JP2021027849A - Patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, patient posture confirmation system, and patient posture confirmation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To simplify an operation relating with correction of therapeutic planning.SOLUTION: A patient mounting table 5 as a patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy for mounting a patient to be irradiated with neutron beams comprises: a foundation part 51; a mounting part 52 capable of mounting the patient on the foundation part 51; and a front cover 53 whose main surface opposing the mounting part 52 has a shape simulating the surface shape of a wall body in which a neutron beam irradiation port in an irradiation chamber for irradiation with neutron beams and which is attachable to and detachable from the base part 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, a patient posture confirmation system, and a patient posture confirmation method.

In neutron capture therapy that treats a patient (subject) by irradiating a neutron beam, in general, a treatment plan that considers the dose distribution of the neutron beam that irradiates the patient is prepared in advance, and based on this treatment plan The patient is irradiated with neutron rays (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The treatment plan is modified by the following procedure before actually irradiating the patient with neutrons. First, the patient takes the posture assumed in the treatment plan on the mounting table, and adjusts the posture while aligning with the collimator used in the neutron irradiation device. Next, the patient whose posture has been adjusted is moved to the CT device, and the adjusted posture of the patient is reproduced by the CT device to perform imaging. Based on the resulting information about the patient's posture, the treatment plan is modified.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-077812

However, if the treatment plan is modified by adjusting the posture of the patient according to the above procedure, not only the movement of the patient increases, but also the posture of the adjusted patient needs to be reproduced by the CT device. Therefore, it may take a lot of time to revise the treatment plan.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, a patient posture confirmation system, and a patient attitude confirmation method capable of simplifying the work related to the revision of the treatment plan. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy according to one embodiment of the present invention is a patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy on which a patient irradiated with neutron rays is placed, and includes a base portion and the above. The surface of the wall body provided with the neutron beam irradiation port in the irradiation chamber where the patient can be placed on the base portion and the main surface facing the previously described placement portion is irradiated with the neutron beam. It has a shape that imitates the shape, and has a front cover that is removable from the base portion.

According to the above-mentioned patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, the main surface facing the mounting portion of the front cover imitates the surface shape of the wall body provided with the neutron beam irradiation port in the neutron beam irradiation chamber. Due to the shape of the shape, the patient's posture related to the modification of the treatment plan can be suitably adjusted by using the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy. Further, since the front cover is removable from the base portion, it is possible to remove the front cover and perform imaging with a CT device while maintaining the state after the patient takes a predetermined posture. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan as compared with the case where the CT device reproduces the adjusted posture of the patient and performs imaging as in the conventional case.

Here, the collimator support portion which is attached to the base portion and can support the collimator used in the irradiation port can be provided, and the collimator support portion can be made of a non-metal material. ..

By providing the collimator support portion on the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, it is possible to suitably align the collimator held by the collimator support portion with the patient. Further, since the collimator support portion is made of a non-metal material, the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy provided with the collimator support portion can be applied to the imaging of the CT device. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

Further, the fixing portion capable of fixing a part of the patient may be further provided, and the fixing portion may be made of a non-metal material.

By providing a fixing portion capable of fixing a part of the patient on the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, it is possible to preferably support the patient in a predetermined posture. Further, since the fixed portion is made of a non-metal material, a patient in a state of being fixed by the fixed portion can be suitably imaged by a CT device. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

The patient posture confirmation system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a patient posture confirmation system for confirming the patient's posture at the time of irradiation of the neutron beam in the neutron capture therapy of irradiating the patient with the neutron beam. The patient for neutron capture therapy is provided with a patient mounting table for capture therapy, an imaging unit having an imaging space having a predetermined diameter, and a CT device having a moving unit for moving the imaging unit and performing CT imaging. The mounting table has a plane in which the length of the previously described mounting portion on a plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space is smaller than the diameter of the imaging space and is parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space. The length of the front cover is larger than the diameter of the imaging space.

As described above, in the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, the length of the front cover in the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space is larger than the diameter of the imaging space. Therefore, while the posture of the patient can be preferably adjusted, it is impossible to arrange the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy in the imaging space of the CT apparatus. On the other hand, since the length of the mounting portion in the same direction as the radial direction of the imaging space is smaller than the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space, the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy with the front cover removed. The mounting portion of the above can be arranged in the imaging space. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

Further, the moving unit of the CT device may be in a mode in which the imaging unit can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the imaging space.

