball bearings, or the like.

Dome12may be configured with an opening. In the embodiment shown, opening20is disposed in a face of dome12. Opening20is sufficiently large to admit one or more humans to the interior of dome12. In the embodiment shown, door14is disposed to cover and uncover opening20by rotating around dome12along the path of guide18. In the embodiment shown, floor22is disposed over the bottom of dome12. The top of floor22may be on the same horizontal plane as the top of base16. Alternatively, floor22may be on a different horizontal plane than the top of base16.

In the embodiment shown, the outer layer of the depicted system—including dome12, door14, and base16—is constructed of a single type or multiple types of radiation shielding material such as lead, steel, tungsten, concrete, or the like. In the embodiment shown, the thicknesses of dome12, door14, and base16are sufficient to block secondary radiation. For purposes of description, primary radiation comprises radiation emitting directly from a radiation delivery device passing through the opening of collimator38. Secondary radiation comprises all other radiation present, such as radiation emitted from the radiation delivery device in other than the intended therapeutic direction, radiation scattered within a patient, or radiation scattered within a treatment room.

As shown inFIG. 3, floor22may be disposed to cover the bottom of dome12. Floor22may comprise a covering over open space between the top surface of the bottom of dome12and the bottom surface of floor22. Alternatively, floor22may comprise a solid material coupled to the bottom of dome12and filling in the bottom of dome12.

FIG. 3also shows an embodiment of another component of the disclosed systems—a channel that supports a rotating rail structure to which the radiation delivery device and, optionally, one or more imaging sources may be coupled. In the embodiment shown, channel24is inset into floor22and positioned such that a plane located at and parallel to the top of surface of channel24is coincident with a plane positioned on the surface of floor22. Alternatively, the top of channel24may be positioned above or below the surface of floor22. In the embodiment shown, the bottom surface of channel24is an arc shape, which in some embodiments can mirror or match the arc shape of dome12. Channel24also includes a structural framework26that spans the sides and bottom surface of channel24. Channel24may be supported in the system by being coupled to base16, such as by legs28, which may be coupled to floor22. Channel24may comprise rolling mechanisms30disposed intermittently along the inside surface (such as along both the sides and bottom) of framework26, which mechanisms will facilitate the movement of the rail structure described below. Rolling mechanisms30can be tracks, rollers, ball bearings, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, channel24may be solid, and may not include framework26.

FIG. 4shows an embodiment of another component of the disclosed systems—a rotating rail structure to which the radiation delivery device and, optionally, one or more imaging sources may be coupled. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, rail structure32comprises one or more rails34disposed in a circular shape. In the embodiment shown, rails34are 0.050 m thick and have 0.45 m of distance between an outer rail34aand inner rail34b. In the embodiment shown, a diameter of rail structure32is 3.4 m and an inner diameter is 2.95 m. In other embodiments involving the depicted structures, other dimensions may be used.

Radiation delivery device36may be coupled to one or more rails34in a stationary position. Alternatively, radiation delivery device36may be coupled to one or more rails34so as to allow radiation delivery device to move along rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36is affixed to receptacle37, which is coupled to rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36further comprises collimator38. Alternatively, radiation delivery device36may be provided without collimator38. In the embodiment shown, collimator38is positioned to have emission face40directed toward the inner area and center of rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, collimator38is 0.500 m long. In other embodiments involving the depicted structures, other dimensions may be used.

In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is provided. Primary shielding device42may be a beam block and may be comprised of lead, steel, tungsten, concrete, or other suitable shielding material. In the embodiment shown, the thickness of primary shielding device42is sufficient to block a primary radiation beam of radiation delivery device36without additional assistance. Primary shielding device42may be configured to block radiation so that it reduces at least 99.9% of the radiation resulting from the operation of radiation delivery device36.

