Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for adjusting a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) in a treatment process according to a treatment plan or a portion thereof. The MLC may include at least one closed leaf pair in the treatment process. The method may include: for each of the at least one closed leaf pair, determining an offset for the closed leaf pair; and causing the at least one closed leaf pair to move based on the determined at least one offset before or during the treatment process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating a proposed treatment plan for radiation therapy, for evaluating one or more delineated regions of interest for radiation therapy, and/or for generating a proposed treatment plan for radiation therapy. Machine learning based on historical data may be used.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus for an animal comprises a treatment part including an accommodation space for placing an animal, an irradiation part including an electron generator and a linear accelerator coupled to one side of the electron generator and disposed in a direction perpendicular to the treatment part, the linear accelerator being configured to emit radiation toward the treatment part, and an image acquisition part located at a preset interval from the treatment part along an irradiation direction of the radiation and configured to obtain an image of an irradiation area when the radiation is applied, wherein the radiation has an output of 1 MeV to 2 MeV so as to be applied to a diseased part located within a predetermined distance range from epidermis of the animal.

Abstract: A medical user interface for the combined use of at least two medical examination systems. The medical user interface includes a display data interface to connect to a display and to send medical display data to be displayed on the display, an input data interface to connect to an input device for receiving instructions of a user, a communication interface to a data connection with the medical examination systems, and a computer. The computer is designed to establish a data communication to the medical examination systems via the communication interface, and a) to create the display data and send the display data to the display, b) to process the instructions from a user, and c) to send control data to the medical examination systems or to receive and process medical examination data received from the medical examination systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for three-dimensional dose prediction and treatment planning using a deep learning fully convolutional neural network are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises at least one electronic processor programmed to: control an imaging device to perform an imaging procedure on a patient wherein the imaging procedure comprises a plurality of radiation exposure events; automatically construct a data structure which stores information for the radiation exposure events including at least radiation dose information for the radiation exposure events determined during the imaging procedure; compute a peak skin dose (PSD) estimate for the imaging procedure from the information for the radiation exposure events retrieved from the data structure; determine whether the PSD estimate exceeds a PSD threshold; and output a notification if the PSD estimate exceeds the PSD threshold.

Abstract: Catheter exchange systems and methods may use a cutting tool to sever an encrusted catheter. The cutting tool may include a flexible cannula to encompass and move along the encrusted catheter. A sheath may selectively cover the cutting tool. The cutting tool may selectively transition between a first position in which the cutter is within the sheath and a second position in which the cutting tool is extended beyond the sheath to sever a suture of the catheter. A locking stylet may be used to secure the position of the encrusted catheter and remove the encrusted catheter.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a potential setup error in a radiation treatment delivery session of a radiation treatment delivery system, wherein the setup error corresponds to a change in a current position of a treatment target relative to a prior position of the treatment target, and wherein the change includes a rotation relative to the prior position of the treatment target. The method further includes modifying, by a processing device, one or more planned leaf positions of a multileaf collimator (MLC) of a linear accelerator (LINAC) of the radiation treatment delivery system to compensate for the potential setup error corresponding to the rotation of the prior position of the treatment target.

Abstract: A radiation delivery system includes a radiation source to generate a radiation beam to deliver to a target and a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) operatively coupled to the radiation source, wherein the MLC is offset to shift the MLC in a direction relative to a line from the radiation source to a point of interest to cause projections of the radiation beam to be shifted based on the offset.

Abstract: A system and method of performing prospective and retrospective on-line adaptive radiotherapy. The method includes performing, during a treatment delivery session, delivery of a dose of radiation to an anatomical volume. The method includes detecting, during the treatment delivery session, a current state of the anatomical volume. The method includes predicting a future change in the current state of the anatomical volume during the treatment delivery session. The method includes adjusting, while the anatomical volume is in the current state, the treatment delivery to anticipate the future change in the anatomical volume.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient during radiation therapy includes range compensators. Each of the range compensators shapes a distribution of a dose delivered to the patient by a beam emitted from a nozzle of a radiation treatment system. A positioning component holds the range compensator in place relative to the patient such that the range compensator lies on a path of the beam.

Abstract: A terminal for receiving streaming data may receive information of a plurality of different quality versions of an image content; request, based on the information, a server for a version of the image content from among the plurality of different quality versions of the image content; when the requested version of the image content and artificial intelligence (AI) data corresponding to the requested version of the image content are received, determines whether to perform AI upscaling on the received version of the image content, based on the AI data; and based on a result of the determining whether to perform AI upscaling, performs AI upscaling on the received version of the image content through a upscaling deep neural network (DNN) that is trained jointly with a downscaling DNN of the server.

