Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the delivery of radiation therapy to a tumor of a patient from one or more beams of ionizing radiation, to conform to a prescribed dosage of radiation for each of predetermined plural respectively shaped portions of the tumor according to the shape and other characteristics of the tumor. A radiation beam is selectively generated from different directions with respect to travel of the beam along a plurality of spatial paths including oscillating and arcuate movements. Parameters of the beam are calculated from conditions of distribution of a target dose, and the cross-section of the beam is adjusted so as to deliver the prescribed dosage of radiation to each of the respectively shaped portions of the tumor on which the beam impinges.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus for observing objects from various viewing directions by means of a microscope having a device for electronically storing images and computer-controlled drive devices for a plurality of axes of motion, are characterized in that a first recording of the target region of the object is created and stored, the microscope is pivoted by a defined angle, a second recording of the target region is created and stored, one and the same point (1) of the object is marked in both recordings, the coordinates of the point are calculated by triangulation, and the control is set up in such a way that it is possible to carry out a pivot movement about the set point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively and accurately localizing and treating a target within a patient are provided. A three dimensional mapping of a region surrounding the target is coupled to a surgical intervention. Two or more diagnostic beams at a known non-zero angle to one another may pass through the mapping region to produce images of projections within the mapping region in order to accurately localize and treat the target wherein the images are captured using one or more image recorders.

Abstract: A method of correcting distortions in magnetic resonance (MR) data is described. The method comprises providing distorted MR data of an object of interest and distortion parameters for one or more generic objects, determining transformation parameters correlating the object of interest and one or more of the generic objects, and processing the distorted MR data taking into account the distortion parameters and the transformation parameters to obtain corrected MR data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively and accurately localizing and treating a target within a patient are provided. A three dimensional mapping of a region surrounding the target is coupled to a surgical intervention. Two or more diagnostic beams at a known non-zero angle to one another may pass through the mapping region to produce images of projections within the mapping region in order to accurately localize and treat the target wherein the images are captured using one or more image recorders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an internal target region during treatment without implanted fiducials is presented. The method comprises producing a plurality of first images that show an internal volume including the internal target region, then producing a live image of the internal volume during treatment and matching this live image to one of the plurality of first images. Since the first images show the internal target region, matching the live image to one of the first images identifies the position of the target region regardless of whether the second image itself shows the position of the target region. The first images may be any three-dimensional images such as CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. The live image may be, for example, an x-ray image. The invention may be used in conjunction with a real-time sensor to track the position of the target region on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A method is described for navigating in the interior of the body using three-dimensionally visualized structures. In a first step of the method, at least two two-dimensional images (50, 50′) of the same anatomical object (12) are provided from different perspectives, and also items of information that make it possible to draw conclusions about the respective spatial position of an imaging system relative to the anatomical object (12). The projections (76, 76′, 78, 78′) of a geometrical structure (80, 82) to be visualized are then created in every two-dimensional image (50, 50′), wherein a geometrical structure (80, 82) to be visualized is created in each two-dimensional image (50, 50′), wherein the geometrical structure (80, 82) to be visualized is different from the anatomical object (12).

Abstract: A method of correcting distortions in magnetic resonance (MR) data is described. The method comprises providing distorted MR data of an object of interest and distortion parameters for one or more generic objects, determining transformation parameters correlating the object of interest and one or more of the generic objects, and processing the distorted MR data taking into account the distortion parameters and the transformation parameters to obtain corrected MR data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing treatment on an internal target region while compensating for breathing and other motion of the patient is provided in which the apparatus comprises a first imaging device for periodically generating positional data about the internal target region and a second imaging device for continuously generating positional data about one or more external markers attached to the patient's body or any external sensor such as a device for measuring air flow. The apparatus further comprises a processor that receives the positional data about the internal target region and the external markers in order to generate a correspondence between the position of the internal target region and the external markers and a treatment device that directs the treatment towards the position of the target region of the patient based on the positional data of the external markers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing treatment on an internal target region while compensating for breathing and other motion of the patient is provided in which the apparatus comprises a first imaging device for periodically generating positional data about the internal target region and a second imaging device for continuously generating positional data about one or more external markers attached to the patient's body or any external sensor such as a device for measuring air flow. The apparatus further comprises a processor that receives the positional data about the internal target region and the external markers in order to generate a correspondence between the position of the internal target region and the external markers and a treatment device that directs the treatment towards the position of the target region of the patient based on the positional data of the external markers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing treatment on an internal target region while compensating for breathing and other motion of the patient is provided in which the apparatus comprises a first imaging device for periodically generating positional data about the internal target region and a second imaging device for continuously generating positional data about one or more external markers adapted to be attached to the patient's body or any external sensor such as a device for measuring air flow. The apparatus further comprises a processor that receives the positional data about the internal target region and the external markers in order to generate a correspondence between the position of the internal target region and the external markers and a treatment device that directs the treatment towards the position of the target region of the patient based on the positional data of the external markers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for inverse planning of radiosurgery of tumors. Isocenter points are replaced systematically throughout a model of a tumor to generate a sequence of simulated radiation beams. This crossing geometry and intersection pattern of these beams is then computed. Through fine tuning of certain variables used in the calculations in accordance with the present invention, radiosurgery is planned in a manner which avoids over irradiation of healthy tissue and critical regions, and allows for homogeneity of dose inside the tumor. The method of the present invention allows for exact decision about the feasibility of use-defined dose distributions.