By making the moving part of the CT device movable in the direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the imaging space, the moving part of the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy can be moved into the imaging space of the CT device. It can be preferably performed.

Further, the base portion of the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy may have a traveling means.

Since the base portion of the patient mounting base for neutron capture therapy has a traveling means, the mounting portion can be moved more easily by the traveling means.

Further, the patient posture confirmation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is the patient posture confirmation method by the patient posture confirmation system, in which the step of removing the front cover from the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy and the CT device. It has a step of locating the previously described portion of the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy in the imaging space of the above.

As described above, by having the step of removing the front cover from the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy and the step of locating the mounting portion of the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy in the imaging space of the CT device, the front cover is provided. It is possible to perform imaging by locating the mounting portion of the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy with the removal of the above in the imaging space. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

According to the present invention, there is provided a patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy, a patient posture confirmation system, and a patient posture confirmation method that can simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the neutron capture therapy system corresponding to the patient stand for neutron capture therapy which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the vicinity of the neutron beam irradiation part in the neutron capture therapy system of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the patient resting place for neutron capture therapy which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the patient place | stand for neutron capture therapy from the positive side in the Y axis direction. It is a figure which shows the structure of the patient posture confirmation system which concerns on this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The patient mounting table and patient posture confirmation system for neutron capture therapy according to one embodiment of the present invention are used to modify the treatment plan used when using the neutron capture therapy system. Therefore, first, the outline configuration of the neutron capture therapy system will be described, and then the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy and the patient posture confirmation system will be described.

First, the outline of the neutron capture therapy system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the neutron capture therapy system 1 that performs cancer treatment using boron neutron capture therapy is a boron of patient S (irradiated body) to which a drug containing ^{boron (10 B) is administered.} It is a system that treats cancer by irradiating the site where neutrons are accumulated with neutron beams. The neutron capture therapy system 1 has an irradiation chamber 2 for irradiating the patient S restrained on the mounting table 3 with neutron rays N to treat the patient S with cancer.

Preparatory work such as restraining the patient S on the mounting table 3 is performed in a preparation room (not shown) outside the irradiation room 2, and the mounting table 3 on which the patient S is restrained is moved from the preparation room to the irradiation room 2. .. After that, the mounting table 3 is installed at a predetermined position in front of the exit port of the irradiation chamber 2. Further, the neutron capture therapy system 1 is mounted on a mounting table 3 on which the patient S is placed, a neutron beam generating unit 10 for generating a neutron beam N for treatment, and a mounting table 3 in the irradiation chamber 2. It is provided with a neutron beam irradiation unit 20 that irradiates the patient S with a neutron beam N. Although the irradiation chamber 2 is covered with a shielding wall W, a passage and a door 41 are provided for a patient, a worker, or the like to pass through.

The neutron beam generator 10 scans the accelerator 11 that accelerates the charged particles and emits the charged particle beam L, the beam transport path 12 that transports the charged particle beam L emitted by the accelerator 11, and the charged particle beam L. A charged particle beam scanning unit 13 that controls the irradiation position of the charged particle beam L with respect to the target 8, a target 8 that causes a nuclear reaction when the charged particle beam L is irradiated to generate a neutron beam N, and a charged particle beam. A current monitor 16 for measuring the current of L is provided. The accelerator 11 and the beam transport path 12 are arranged in a room of a charged particle beam generation chamber 14 having a substantially rectangular shape, and the charged particle beam generation chamber 14 is a space covered with a concrete shielding wall W. .. The charged particle beam generation chamber 14 is provided with a passage and a door 42 for a worker for maintenance to pass through. The charged particle beam generation chamber 14 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and may have another shape. For example, when the path from the accelerator to the target is L-shaped, the charged particle beam generation chamber 14 may also be L-shaped. Further, the charged particle beam scanning unit 13 controls, for example, the irradiation position of the charged particle beam L with respect to the target 8, and the current monitor 16 measures the current of the charged particle beam L irradiated to the target 8.

The accelerator 11 accelerates a charged particle such as a proton to generate a charged particle beam L such as a proton beam. In this embodiment, a cyclotron is adopted as the accelerator 11. As the accelerator 11, instead of the cyclotron, another accelerator such as another circular accelerator (for example, a synchrotron), a linear accelerator, or an electrostatic accelerator may be used.