Primary shielding device42may be coupled to one or more rails34in a stationary position. Alternatively, primary shielding device42may be coupled to one or more rails34so as to allow primary shielding device42to move along rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is affixed to receptacle43, which is coupled to rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is positioned to have receiving face44directed toward the inner area and center of rail structure. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is positioned opposite radiation delivery device36on rail structure32. In some embodiments, an opposite position comprises being positioned at a 180° angle from another position. By positioning primary shielding device42opposite radiation delivery device36, primary shielding device42directly receives and blocks primary radiation emitted by radiation shielding device36. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is 0.850 m wide and 0.170 m thick. In other embodiments involving the depicted structures, other dimensions may be used.

In the embodiment shown, one or more imaging sources46a,46bare provided. Imaging sources46a-bmay comprise X-ray, cone beam computed tomography (CT), ultrasound imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies.

Imaging sources46a-bmay be coupled to one or more rails34in a stationary position. Alternatively, imaging sources may be coupled to one or more rails34so as to allow imaging sources46to move along rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, imaging sources46a-bare affixed to receptacles47a-b, respectively, which are coupled to rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, imaging sources46a-bare positioned to have emission faces48a-bdirected toward the inner area and center of rail structure32. Imaging sources46a-bmay be provided intermittently on rail structure32between radiation delivery device36and primary shielding device42.

In the embodiment shown, one or more imaging panels50a-bare provided. Imaging panels50a-bmay receive the emission of X-rays or the like from imaging sources46a-b. Imaging panels50a-bmay be coupled to one or more rails34in a stationary position. Alternatively, imaging panels50a-bmay be coupled to one or more rails34so as to allow imaging panels50a-bto move along rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, imaging panels50a-bare affixed to receptacles51a-b, respectively, which are coupled to rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, imaging panels50a-bare positioned to have receiving faces52a-bdirected toward the inner area and center of rail structure32. Imaging panels50a-bmay be provided intermittently on rail structure32between radiation delivery device36and primary shielding device42. In the embodiment shown, imaging panels50a-bare positioned opposite imaging sources46a-bon rail structure32. By positioning imaging panels50a-bopposite imaging sources46a-b, imaging panels50a-bdirectly receive imaging radiation emitted by imaging sources46a-b.

FIG. 5shows rail structure32in operative relation with framework26, and further shows an embodiment of another component of some of the disclosed systems—treatment table64. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, rail structure32is combined with framework26and treatment table64. Rail structure32is configured to be set into framework26and slide along rolling mechanisms30. In the embodiment shown, outer rails34aof rail structure32are disposed on a top surface of rolling mechanisms30disposed on the bottom of framework26. In the embodiment shown, inner rails34bare disposed on a bottom surface of rolling mechanisms30disposed on the sides of framework26in an arc shape. Rolling mechanisms30may be coupled to one or more electric power sources such as an electric motor, which may be configured to power the rotation of rolling mechanism30. In the embodiment shown, as rolling mechanisms30rotate, outer rails34aand inner rails34bare moved along rolling mechanisms30. This action rotates rail structure32around treatment table64. Although not shown, braking mechanisms may also be coupled to framework26for applying to one or both of the outer and inner rails in order to stop the motion of the rails as desired. In the embodiment shown, collimator38, imaging sources46a-b, and imaging panels50a-b, are disposed to rotate around treatment table64as rail structure32rotates. Collimator38, imaging sources46a-b, and imaging panels50a-bmay be configured to pass underneath training table64as rail structure32rotates.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow an embodiment of another component of the disclosed systems—a housing for the rotating rail structure to which the radiation delivery device and, optionally, one or more imaging sources may be coupled. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the outer housing, which is depicted as ring54, comprises outer face56, side faces58, and inner face60. Inner face60comprises openings or holes62disposed at intermittent intervals along the surface of inner face60, which openings are configured to allow through-placement of portions of the relevant radiation source(s), imaging source(s), and their respective shields/panels. The portions of ring54other than inner face60may comprise two halves or other multiple modular pieces coupled together, with each half or piece including a portion of outer face56and a side face58. In the embodiment shown, the outer and side faces of ring54are stationary and are coupled to floor22in any suitable manner. Inner face60may be coupled to rail structure32so as to rotate with rail structure32around a horizontal axis; thus, inner face60may be movable relative to the outer and side faces of ring54and may also be movable through channel24and underneath floor22. In certain embodiments, ring54may comprise an inner layer disposed inside an outer layer such as dome12.

