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Title:
TEMPORARY RADIATION ONCOLOGY CENTRE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/090380
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a modular radiation bunker for radiation treatment of patients. The bunker includes a transportable three-dimensional bunker frame for transporting to site. Radiation shielding elements are provided for mounting to the frame, once transported, to form a radiation barrier. The modular nature of the radiation bunker, including minimal components, may be rapidly assembled in regional centers and quickly ready for use in treatment to provide improved access to radiation treatment.

Inventors:
HEAZLEWOOD SIMON (AU)
KEEFE KANE (AU)
MOLLER DANIEL (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2018/000216
Publication Date:
May 16, 2019
Filing Date:
November 07, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
THYREOS PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
E04H9/16; A61G10/00; E04B1/343; E04B1/92
Domestic Patent References:
WO2016147047A12016-09-22
Foreign References:
EP1402124B12009-09-16
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SPRUSON & FERGUSON (AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A modular radiation bunker for radiation treatment of patients, the bunker including:

a transportable three-dimensional bunker frame for transporting to site; and radiation shielding elements for mounting to the frame, once transported, to form a radiation barrier.

2. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the modular nature of the radiation bunker, including minimal components, can be rapidly assembled in regional centers and quickly ready for use in treatment to provide improved access to radiation treatment.

3. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the frame is box-like.

4. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the frame is dimensioned so as to be transported by road and lifted into place on the site by a mobile crane.

5. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein frame includes a steel frame.

6. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the frame has a footprint not exceeding 6m x 6m, and about 4600 mm x 4900 mm, to permit transport on the national road network.

7. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the radiation shielding elements include sheet steel or pre-cast concrete.

8. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the radiation shielding elements include panels spanning the height of the frame or stackable blocks spanning the length of the frame.

9. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the radiation shielding elements form a complementary fit.

10. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 9, wherein the complementary fit is profiled, rebated or socketed to inhibit radiation leakage from within the bunker.

1 1 . A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the radiation shielding elements include roof panels spanning the footprint of a frame of the module, thereby avoiding the need for additional roof supports.

12. A modular radiation bunker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the radiation shielding elements form an outer radiation barrier that is thicker than the inner frame.

13. A radiation treatment building including the modular radiation bunker of claim 1 .

14. A radiation treatment building as claimed in claim 13, further including a reception, waiting area, services plant room and/or control room module adjacent the radiation bunker.

15. A radiation treatment building as claimed in claim 13, further including an external wheelchair ramp to a waiting room.

16. A radiation treatment building as claimed in claim 13, further including an initial waiting area, and another waiting area for prepared patients to wait immediately before treatment.

17. A radiation treatment building as claimed in claim 13, wherein adjacent walls of the building include electrical connectors that interconnect when the walls are interconnected to provide electrical connection throughout the building.

18. A radiation treatment building as claimed in claim 17, wherein the walls are internally and externally finished, including fittings, prior to interconnection to minimise trade works on site.

19. A radiation treatment building as claimed in claim 13, wherein the building includes concrete footings which can be broken up once the building is removed returning the site to its original state.

20. A method for assembling a modular radiation bunker for radiation treatment of patients, the method including:

transporting a three-dimensional bunker frame to site; and

mounting radiation shielding elements to the unloaded frame on site to form a radiation barrier.

21 . A modular radiation bunker for radiation treatment of patients, the bunker including:

a transportable three-dimensional bunker module for transporting to site; and radiation shielding modules for mounting to the bunker module, once transported, to form a radiation barrier.

Description:
TEMPORARY RADIATION ONCOLOGY CENTRE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to radiation shielded bunkers housing Linear Accelerators used in radiation oncology treatment of patients. The present invention is also suitable for shielding other patient treatment radiation sources such as Xray, PET, and CT machines.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Patients in remote areas are often forced to travel vast distances to major capital cities for oncology treatment. Often, it is simply not practical to make frequent journeys for treatment, and in serious cases the patient must move to the city.