Abstract: A radiation delivery system and method of operation are described. The method includes modulating a sub-beam intensity of a radiation beam generated by a radiation source across a plurality of sub-beams that subdivide a fluence field into a two-dimensional (2D) grid, and delivering a plurality of independent two-dimensional (2D) sub-beam intensity patterns from a plurality of angles while the radiation source is moved continuously.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided. Imaging detector columns are installed in a gantry to receive imaging information about a subject. Imaging detector columns can extend and retract radially as well as be rotated orbitally around the gantry. The system can automatically adjust setup configuration and an imaging operation based on subject shape estimation information.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus for an animal comprises a treatment part including an accommodation space for placing an animal, an irradiation part including an electron generator and a linear accelerator coupled to one side of the electron generator and disposed in a direction perpendicular to the treatment part, the linear accelerator being configured to emit radiation toward the treatment part, and an image acquisition part located at a preset interval from the treatment part along an irradiation direction of the radiation and configured to obtain an image of an irradiation area when the radiation is applied, wherein the radiation has an output of 1 MeV to 2 MeV so as to be applied to a diseased part located within a predetermined distance range from epidermis of the animal.

Abstract: A method of measuring a rotational position of an assembly with circumferential ferromagnetic teeth includes applying an excitation signal for a cycle to an actuator, the cycle causing a first rotational displacement of a first ferromagnetic tooth from a first rotational position to a second rotational position and a second rotational displacement of a second ferromagnetic tooth from the second rotational position to a third rotational position. The method further includes measuring a plurality of first signal outputs from a magnetoresistive sensor during the cycle; determining one or more signal offset values based on the plurality of first signal outputs; applying the signal excitation for a portion of a second cycle to the actuator; measuring second signal outputs from the magnetoresistive sensor; generating corrected signals by modifying the second signal outputs with the signal offset values; and, based on the corrected signals, determining a rotational position of the assembly.

Abstract: A radiation delivery system that includes a gantry to extend along one or more axes. The gantry is to provide a continuous rotation. The radiation delivery system includes a linear accelerator (LINAC) coupled to the gantry. The LINAC is to generate a treatment beam. The radiation delivery system includes a rotary joint coupled to the gantry. The rotary joint provides a physical connection from the LINAC to an external system that is positioned off the gantry. The physical connection is to transport radio frequency (RF) power.

Abstract: The transverse intensity distribution of a beam of x-rays or other radiation can be modulated with a multi-slit collimator device that includes one or more sets of collimator leaves arranged in a one-dimensional array and individually movable to form slits of variable width between pairs of adjacent collimator leaves. A two-dimensional intensity distribution may be achieved using multiple sets of one-dimensionally arranged leaves, e.g., by stacking them along the beam in different orientations, or by stacking them in a transverse direction to form a two-dimensional array of leaves. In some embodiments, the multi-slit collimator device also serves beam-monitoring purposes.

Abstract: The present disclosure directs to a system and method for automated positioning of a subject. The method may include obtaining a scout image of a subject when the subject is positioned at a first position in an apparatus. The method may also include determining location information of a reference structure of the subject based on the scout image. The method may also include determining an offset between the first position of the subject relative to a characteristic point of the apparatus according to the location information of the reference structure. The method may further include moving the subject to a second position based on the offset. The method may still further include performing, using the apparatus, a procedure relating to a target structure of the subject located at the second position.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for determining a two dimensional DRR referred to as dynamic DRR based on a 4D-CT, the 4D-CT describing a sequence of three dimensional medical computer tomographic images of an anatomical body part of a patient, the images being referred to as sequence CTs, the 4D-CT representing the anatomical body part at different points in time, the anatomical body part comprising at least one primary anatomical element and secondary anatomical elements, the computer implemented method comprising the following steps: acquiring the 4D-CT; acquiring a planning CT, the planning CT being a three dimensional image used for planning of a treatment of the patient, the planning CT being acquired based on at least one of the sequence CTs or independently from the 4D-CT, acquiring a three dimensional image, referred to as undynamic CT, from the 4D-CT, the undynamic CT comprising at least one first image element representing the at least one primary anatomical element and second image elements represen