FIG. 7shows a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of system10. In the embodiment shown, dome12is coupled to base16, with the bottom of dome12resting within base16. Door14is disposed outside the outer surface of dome12and configured to rotate around (or at least partially around) dome12. Ring54is contained inside dome12and a portion of the inner face of ring54is disposed in channel24underneath floor22. In the embodiment shown, outer face56of ring54is stationary and is affixed to floor22at the edge of channel24via framework26. In the embodiment shown, framework26comprises rolling mechanisms30disposed on the inner surface of framework26of channel24. In the embodiment shown, rail structure32is disposed inside of ring54and configured to rotate around a horizontal axis within the outer portion of ring54. In the embodiment shown, rail structure32passes underneath floor22and is configured to rotate by rolling on rolling mechanisms30. Rail structure32may be coupled to a power source providing the power necessary for the rotation of rail structure32.

In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36, imaging sources46, primary shielding device42, and imaging panels50are intermittently coupled in a stationary manner to rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, imaging sources46a-bare intermittently disposed on one side of radiation delivery device36while imaging panels50a-bare intermittently disposed on the other side of radiation delivery device36. In alternative embodiments, imaging sources46and imaging panels50a-bmay be alternately coupled along rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, imaging panels50a-bare disposed opposite imaging sources46a-b. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is disposed opposite radiation delivery device36. Collimator38, imaging sources46a-b, and imaging panels50a-bare configured to protrude through openings62(shown inFIGS. 6A-B) disposed in inner face60of ring54. In an alternative embodiment, collimator38, imaging sources46a-b, and imaging panels50a-bmay be disposed inside ring54.

In the embodiment shown, rail structure32and inner face60of ring54are configured to rotate on a horizontal axis around treatment table64. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64is configured in a horizontal position and coupled to floor22via one or more legs66. Treatment table64may be centrally located within ring54and configured to rotate about a vertical axis. In alternative embodiments, treatment table64may be configured to move spatially in three dimensional directions or be coupled to a surface other than floor22, such as an inner wall of dome12or an outer face56or side face58of ring54. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36and imaging sources46a-bemit radiation onto treatment table64. In the embodiment shown, as treatment table64rotates about a vertical axis and rail structure32rotates about a horizontal axis, a patient lying on treatment table64may receive radiation treatment from multiple directions and angles. These multiple directions and angles may be represented in steradians, or solid angle units. In the embodiment shown, a combination of the rotation of treatment table64and the rotation of rail structure32enables 4π steradians of radiation coverage to be applied to a patient situated at the isocenter.

FIG. 8depicts a side, schematic view of a second embodiment of the disclosed systems. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36is disposed inside dome12. In the embodiment shown, dome12is configured as a secondary radiation shielding device. Radiation delivery device36may be coupled to arm74. Radiation delivery device36may be disposed to rotate about a horizontal axis around treatment table64. Treatment table64may be disposed to rotate about a vertical axis. In the embodiment shown, emission face40of radiation delivery device36is disposed to emit a radiation beam to the intersection of the rotational axes of treatment table64and radiation delivery device36. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, as treatment table64rotates on a vertical axis and radiation delivery device36rotates on a horizontal axis, a patient lying on treatment table64may receive radiation treatment from multiple directions and angles.

In the embodiment shown, inner layer76is coupled to the inner surface of dome12. Inner layer may comprise rail structure32(which may comprise, as explained above, one or more rails34). In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is coupled to inner layer76and disposed to rotate around a horizontal axis. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42rotates to a position opposite emission face40of radiation delivery device36. In doing so, primary shielding device42may rotate to a position underneath floor22. This enables the primary shielding device42to absorb the primary radiation emitted from radiation delivery device36. Primary shielding device42may rotate in synchrony with (or synchronously with) or independently of radiation delivery device36.