One end (upstream end) of the beam transport path 12 is connected to the accelerator 11. The beam transport path 12 includes a beam adjusting unit 15 that adjusts the charged particle beam L. The beam adjusting unit 15 forms a horizontal steering electromagnet and a horizontal / vertical steering electromagnet that adjust the axis of the charged particle beam L, a quadrupole electromagnet that suppresses the divergence of the charged particle beam L, and four sides that shape the charged particle beam L. It has a slit and the like. The beam transport path 12 may have a function of transporting the charged particle beam L, and the beam adjusting unit 15 may not be provided.

The charged particle beam L transported by the beam transport path 12 is irradiated to the target 8 by controlling the irradiation position by the charged particle beam scanning unit 13. The charged particle beam scanning unit 13 may be omitted, and the same portion of the target 8 may always be irradiated with the charged particle beam L.

The target 8 generates a neutron beam N by being irradiated with the charged particle beam L. The target 8 is made of, for example, beryllium (Be), lithium (Li), tantalum (Ta), or tungsten (W), and has a plate shape. However, the target is not limited to a plate shape, and may be a liquid or the like. The neutron beam N generated by the target 8 is irradiated toward the patient S in the irradiation chamber 2 by the neutron beam irradiation unit 20.

The neutron beam irradiation unit 20 includes a moderator 21 that decelerates the neutron beam N emitted from the target 8 and a shield 22 that shields radiation such as the neutron beam N and gamma rays from being emitted to the outside. A moderator is composed of the moderator 21 and the shield 22.

The moderator 21 has, for example, a laminated structure composed of a plurality of different materials, and the material of the moderator 21 is appropriately selected depending on various conditions such as the energy of the charged particle beam L. Specifically, for example, when the output from the accelerator 11 is a proton beam of 30 MeV and a beryllium target is used as the target 8, the material of the moderator 21 can be lead, iron, aluminum or calcium fluoride.

The shield 22 is provided so as to surround the moderator 21 and has a function of shielding the neutron beam N and radiation such as gamma rays generated by the generation of the neutron beam N from being emitted to the outside of the shield 22. Have. At least a part of the shield 22 may or may not be embedded in the wall W1 that separates the charged particle beam generation chamber 14 and the irradiation chamber 2. Further, a wall body 23 forming a part of the side wall surface of the irradiation chamber 2 is provided between the irradiation chamber 2 and the shielding body 22. The wall body 23 is provided with a collimator mounting portion 23a that serves as an output port for the neutron beam N. A collimator 31 for defining the irradiation field of the neutron beam N is fixed to the collimator mounting portion 23a. By changing the aperture shape of the collimator 31, the irradiation field of the neutron beam N can be defined. The collimator 31 may be mounted on the mounting table 3 without providing the collimator mounting portion 23a on the wall body 23.

In the above neutron beam irradiation unit 20, the charged particle beam L is irradiated to the target 8, and the target 8 generates the neutron beam N accordingly. The neutron beam N generated by the target 8 is decelerated while passing through the moderator 21, and the neutron beam N emitted from the moderator 21 passes through the collimator 31 and is placed on the mounting table 3. The patient S is irradiated. Here, as the neutron beam N, a thermal neutron beam having a relatively low energy or an extrathermal neutron beam can be used.

In order to explain the structure, XYZ coordinates are set for the neutron capture therapy system 1 as shown in FIG. The Y-axis direction indicates the irradiation direction of the neutron beam N (the direction from the target 8 toward the collimator mounting portion 23a). Further, in the Y-axis direction, the downstream side in the irradiation direction of the neutron beam N is set to "negative", and the upstream side is set to "positive". The X-axis direction indicates a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis in a plane horizontal to the ground. One side in the X-axis direction is "negative" and the other side is "positive". The Z-axis direction indicates a direction perpendicular to the ground. In the Z-axis direction, the upper side is "positive" and the lower side is "negative".

Next, the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy is a device corresponding to the mounting table 3 in the above-mentioned neutron capture therapy system 1. In addition, the patient mount for neutron capture therapy is used when modifying the treatment plan.