Abstract: A particle portal imaging (PPI) system and method are provided that can be used to provide a “beam's eye view” of a patient's anatomy as a charged particle beam is delivered to a target region of the patient's body. The PPI system is capable of performing real-time image acquisition and in-situ dose monitoring using at least exit neutrons generated within the patient. The PPI system can perform charged particle treatment (PT) monitoring to monitor the particle beam being used for PT.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for radiotherapy treatment plan optimization for irradiating one or more target regions using both an internal therapeutic radiation source (ITRS) and an external therapeutic radiation source (ETRS). One variation of a method comprises iterating through ITRS radiation dose values and ETRS radiation dose values to attain a cumulative dose that meets prescribed dose requirements. In some variations, an ITRS is an injectable compound that has a targeting backbone and a radionuclide, and images acquired using an imaging compound that has the same targeting backbone as the injectable compound can be used to calculate the radiation dose deliverable using the injectable ITRS, and also to calculate firing filters for delivering radiation using a biologically-guided radiation therapy (BGRT) system. Image data acquired from a previous treatment session may be used to adapt the dose provided by an ITRS and/or ETRS for a future treatment session.

Abstract: Provided is a method for computer-aided user assistance during the activation of a movement planner for a machine, in which: a user interface is provided and can be used by a user to specify parameterization data for the movement planner, wherein the parameterization data comprise a machine model and an environment model; the collision-free movement space and the collision-prone movement space of the machine in the configuration space are determined on the basis of parameterization data specified via the user interface; one or more features with respect to the collision-free and/or collision-prone movement space are determined; a predefined plausibility criterion is checked for a respective feature of at least some of the features, wherein, if the plausibility criterion has not been satisfied, an output in the form of a warning message is produced via the user interface.

Abstract: A method, device and system for estimating causality among observed variables are provided. In response to receiving observation data of a plurality of observed variables, a causality objective function is determined, based on fitting inconsistencies when fitting is performed using the observed variables and a sparse constraint for a causal network structure. The fitting inconsistencies are adjusted based on weighting factors of the observed variables, wherein a weighting factor of an observed variable indicates a minimum underestimate value of cost required for fitting a target variable using all other observed variables than the above observed variable. Then, the causality among the plurality of observed variables is estimated by using the observations data to optimally solve the causality objective function through sparse causal reasoning under a directed acyclic graph constraint.

Abstract: A method for simulating a particle transport may include recording transport paths of inputted particles and determining an uncertainty of each of lattice cells based on the transport paths of each batch of the inputted particles, a lattice cell being a qualified lattice cell if an uncertainty of the lattice cell does not exceed a first threshold; determining a standard-reaching rate of lattice cells in a region of interest (ROI), the ROI including at least one lattice cell, the standard-reaching rate of lattice cells in the ROI being equal to a ratio of the number of qualified lattice cells to a total number of lattice cells in the ROI; and if the standard-reaching rate of lattice cells in the ROI exceeds a second threshold, stopping inputting particles, and outputting the transport paths of the inputted particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for adapting and/or updating radiotherapy treatment plans based on biological and/or physiological data and/or anatomical data extracted or calculated from imaging data acquired in real-time (e.g., during a treatment session). Functional imaging data acquired at the time of radiation treatment is used to modify a treatment plan and/or dose delivery instructions to provide a prescribed dose distribution to patient target regions. Also disclosed herein are methods for evaluating treatment plans based on imaging data acquired in real-time.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a voxel-based quadratic penalty model for automatic intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning are disclosed herein. A computing system generates an initial assignment of threshold values to a penalty function for IMRT treatment planning. The computing system receives an update to a dose value associated with the IMRT treatment planning. The computing system dynamically updates the threshold values based on the updated dose value. The computing system continues to iterate the threshold values based on further updated dose values.

Abstract: A balloon applicator for an intraoperative radiation therapy system includes an x-ray beam shaping component for emitting x-rays in a plurality of possible directions in three dimensions. The balloon applicator includes connecting structure for connecting to the intraoperative radiation therapy system and an inflatable balloon contactor having an outer surface. The balloon applicator has a beam hardening system including a beam hardening compound disposed between the x-ray beam shaping component and the outer surface of the balloon. The beam hardening system is capable of hardening the beam in beam directions in three dimensions. An intraoperative radiation therapy system and a method for conducting intraoperative radiation therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.