FIGS. 9A-Bdepict a side view and a top down view of a third embodiment of the disclosed systems. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9A-B, dome12is configured as a secondary radiation shielding device. In the embodiment shown, inner layer76is coupled to the inner surface of dome12. Inner layer76may comprise rail structure32(which may comprise, as explained above, one or more rails34). In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36and primary shielding device42are coupled to inner layer76and disposed to rotate around a vertical axis in a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may coincide with the diameter of the dome12. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is disposed in a position opposite emission face40of radiation delivery device36. This enables the primary shielding device42to absorb the primary radiation emitted from radiation delivery device36. Primary shielding device42may rotate in synchrony with (or synchronously with) or independently of radiation delivery device36.

In the embodiment shown, treatment table64may be disposed at the center of dome12. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64is configured to slide in each of a lengthwise (L), widthwise (W), and depthwise (D) direction, as shown by arrows inFIGS. 9A-B. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, as treatment table64moves in three spatial directions, a patient lying on treatment table64may receive radiation treatment from multiple directions and angles.

FIG. 10shows a fourth embodiment of the disclosed systems. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, the system's outer layer comprises a secondary radiation shield in the form of housing78, which may be configured as a partial or complete cylinder (both of which may be characterized as cylinder-shaped) with at least one closable opening though which a patient and/or others may pass in preparation for radiation therapy. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the closable opening may be positioned at one end of the housing (though in other embodiments it may be located elsewhere), and housing78may comprise one or more doors80coupled to a central portion of the cylinder-shaped structure for opening/closing to thereby cover the closable opening; such doors may be disposed at one or both ends of housing78. Housing78, including doors80, may comprise the same material(s) as dome12and door14. In the embodiment shown, rail structure32is disposed inside housing78and coupled to framework26. In the embodiment shown, framework26is disposed to move longitudinally along base16, which is coupled to housing78. In the embodiment shown, framework26moves via threaded bars79coupled to base16and along guides18disposed on the bottom surface of base16. As rail structure32moves longitudinally, telescoping panels81disposed between threaded bars79may be configured to retract in a longitudinal direction toward doors80. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36, imaging sources46a-b, imaging panels50a-b, and primary shielding device42are coupled to rail structure32and disposed to rotate around a horizontal axis passing through the center of rail structure32. Rail structure32may be configured as shown inFIG. 4. In the embodiment shown, rail structure32is disposed within channel24and configured to rotate within channel24via rolling mechanisms30. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is disposed in a position opposite emission face40of radiation delivery device36. This enables primary shielding device42to absorb the primary radiation emitted from radiation delivery device36. Primary shielding device42may rotate in synchrony with (or synchronously with) radiation delivery device36.

In the embodiment shown, treatment table64may be disposed on a horizontal axis at the longitudinal center of housing78. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64is coupled to telescoping legs66, which attach treatment table64to floor22. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64is configured to move up and down in a vertical direction via legs66. In the embodiment shown, treatment table64is further configured to move in a horizontal directions. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36and primary shielding device42may rotate azimuthally on rail structure32as rail structure32moves longitudinally along the horizontal axis via threaded bars79.

FIG. 11shows a fifth embodiment of the disclosed systems. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, the system's outer layer comprises a secondary radiation shield in the form of housing78, which may be configured as a partial or complete cylinder (both of which may be characterized as cylinder-shaped) with at least one closable opening though which a patient and/or others may pass in preparation for radiation therapy. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the closable opening may be positioned at one end of the housing (though in other embodiments it may be located elsewhere), and housing78may comprise one or more doors80coupled to a central portion of the cylinder-shaped structure for opening/closing to thereby cover the closable opening; such doors may be disposed at one or both ends of housing78. Housing78, including doors80, may comprise the same material(s) as dome12and door14. In the embodiment shown, rail structure32is disposed inside housing78and coupled to framework26.