The treatment plan defines the dose distribution of neutron rays to be applied to a patient in a predetermined posture. However, the patient may not be able to accurately reproduce the posture specified in the treatment plan for some reason such as the arrangement of the device of the neutron capture therapy system 1. If the patient cannot reproduce the posture specified in the treatment plan, it may not be possible to properly irradiate the neutron beam to the position assumed in the treatment plan. Therefore, before the irradiation of the neutron beam by the neutron capture therapy system 1, the patient takes the posture specified in the treatment plan and aligns the collimator 31 with respect to the irradiation field of the neutron beam N. Then, the treatment plan is modified based on the difference between the posture of the patient assumed in the treatment plan and the posture actually taken by the patient based on the treatment plan in the above alignment.

In the above series of steps, a CT image relating to the patient is used to modify the treatment plan. Specifically, in order to grasp the difference between the posture of the patient assumed in the treatment plan and the posture actually taken by the patient based on the treatment plan, the patient takes a predetermined posture based on the treatment plan. The CT image is acquired. Then, the posture of the patient specified by the CT image is compared with the posture of the patient assumed in the treatment plan, and the difference is specified.

Here, conventionally, on a patient mounting table having a shape corresponding to the mounting table 3 in the neutron capture therapy system 1, the patient's posture is adjusted (position) by using a simulated collimeter (simulated irradiation port) corresponding to the collimator 31. (Matching) is performed, and further, a CT image (X-ray CT device) is used to acquire a CT image that is information on the patient's posture in the state where the patient is in the posture. However, conventionally, after aligning the simulated collimator of the neutron beam with the patient on the patient mounting table, the patient is moved to the CT device and the posture at the time of alignment is reproduced again to perform CT imaging. Therefore, it is necessary for the patient to reproduce the posture specified in the treatment plan on both the patient mounting table and the CT device, and it takes a lot of time to correct the treatment plan related to the patient's posture. was there.

On the other hand, according to the patient mounting table according to the present embodiment, after the alignment with respect to the simulated collimeter is performed on the patient mounting table, the CT is moved to the CT device while maintaining the aligned state. Since it is possible to take an image, it is possible to easily modify the treatment plan related to the patient's posture.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view at the center position in the X-axis direction) of the patient mounting table 5 serving as the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy from the negative side in the X-axis direction. Further, FIG. 4 is a view of the patient mounting table 5 as viewed from the positive side in the Y-axis direction. In addition, although the patient S placed on the patient placing table 5 is shown in FIG. 3, the patient S is omitted in FIG. Further, FIG. 3 shows a case where the head of the patient S is irradiated with a neutral line.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the patient mounting table 5 includes a base portion 51, a mounting portion 52, a front cover 53, and a collimator support portion 54 (collimator stand).

The base portion 51 is a member arranged on the floor surface F of the preparation room or the like, and is for supporting each component of the patient mounting table 5 from below. The base portion 51 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and each component is attached to an upper surface, a side surface, or the like. Traveling means such as wheels 512 may be provided on the lower surface of the base portion 51. The base portion 51 can move on the floor surface F by the traveling means. The traveling means may not be provided.

The base portion 51 may have a substantially flat step portion 511 on which the foot of the patient S can be placed when the patient S is placed on the mounting portion 52. In the patient mounting table 5, a collimator stand 55, which will be described later, is attached to the step portion 511. However, the mounting position of the collimator stand 55 is not limited.

The mounting portion 52 is provided on the base portion 51 and is a member on which the patient S can be placed. The mounting portion 52 includes a chair 521 on which the patient S sits, and a chair support portion 522 that supports the chair 521.

The chair 521 is provided on the upper surface side of the chair support portion 522. The chair 521 is rotatable about the Z axis according to the posture of the patient S. When the chair 521 is rotatable, the chair 521 can be rotated according to the direction in which the patient S faces, which makes it easier for the patient S to sit.

The chair support portion 522 is provided on the upper surface 51a of the base portion 51 and supports the chair 521. Further, the chair support portion 522 may be configured to support the chair 521 so as to be reciprocally movable along the Y-axis direction. The width of the chair support portion 522 in the X-axis direction is set to such a width that the patient S sitting on the chair 521 can straddle.