Abstract: A radiation treatment session is initiated to deliver a therapeutic radiation beam from a therapeutic radiation source to a target. One or more X-ray radiation sources are caused to deliver an imaging radiation beam from the one or more X-ray radiation sources through the target to one or more X-ray detectors to acquire imaging data associated with the target during therapeutic radiation beam delivery. One or more volumetric images are constructed using the acquired imaging data.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to execute multi-pass imaging scans for improved quality and workflow. An imaging scan can be segmented into multiple passes that are faster than the full imaging scan. Data received by an initial scan pass can be utilized early in the workflow and of sufficient quality for treatment setup, including while the another scan pass is executed to generate data needed for higher quality images, which may be needed for treatment planning. In one embodiment, a data acquisition and reconstruction technique is used when the detector is offset in the channel and/or axial direction for a large FOV during multiple passes.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) includes a computed tomography scanner (“CT”) configured to generate tomographic images of a subject, or patient, the scanner including an imaging apparatus, a gantry with an opening for positioning the patient therein, an axis of rotation around which the gantry rotates, and an x-ray source mounted to and rotatable with the gantry. The system includes a bed for patient positioning within the gantry opening and a multi-slit collimator removably mounted downstream of the x-ray source for delivering an array of microbeams of MRT to a targeted portion of the patient. Switching between MRT and CT is provided, and MRT modes of operation include a stationary mode, and continuous and step-wise rotational modes.

Abstract: Systems and method for automatically generating structures, such as target volumes, in a treatment image using structure-guided deformation to propagate the structures from a planning image onto the subsequently acquired treatment image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for multi-schema analysis of patient specific anatomical features from medical images. The system may receive medical images of a patient and metadata associated with the medical images indicative of a selected pathology, and automatically classify the medical images using a segmentation algorithm. The system may use an anatomical feature identification algorithm to identify one or more patient specific anatomical features within the medical images by exploring an anatomical knowledge dataset. A 3D surface mesh model may be generated representing the one or more classified patient specific anatomical features, such that information may be extracted from the 3D surface mesh model based on the selected pathology. Physiological information associated with the selected pathology for the 3D surface mesh model may be generated based on the extracted information.

Abstract: A method and system utilizes an imaging device that generates images of target tissue of a patient during a surgical procedure that acts on the target tissue imaged by the imaging device. The method and system enables visual detection of patient movement during the surgical procedure by marking at least one spatial attribute of one or more identifiable features of the target tissue illustrated in an image presented in a display window. Prior to acting on the target tissue, a visual indicator of the spatial attribute(s) is superimposed on one or more subsequent images captured by the imaging device and displayed to the operator. The operator can visually compare a position of the visual indicator to a position of the operator-identified feature in order to detect movement of the patient during the procedure. The system and methodology also facilitates realignment that corrects for detected patient movement.

Abstract: A radiation system is provided. The radiation system may include a bore accommodating an object, a rotary ring, a first radiation source and a second radiation source mounted on the rotary ring and a processor. The first radiation source may be configured to emit a first cone beam toward a first region of the object. The second radiation source may be configured to emit a second beam toward a second region of the object, the second region including at least a part of the first region. The processor may be configured to obtain a treatment plan of the object, the treatment plan including parameters associated with radiation segments. The processor may be further configured to control an emission of the first cone beam and/or the second beam based on the parameters associated with the radiation segments to perform a treatment and a 3-D imaging simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the delivery of linear accelerator radiotherapy in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging in which components of a linear accelerator may be placed in shielding containers around a gantry, may be connected with RF waveguides, and may employ various systems and methods for magnetic and radio frequency shielding.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time target validation during radiation treatment therapy based on real-time target displacement and radiation dosimetry measurements.