In the embodiment shown, framework26is disposed in a fixed position within base16. In some embodiments, framework26may be disposed centrally within housing78. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36, imaging sources46a-b, imaging panels50a-b, and primary shielding device42are coupled to rail structure32and disposed to rotate around a horizontal axis passing through the center of housing78. Rail structure32may be configured as shown inFIGS. 4-5. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is disposed in a position opposite emission face40of radiation delivery device36. This enables primary shielding device42to absorb the primary radiation emitted from radiation delivery device36. Primary shielding device42may rotate in synchrony with (or synchronously with) radiation delivery device36.

In the embodiment shown, the system includes a table system61that includes treatment table63that may be disposed on a horizontal axis at the longitudinal center of housing78. As shown inFIG. 12, which illustrates the table system shown inFIG. 11, table system61also includes a treatment table guide65along which treatment table63may slide. Treatment table guide65may be configured to remain stationary. In the embodiment shown, table system61also includes pedestal67to which treatment table guide65is coupled (e.g., affixed), and pedestal67may be configured to remain stationary. In some embodiments, pedestal67may be affixed to floor22. In some embodiments, pedestal67may be affixed beneath floor22and may protrude above floor22. In some embodiments, pedestal67may be affixed to rear wall85of housing78. In some embodiments, treatment table63of table system61is moveably affixed to treatment table guide65and configured to move longitudinally along a horizontal axis as well as vertically and laterally. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36and primary shielding device42may rotate azimuthally on rail structure32as treatment table63moves longitudinally along the horizontal axis over treatment table guide65.

FIGS. 13A-Dshow a sixth embodiment of the disclosed systems. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 13A-D, the system's outer layer comprises a housing78, which may be configured as a partial or complete cylinder (both of which may be characterized as cylinder-shaped) with at least one closable opening though which a patient may pass in preparation for radiation therapy. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the closable opening may be positioned at one end of the housing (though in other embodiments it may be located elsewhere), and housing78may comprise one or more doors80coupled to a central portion of the cylinder-shaped structure for opening/closing to thereby cover the closable opening; such doors may be disposed at one or both ends of housing78. In the embodiment shown, rail structure32is disposed inside housing78and coupled to framework26.

In the embodiment shown, framework26is disposed in a fixed position within base16. In some embodiments, framework26may be disposed centrally within housing78. In the embodiment shown, radiation delivery device36, imaging sources46a-b, imaging panels50a-b, and primary shielding device42are coupled to rail structure32and disposed to rotate around a horizontal axis passing through the center of housing78. Rail structure32may be configured as shown inFIGS. 4-5. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is disposed in a position opposite emission face40of radiation delivery device36. This enables primary shielding device42to absorb the primary radiation emitted from radiation delivery device36. Primary shielding device42may rotate in synchrony with (or synchronously with) radiation delivery device36.

