Protoacoustic Imaging for Real-Time Proton Therapy Guidance

Brief Description

A novel protoacoustic imaging method and apparatus providing affordable, real-time verification of proton range and quantification of radiation dose during proton therapy to improve treatment precision and patient outcomes.

Full Description

This technology utilizes the protoacoustic effect—acoustic emissions generated by pulsed proton beams—to produce in vivo, real-time imaging of the Bragg peak during proton radiotherapy. By integrating an ultrasound transducer array with proprietary tracking and reconstruction algorithms, it enables precise localization of proton dose deposition with sub-millimeter accuracy. This capability significantly reduces proton beam range uncertainties, allowing for targeted cancer treatment with minimized damage to healthy tissues. The system is adaptable to clinical proton therapy machines without vendor dependencies and includes hardware and software optimized for acquiring, processing, and reconstructing protoacoustic signals into 3D dose maps.

Suggested uses

• Medical devices and medical imaging for proton radiotherapy
• Improved patient outcomes in oncology clinics
• Research institutions focused on advanced imaging and radiation dosimetry

Advantages

Patent Status

Patent Pending