The front cover 53 is provided at the end of the base portion 51 on the positive side in the Y direction. The front cover 53 has a shape that imitates the wall surface on the irradiation chamber 2 side of the wall body 23 that forms a part of the side wall surface of the irradiation chamber 2 and is provided with the irradiation port for the neutron beam N. That is, the shape of the main surface of the front cover 53 on the negative side in the Y direction (the side of the mounting portion 52) has a region corresponding to the surface shape of the wall body 23 on the irradiation chamber 2 side in the irradiation chamber 2. .. Of the main surface on the negative side of the front cover 53 in the Y direction, at least the region that the patient S sitting on the chair 521 may touch is the wall 23 having an irradiation port having a surface shape of neutron beam N. Corresponds to the surface shape on the irradiation chamber 2 side.

The front cover 53 is provided with an opening 531. The opening 531 is sized so as to surround the outer circumference of the collimator 31. Further, the central axis of the opening 531 is arranged so as to correspond to the central axis of the collimator 31. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the central axis of the opening 531 coincides with the center position of the base portion 51 and the mounting portion 52 in the X direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the opening 531 of the front cover 53 may have a shape in which the positive side (upper side) in the Z direction is not closed. Further, the front cover 53 may be divided into two along the dividing line P extending near the central position in the X direction.

The front cover 53 is detachable from the base portion 51. The front cover 53 is removable with respect to the base portion 51, which means that both the front cover 53 and the other member to which the front cover 53 is attached are not destroyed (non-destructive). It also means that the time required for attachment / detachment is within 1 hour.

In the present embodiment, the front cover 53 is detachable from the base portion 51, but how it is attached to the base portion 51 is not particularly limited. Further, when the front cover 53 is attached to the base portion 51, a support frame or the like that can be attached to and detached from the base portion may be combined to support the front cover 53.

The collimator support portion 54 can support the collimator 31 used for irradiating the neutron beam N or a simulated collimator corresponding to the collimator 31. The collimator support portion 54 is composed of an elongated member extending from the upper surface of the step portion 511 provided on the base portion 51 to the positive side in the Z direction, and the collimator 31 (or a simulated collimator) is provided at the end portion on the positive side in the Z direction. ). The method of supporting the collimator 31 by the collimator support portion 54 is not particularly limited, and for example, a recess for accommodating the collimator 31 can be provided at the end of the collimator support portion 54. A part of the long member of the collimator support portion 54 may be bent as shown in FIG.

The collimator support portion 54 may be provided with a fixing portion 57 for fixing a part of the body of the patient S. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the fixing portion 57 fixes the head of the patient S to be irradiated with the neutron beam. The material of the fixing portion 57 is not particularly limited, and for example, a plurality of elastic plate materials and the like may be combined to form the fixing portion 57. The fixing portion 57 may be attached to the base portion 51 instead of being attached to the collimator support portion 54.

Further, the collimator support portion 54 may be provided with a support base 58 for supporting the arm of the patient S. Further, the support base 58 may be attached to the base portion 51 instead of being attached to the collimator support portion 54.

The collimator support portion 54 and the fixing portion 57 are made of a non-metal material. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the collimator support portion 54 and the fixing portion 57 are arranged near the head of the patient S to be irradiated with the neutron beam. Therefore, when the CT device is used to image the vicinity of the head of the patient S, the collimator support portion 54 and the fixed portion 57 may also be irradiated with X-rays. Therefore, by forming the collimator support portion 54 and the fixing portion 57 with a non-metal material (material having low sensitivity to X-rays), the collimator support portion 54 and the fixing portion are used when capturing a CT image relating to the posture of the patient S. It is possible to prevent interference with 57.

The collimator support portion 54 may have a plate-shaped member extending along an XZ plane that can come into contact with the patient S. When the plate-shaped member is provided, the plate-shaped member can be used to maintain the posture of the patient S.

Further, by combining the front cover 53 and the collimator support portion 54, the surface shape of the wall body provided with the neutron beam irradiation port may be formed. That is, when the collimator support portion 54 is provided, the front cover 53 may have a shape in consideration of the shape and arrangement of the collimator support portion 54.

Further, the collimator support portion 54 may be detachable from the base portion 51. However, in that case, the collimator support portion 54 needs to be configured so that the patient S and the collimator support portion 54 do not come into contact with each other when the patient S takes a predetermined posture.

Next, a patient posture confirmation system including a patient mounting table 5 and a CT device for imaging a patient S on the patient mounting table 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a front view of the patient posture confirmation system, and FIG. 5B is a right side view of the patient posture confirmation system.