In the embodiment shown, the system includes a table system that includes treatment table63that may be disposed on a horizontal axis at the longitudinal center of rail structure32. In some embodiments, the table system, which may be like table system61but may lack pedestal67, may include treatment table guide65along which treatment table63may slide. In some embodiments, treatment table guide65may be coupled (e.g., affixed) to modular shield86and configured to be stationary. In such embodiments, treatment table63may be moveably coupled to treatment table guide65and configured to move longitudinally along a horizontal axis as well as vertically and laterally. In some embodiments, treatment table63may be affixed in a stationary manner to treatment table guide65. In such embodiments, treatment table guide65is configured to be movably coupled to modular shield86and can slide on a horizontal axis.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 13A-D, modular shield86comprises a cylinder portion88and a ring portion89and acts as a secondary shielding device. In the embodiment shown, cylinder portion88and ring portion89are situated around treatment table63and rail structure32, respectively. Therefore, the secondary shielding of the system of this embodiment is reduced azimuthally as compared to other embodiments described herein. In the embodiment shown, cylinder portion88is disposed in a cylinder shape and extends along the longitudinal center of housing78. In the embodiment shown, cylinder portion88comprises a gap having a width of rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, the gap in cylinder portion88is configured to avoid obstructing the movement of collimator38, imaging sources46a-b, imaging panels50a-b, and primary shielding device42as rail structure32rotates. In some embodiments, treatment table63may be positioned over the gap. In such a configuration, the gap in cylinder portion88enables radiation emitted from collimator38to reach a patient lying on treatment table63.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13A-D, ring portion89of modular shield86has a partial ring shape and is disposed within housing78to cover the outside surfaces of rail structure32. In the embodiment shown, rail structure32is disposed to rotate freely within ring portion89. In the embodiment shown, ring portion89is coupled to cylinder portion88at both sides of the gap in cylinder portion88to form modular shield86. In the embodiment shown, ring portion89is further coupled to the top of base16. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 13A, collimator38, imaging sources46a-b, imaging panels50a-b, and primary shielding device42are disposed inside ring portion89.

In the embodiments shown, radiation delivery device36and primary shielding device42may rotate azimuthally on rail structure32as treatment table63moves longitudinally along a horizontal axis over treatment table guide65.

FIGS. 14A-Cshows a seventh embodiment of the disclosed systems. In the embodiment shown, modular dome12, door14, and base16comprise the secondary shielding layer of the system. In the embodiment shown, bed72of the system is disposed at an isocenter of dome12and is coupled to one or more legs66. In the embodiment shown, one or more legs66couple bed72to the surface of base16in a stationary position. In some embodiments, bed72may be configured to move in three spatial directions. In some embodiments, the three spatial directions may be lengthwise, widthwise, and depthwise.

In the embodiment shown, openings90are situated in floor22and disposed on both sides of channel24. In the embodiment shown, legs66extend below floor22through openings90to the surface of base16. In the embodiment shown, floor22is configured to be partially movable about a vertical axis. In the embodiment shown, openings90are large enough to accommodate a movement of floor22associated with a rotation of ring54about the vertical axis.

In the embodiment shown, the system includes primary gear92, which is disposed horizontally within base16(and outside dome12) and firmly coupled (e.g., attached, by welding for example) to framework26or ring54. In the embodiment shown, gear92is configured to partially rotate about a vertical axis. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14B, as gear92rotates, channel24rotates, resulting in ring54rotating about the same vertical axis as gear92. In the embodiment shown, floor22abuts framework26and rotates as ring54rotates. In the embodiment shown, the system includes one or more motors94that are coupled to one or more secondary gears96. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14C, secondary gears96are powered by motors94to partially rotate about respective vertical axes (that are parallel to the axis about which gear92can rotate). In the embodiment shown, secondary gears96are coupled to primary gear92. In the embodiment shown, as secondary gears96rotate, they drive primary gear92to rotate.

In the embodiment shown, rail structure32is disposed within ring54and may be configured as shown inFIGS. 4-5. In the embodiment shown, primary shielding device42is disposed in a position opposite emission face40of collimator38. This enables primary shielding device42to absorb the primary radiation emitted from collimator38. Primary shielding device42may rotate in synchrony with (or synchronously with) collimator38. In the embodiment shown, the rotation of ring54about the vertical axis combined with the rotation of rail structure32about the horizontal axis enables radiation to be applied to a patient on bed72from many different angles.

In some embodiments, the disclosed secondary radiation shields are configured as mobile units that will be unconnected to the structural framework of the buildings in which they can be used. They can substantially cover the disclosed treatment tables, rings, and radiation delivery devices. As a result, leakage radiation produced by the radiation delivery devices and not intended for therapeutic usage should not be able to breach the secondary radiation shield. Therefore, anyone outside the secondary radiation shield should not be materially affected by primary or secondary radiation.