[0004] The preferred embodiment provides for improved access to oncology treatment and/or a provision for establishing a temporary or transitory radiation oncology service to adjoin to or be collocated with an existing occupied health facility or can be adapted to suit standalone installations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular radiation bunker for radiation treatment of patients, the bunker including:

a transportable three-dimensional bunker frame for transporting to site; and radiation shielding elements for mounting to the frame, once transported, to form a radiation barrier.

[0006] Advantageously, the modular nature of the temporary radiation bunker, comprising limited prefabricated modules and elements, may be rapidly assembled in regional centers and ready for radiation survey and licencing within a week and treating patients shortly thereafter to provide improved access to radiation treatment. [0007] The steel frame may be box-like. The box-like frame may be dimensioned so as to be transported by road and lifted into place by a hydraulic mobile crane. The frame may include a door rail for a sliding door, or integrate a pocket for swing door. The frame may have a small footprint not exceeding 6m x 6m. Preferably the frame footprint is about 4600 mm x 4900 mm to permit transport on the national road network.

[0008] The radiation shielding elements may be pre-cast concrete, either at a bunker installation site or offsite. The radiation shielding elements may include concrete, consisting of Cement, Sand, Aggregates and other fillings to achieve the required density. The radiation shielding elements may include panels spanning the height of the frame. Alternatively, the radiation shielding elements may include stackable blocks spanning the length of the frame. The stackable blocks may form a complementary fit. The complementary fit may be profiled (rebated or socketed) to inhibit radiation leakage from within the bunker. The radiation shielding elements may include roof panels free- spanning the footprint of the frame, thereby avoiding the need for additional roof supports (e.g. structural steel). The radiation shielding elements may include sheet steel.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation treatment centre including the modular radiation bunker. The outer radiation barrier is much thicker than bunker frame and is determined on a site-by-site basis and is dependent on planned number of treatments, proximity to other buildings and exposure to the general public.

[00010] The centre will include a control room module adjoining the radiation bunker. The centre will also include a Reception, waiting room, amenities and consult room module adjoining the control room module. The centre may include an external wheelchair ramp to the waiting room. The centre will include a services plant room adjacent to the radiation bunker and complimentary modules.

[00011] Adjacent walls of the building may include electrical connectors that interconnect when the walls are interconnected to provide electrical connection throughout the centre. The walls may be internally and externally finished, including fittings, prior to interconnection to minimise trade works on site. [00012] The building may include concrete footings which can be broken up once the building is removed returning the site to original state.

[00013] The building may have a footprint of about 120sqm - 150sqm, or expanded to suit requirements.

[00014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a modular radiation bunker for radiation treatment of patients, the method including:

transporting a three-dimensional radiation bunker frame to site; and

mounting radiation shielding elements to the unloaded frame on site to form a radiation barrier.

[00015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular radiation bunker for radiation treatment of patients, the bunker including:

a transportable three-dimensional bunker module for transporting to site; and radiation shielding modules for mounting to the bunker module, once transported, to form a radiation barrier.

[00016] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00017] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00018] Figure 1 is an upper perspective floor plan of a radiation treatment building, the building including a modular oncology radiation bunker in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00019] Figure 2a is a front perspective view of a modular oncology radiation bunker frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00020] Figure 2b is a rear perspective view of the frame of Figure 1 a;

[00021] Figure 3 is a floor plan of a radiation treatment building in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00022] According an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a modular radiation treatment building 100 or centre as shown in Figure 1. The building 100 includes a modular radiation bunker 102. An outer radiation barrier 104 partially surrounds an inner bunker frame 200 (see Fig. 2) of the modular bunker 102. The outer radiation barrier 104 is thick (say about 360) whereas the inner frame 200 is

comparatively thin (say about 250mm).

[00023] The building 100 has a small footprint of about 120sqm - 150sqm. The building 100 includes an operator station 108 adjoining the radiation linac bunker 102 from where an operator operates the radiation treatment equipment 1 10 in the bunker 102.

