Abstract: A body-supporting couch and a radiation system incorporating such a couch are disclosed. The couch comprises a first and second couch unit, respectively. The first couch unit comprises a first table top support and a first elongated table top portion extending horizontally from the first support. The first table top portion is provided with a first docking element arranged in an end. Element for moving the first table top portion relative the first table top support along its longitudinal axis is arranged in the first couch unit. The second couch unit comprises a second table top support, which supports a second table top portion, provided with a second docking element in an end facing the first couch unit. Upon contact, the first docking element engages with the second docking element and the first table top portion connects with the second table top portion forming a stable continuous table top.

Abstract: An irradiation device provides a free volume around the longitudinal axis of the body (13) around the body to be irradiated. The supporting parts of a gantry (1, 2) are situated substantially radially with respect to the longitudinal axis. The gantry includes an inner gantry part (1) with at least two supporting locations (S) to an outer gantry portion (2).The support locations (S) are situated at each side of a treatment volume (12). A radiation head (8), mechanically attached to the inner gantry part (1) and arranged to direct radiation to the treatment volume (12) is movable around the treatment volume (12). In preferred embodiments, the parts (20, 21, 22, 23) of the gantry are formed as rings, leaving a free space along the rotational axis (9). A body-supporting couch (10) is arranged along the rotational axis extending through the hollow parts (20, 21, 22, 23). The radiation head (8) is preferably movable in a path also perpendicular to the rotation axis (9).

Abstract: A radiation machine incorporating a diagnostic imaging system is disclosed. The invention provides a very stable design of the machine by supporting an inner gantry part, including a treatment and diagnostic radiation source and detector, by an outer gantry part at two support locations situated at opposite sides of a treatment volume in a patient to be irradiated. This stable gantry design provides a high rotation speed of the inner gantry part relative the outer gantry part around the target volume, which speed is adapted for the high resolution imaging system. Based on the obtained images, changes and developments in tumor tissue and misplacement of patient may be detected. The images may be compared to a reference image to detect any anatomical or spatial difference therebetween. Based on this comparison the settings of the radiation machine may be adapted accordingly.