The patient posture confirmation system 6 is a system for confirming the patient's posture at the time of neutron beam irradiation in neutron capture therapy in which the patient is irradiated with neutron rays, and is composed of a patient mounting table 5 and a CT device 7. To. The CT device 7 has an imaging unit 71 having an imaging space R for imaging having a predetermined diameter inside, and a moving unit 72 for moving the imaging unit 71. The CT device 7 described in the present embodiment is a so-called vertical CT device in which the imaging unit 71 can move in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface F. The CT device 7 can be installed in a CT room 4 separate from the irradiation room 2 and the preparation room.

In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the imaging unit 71 is composed of an X-ray irradiation unit 711 and an X-ray detection unit 712, which are symmetrical with respect to an axis A extending in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface F. It is placed in the position where. Further, the X-ray irradiation unit 711 and the X-ray detection unit 712 are supported by the rotation unit 73 so as to be rotatable around the axis A, respectively. That is, the rotating unit 73 has a function as a moving unit 72 that rotates the imaging unit 71. The rotating unit 73 is formed in a substantially annular shape, and an imaging space R for imaging provided between the X-ray irradiation unit 711 and the X-ray detection unit 712 is a part of the central opening of the rotating unit 73. It is configured to be. That is, the imaging space R becomes a part of the opening penetrating the rotating portion 73 in the axis A direction. In this embodiment, a case where the axis A, which is the rotation axis of the X-ray irradiation unit 711 and the X-ray detection unit 712, is fixed in a state extending in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface F will be described. , The inclination of the axis A may change.

Further, the rotating unit 73 to which the X-ray irradiation unit 711 and the X-ray detection unit 712 as the imaging unit 71 are attached is a support portion 74 extending in the vertical direction between the floor surface F and the ceiling C in the CT chamber 4. Supported by. Further, the support portion 74 supports the rotating portion 73 in a vertically movable state. Therefore, the support unit 74 has a function as a moving unit 72 that moves the imaging unit 71 in the vertical direction (vertical direction: in the case of the CT device 7, the direction along the axis A).

In this way, the image pickup unit 71 can be rotated around the axis A in the horizontal direction (direction parallel to the floor surface F) by the rotation unit 73. Further, the imaging unit 71 can be moved in the vertical direction (vertical direction: in the case of the CT device 7, the direction along the axis A) by the support unit 74. As a result, the imaging unit 71 can take an image of the object while moving relative to the object. The moving direction of the imaging unit 71 by the support unit 74 may be set regardless of the axis A.

In the present embodiment, the CT device 7 and the patient mounting table 5 are used in combination. As a method for confirming the patient posture using the patient mounting table 5 in combination with the CT device 7, for example, the following procedure is performed. First, the patient S in a predetermined posture is placed on the mounting portion 52 of the patient mounting table 5 and arranged at a position where the axis A of the imaging unit 71 passes. Before or after arranging the patient mounting table 5 at a position where the axis A of the imaging unit 71 passes, the front cover 53 is removed from the patient mounting table 5 (step of removing the front cover from the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy). Then, the imaging unit 71 is moved by operating the rotating unit 73 and the support unit 74, which are the moving units 72, so that the portion (for example, the head) of the patient S to be imaged is positioned in the imaging space R. (Step of locating the mounting portion in the imaging space of the CT device). By performing imaging while moving the imaging unit 71 in this state, it is possible to acquire a CT image relating to the portion of the patient S to be imaged.

Here, in the patient mounting table 5 according to the present embodiment, the length of the mounting portion 52 on the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space R is larger than the diameter D of the imaging space R (see FIG. 5). small. The “diameter direction of the imaging space R” is the direction connecting the X-ray irradiation unit 711 and the X-ray detection unit 712 that rotate around the axis A in the CT apparatus 7 shown in FIG. Therefore, the "diameter of the imaging space R" is the length between the X-ray irradiation unit 711 and the X-ray detection unit 712. Further, the "diametrical cross section of the imaging space R" refers to a cross section perpendicular to the axis A which is the rotation center of the X-ray irradiation unit 711 and the X-ray detection unit 712.