[00024] The building 100 also includes a waiting room 1 12 adjoining the operator station 108. An external wheelchair ramp 114 provides access to the building 100 and the waiting room 1 12. The building 100 further includes a reception 1 16 adjacent the waiting room 1 12.

[00025] At least one toilet 118 is located adjacent the reception 1 16. The building further includes a doctor's consulting room 120 adjacent the toilet 1 18. A plant room 122, including HVAC, processed chilled water equipment and electrical distribution boards, is provided adjacent the consulting room 120 and radiation bunker 102.

[00026] Adjacent walls of the building 100 include electrical connectors that interconnect when the walls are interconnected to provide daisy-chain electrical connection throughout the building 100. The walls are internally and externally finished, including fittings, prior to interconnection to minimise trade works on site. The building also includes embedded concrete footings which can be broken up once the temporary building 100 is removed.

[00027] The modular oncology radiation bunker 102 shown in Figure 1 includes a transportable bunker frame 200 as shown in Figure 2. Radiation shielding modules are provided for mounting to the frame 200 to form the radiation barrier 104.

Advantageously, the modular oncology radiation bunker 102, including minimal components (say less than twenty components), can be rapidly assembled in regional centers and ready for use in radiation survey and licencing within a week of deployment to provide improved access to oncology treatment. Similarly, the bunker 102 can be rapidly disassembled and relocated.

[00028] The frame 200 is box-like and dimensioned small enough so as to be transported by road and shifted by a hydraulic mobile crane. In particular, the frame footprint is about 4600 mm x 4900 mm. The frame 200 includes a door rail 202 for fitting a radiation-shielding, motorised, sliding door 124 (see Fig. 1) located between the outer radiation barrier 104 and frame 200. The frame 200 also makes specific provision within the bottom supporting frame for an equipment set-down of dimensions 1676mm x 740mm, with 50mm chamfered edges to 2 sides, at 45 degrees.

[00029] The radiation shielding modules, forming the inner radiation barrier 106, are pre-cast either at the bunker installation site or offsite before being transported to the site. In one embodiment, the radiation shielding may include profiled steel sheets to stop radiation leakage. The radiation shielding modules typically include panels spanning the entire height of the frame 200. The radiation shielding modules also include roof panels spanning the entire footprint of the frame 200, thereby avoiding the need for additional roof supports (e.g. structural steel trusses, etc).

[00030] Alternatively, the radiation shielding modules can include stackable blocks spanning the entire length of the frame 200. The stackable blocks form a

complementary fit may be profiled (rebated or socketed) to inhibit radiation leakage from within the bunker 102.

[00031] The bunker 102 also includes light-weight cladding for mounting external to the shielding modules. [00032] A method for assembling a modular radiation bunker 102 is briefly described.

[00033] The method involves transporting the complete box-like bunker module 200 to site on a truck. The small-footprint frame 200 is typically craned from the truck, and unloaded on a concrete slab 204 including the embedded concrete footings.

[00034] Next, the pre-cast or steel radiation shielding elements are loaded around the bunker module 200 to form the outer radiation barrier 104.

[00035] The remaining components and rooms of the building 100 are then rapidly assembled by coupling adjacent walls together, in the process interconnecting the electrical connectors.

[00036] Another modular radiation treatment building 100' is shown in Figure 3 where like reference numeral refer to like features previously described. The building is somewhat larger, having a frame footprint of about 15400mm x 4900 mm.

[00037] The radiation bunker 102 includes a swinging door 300.

[00038] Additionally, the building 100' includes a dirty utility room 302 for processing dirty equipment, and a clean utility room 304 for storing clean equipment. The building 100' also includes a changeroom 306, and a holding room 308 for holding bed-laden patients prior to treatment. Alternatively, patients can be seated in the adjacent waiting room 310 immediately prior to treatment.

[00039] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

[00040] In one embodiment, the frame may be clad during transportation.

[00041] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[00042] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.