In the case of the CT apparatus 7 shown in FIG. 5, the radial cross section of the imaging space R extends in the direction orthogonal to the axis A, that is, in the horizontal direction. In this case, the length of the mounting portion 52 in the horizontal direction (maximum value of the width when viewed in a horizontal plane) is made smaller than the diameter of the imaging space R. Further, in the front cover 53, the length of the mounting portion 52 on the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space R is larger than the diameter of the imaging space R. The length of the front cover 53 in the horizontal direction is the maximum value of the length of the front cover 53 along the X axis as shown in FIG. As described above, in the patient mounting table 5, the length of the front cover 53 is larger than the diameter of the imaging space R, and the length of the mounting portion 52 is smaller than the diameter D of the imaging space R. Therefore, the patient mounting table 5 can introduce the mounting portion 52 into the imaging space R by removing the removable front cover 53. Therefore, the patient S placed on the mounting portion 52 can be imaged by using the CT device 7.

That is, according to the above-mentioned patient posture confirmation system 6, the length of the mounting portion 52 of the patient mounting table 5 is smaller than the diameter D of the imaging space R by the imaging unit 71 of the CT device 7, and the front cover 53. The length of is larger than the diameter of the imaging space R. Therefore, by removing the removable front cover 53, the mounting portion 52 of the patient mounting table 5 can be moved into the imaging space R. Therefore, for example, after adjusting the posture of the patient S with the front cover 53 attached, the front cover 53 can be removed and imaging can be performed by the CT device 7 while maintaining the posture of the patient S.

When the patient mounting table 5 has a traveling means, the posture of the patient S is adjusted at a place away from the CT device 7 (for example, a preparation room), and then the posture of the patient S is maintained. The patient mounting table 5 can be moved as it is, and imaging by the CT device 7 can be performed. Therefore, the posture of the patient can be efficiently confirmed by using the patient mounting table 5 and the CT device 7.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the collimator support portion 54 and the fixing portion 57 are provided on the patient mounting table 5, the CT device 7 is provided with the collimator support portion 54 and the fixing portion 57 provided. Imaging may be performed. In this case, in the same direction as the radial direction of the imaging space R, the length of the mounting portion 52, the collimator support portion 54, and the fixed portion 57 in the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space R is the imaging space. It is made smaller than the diameter D of R (see FIG. 5). In the case of the CT apparatus shown in FIG. 5, the radial direction of the imaging space R is a direction orthogonal to the axis A, that is, a horizontal direction. In this case, the horizontal length (maximum value of the width when viewed in the horizontal plane) of the area occupied by the mounting portion 52, the collimator supporting portion 54, and the fixed portion 57 is smaller than the diameter of the imaging space R. Will be done. With such a configuration, the mounting portion 52 can be introduced into the imaging space R with the collimator support portion 54 and the fixing portion 57 attached. Therefore, the patient S placed on the mounting portion 52 can be imaged by using the CT device 7.

As described above, according to the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy (patient mounting table 5) according to the present embodiment, the main surface of the front cover 53 facing the mounting portion 52 is an irradiation chamber for irradiating neutron rays. In No. 2, it is a shape that imitates the surface shape of the wall body 23 provided with the neutron irradiation port. Therefore, the patient mounting table 5 can be used to preferably adjust the posture of the patient S in relation to the modification of the treatment plan. Further, since the front cover 53 is detachable from the base portion 51, after the patient S takes a predetermined posture, the front cover 53 is removed while maintaining the state, and imaging is performed by the CT device 7. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan as compared with the case where the CT device 7 reproduces the adjusted posture of the patient and performs imaging as in the conventional case.

Further, the patient mounting table 5 may be provided with a collimator support portion 54 as a collimator support portion. By providing the collimator support portion 54 on the patient mounting table 5, it is possible to suitably align the collimator held by the collimator support portion 54 with the patient S. Further, since the collimator support portion 54 is made of a non-metal material, the collimator support portion 54 interferes when the CT device 7 is imaged using the patient mounting table 5 provided with the collimator support portion 54. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

Further, the patient mounting table 5 may be provided with a fixing portion 57 capable of fixing a part of the patient. By providing the patient mounting table 5 with a fixing portion 57 capable of fixing a part of the patient, the patient S in a predetermined posture can be suitably supported. Further, since the fixing portion 57 is made of a non-metal material, it is possible to prevent the fixing portion 57 from interfering with the CT device 7 when the CT device 7 is imaged by using the patient mounting table 5 provided with the fixing portion 57. it can. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

Further, the patient posture confirmation system 6 described in the above embodiment includes the above-mentioned patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy (patient mounting table 5) and a CT device 7 for performing CT imaging. Here, in the patient mounting table 5, the length of the front cover 53 on the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space R is larger than the diameter D of the imaging space R. Therefore, while the posture of the patient S can be preferably adjusted, it is impossible to arrange the patient mounting table 5 in the imaging space R of the CT device 7. On the other hand, since the length of the mounting portion 52 on the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space R is smaller than the diameter D of the imaging space R, the patient mounting table 5 with the front cover 53 removed is mounted. The placement portion 52 can be arranged in the imaging space R. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

Further, the rotating portion 73 and the supporting portion 74 as the moving portion of the CT device 7 can have a configuration in which the imaging unit 71 of the CT device 7 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the imaging space R. .. With such a configuration, the mounting portion 52 of the patient mounting table 5 can be suitably moved into the imaging space R of the CT device 7.

Further, when the base portion 51 of the patient mounting base 5 has a traveling means, the mounting portion 52 can be moved more easily by the traveling means.

Further, the patient posture confirmation method according to the above embodiment is the patient posture confirmation method by the patient posture confirmation system 6, in which the step of removing the front cover 53 from the patient placement table 5 and the patient in the imaging space R of the CT device 7. It has a step of positioning the mounting portion 52 of the mounting table 5. With such a configuration, the mounting portion 52 of the patient mounting table 5 from which the front cover 53 has been removed can be positioned in the imaging space R to perform imaging. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the work related to the modification of the treatment plan.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, the configurations of the neutron capture therapy system 1, the patient mounting table 5, and the CT device 7 are examples and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the shape of each part can be changed as appropriate.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the chair 521 is included in the mounting portion 52 of the patient mounting table 5 and the patient S sits on the chair 521 has been described, but the posture of the patient S in the mounting portion 52 is limited to the sitting position. It may be in a standing position. The configuration and shape of the mounting portion 52 are appropriately changed according to the posture taken by the patient S.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the CT device 7 is a so-called vertical CT device has been described, but it is the rotation axis of the image pickup unit 71 of the CT device 7 and the moving direction of the image pickup unit 71 by the support unit 74. The extending direction of the axis A is not limited to the vertical direction.

1 ... Neutron capture therapy system, 5 ... Patient mounting table, 6 ... Patient posture confirmation system, 7 ... CT device, 51 ... Base part, 52 ... Mounting part, 53 ... Front cover, 54 ... Collimator support part, 57 ... Fixed Section, 71 ... Imaging section, 72 ... Moving section, 73 ... Rotating section, 74 ... Support section.

Claims (7)

It is a patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy that mounts patients who are irradiated with neutron rays.
The base and
A mounting portion on which the patient can be placed on the base portion,
The main surface facing the above-mentioned mounting portion has a shape that imitates the surface shape of a wall body provided with the neutron beam irradiation port in the irradiation chamber that irradiates the neutron beam, and is removable from the base portion. Front cover and
A patient mount for neutron capture therapy. It has a collimator support that is attached to the base and can support the collimator used in the irradiation port.
The patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy according to claim 1, wherein the collimator support is made of a non-metal material. Further having a fixation part capable of fixing a part of the patient
The patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing portion is made of a non-metal material. In neutron capture therapy that irradiates a patient with neutron rays, it is a patient posture confirmation system that confirms the patient's posture during neutron irradiation.
The patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A CT apparatus having an imaging unit having an imaging space having a predetermined diameter and a moving unit for moving the imaging unit to perform CT imaging.
With
The patient mount for neutron capture therapy
The length of the previously described placement portion on the plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space is smaller than the diameter of the imaging space.
A patient posture confirmation system in which the length of the front cover in a plane parallel to the radial cross section of the imaging space is larger than the diameter of the imaging space. The patient posture confirmation system according to claim 4, wherein the moving unit of the CT device can move the imaging unit in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the imaging space. The patient posture confirmation system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the base portion of the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy has a traveling means. A method for confirming a patient posture by the patient posture confirmation system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.
The step of removing the front cover from the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy and
A step of locating the previously described portion of the patient mounting table for neutron capture therapy in the imaging space of the CT device, and
A method for confirming patient posture.

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