Abstract: Techniques for solving a radiotherapy treatment plan optimization problem are provided. The techniques include receiving a radiotherapy treatment plan optimization problem; processing the radiotherapy treatment plan optimization problem with a machine learning model to estimate one or more optimization variables of the radiotherapy treatment plan optimization problem, wherein the machine learning model is trained to establish a relationship between the one or more optimization variables and parameters of a plurality of training radiotherapy treatment plan optimization problems; and generating a solution to the radiotherapy treatment plan optimization problem based on the estimated one or more optimization variables of the radiotherapy treatment plan optimization problem.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a radiation treatment plan of ion treatment, in which the optimization procedure is interrupted, some but not all low-weight spots are discarded and the optimization procedure is resumed with a reduced set of spots. The weight of one or more remaining spots may be increased before resuming the optimization procedure, for example by adding the spot weight of one or more of the discarded spots to one or more of the remaining spots.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR)-radiotherapy (RT) hybrid system for treating a patient is disclosed. The MR-RT hybrid system comprises: an MR imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising bi-planar magnets configured to generate a magnetic field; a radiation source configured to supply a radiation beam to treat the patient; a gantry configured to couple the MR apparatus at a first end and the radiation source so that they can rotate in unison; a treatment support configured to support the patient; a motor configured to move the treatment support; and a controller. The controller comprises a processor and memory having stored thereon instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the motor to move the treatment support in order to avoid collision between the MRI apparatus and the patient when the MRI apparatus is rotated. A method for positioning the treatment support within the MR-RT hybrid system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation system may include a treatment assembly including a first radiation source, a second radiation source, and a first radiation detector. The first radiation source may be configured to deliver a treatment beam covering a treatment region of the radiation system, and the treatment region may be located in a bore of the radiation system. The second radiation source may be configured to deliver a first imaging beam covering a first imaging region of the radiation system, and may be mounted rotatably on a first side of the treatment assembly. The first radiation detector may be configured to detect at least a portion of the first imaging beam, and may be mounted rotatably on a second side of the treatment assembly. The treatment assembly, the second radiation source, and the first radiation detector may be positioned such that the treatment region is addressable for the radiation system.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient during radiation therapy is disclosed. The system includes a shell, a plurality of material inserts disposed in the shell, where each material insert of the plurality of material inserts respectively shapes a distribution of a dose delivered to the patient by a respective beam of a plurality of beams emitted from a nozzle of a radiation treatment system, and a scaffold component disposed in the shell that holds the plurality material inserts in place relative to the patient such that each material insert lies on a path of at least one of the beams.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an adaptive therapy workflow that minimizes time needed to create a session patient model, select an appropriate plan for the treatment session, and treat the patient.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a particle beam therapy system comprising: a circular accelerator configured to accelerate charged particles; a beam transportation line configured to lead the charged particles accelerated by the circular accelerator to an irradiation room; a shielding wall that is disposed around a radiation controlled area and shields radiation to be generated from the circular accelerator and the beam transportation line, the radiation controlled area being an area where the circular accelerator and the beam transportation line are disposed; a specific portion that is provided at a position that separates the radiation controlled area from outside of the shielding wall and can form an additional opening portion of the irradiation room; and a blocking portion configured to close the specific portion and shield radiation passing through the specific portion.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a method includes receiving data about a patient, computing geometric characterization of one or more organs at risk proximate to a target volume of a patient or vice versa, and selecting relevant treatment knowledge and experience. The method also includes generating, based on the received data, computed geometric characterization, and available knowledge and experience, a first set of radiation treatment planning parameters that will lead to a high quality plan for the patient. Further, the method includes model-based prediction, based on the data, a second set or more of radiation treatment planning parameters that will lead to alternative achievable plans with different organ sparing objectives for treating the patient. The multiple sets for parameters can be used separately or in conjunction to generate treatment plans.

Abstract: A teleoperational medical system includes a teleoperational control system, a teleoperational manipulator, an operator controller. The control system includes a processing unit configured to: determine a position and orientation of a marker on an operator of the operator controller; determine whether a head portion of the operator is directed toward or away from a display region of a display; based on a determination that the head portion is directed toward the display region, initiate an operator following mode in which a movement of the operator controller provides a corresponding movement to the teleoperational manipulator; and based on a determination that the head portion is directed away, suspend the operator following mode. The determination that the head portion is directed away from the display region of the display device includes determining whether the head portion of the operator is directed away from the display region for a threshold time period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a lung disease including capturing a first set of images of at least a portion of a lung displaying symptoms of a lung disease, generating a three dimensional model from the first set of images, locating a target nerve proximate the portion of the lung, generating a treatment plan, and non-invasively denervating the target nerve based on the treatment plan such that the function of the portion of the lung is affected.

Abstract: The dose rate of voxels within a particle beam (e.g., proton beam) treatment field delivered using pencil beam scanning (PBS) is calculated, and a representative dose rate for the particle beam treatment field is reported. The calculations account for a dose accumulation in a local region or a sub-volume (e.g., a voxel) as a function of time.

Abstract: In radiation treatment planning, a plurality of optimization loops are performed. In each optimization loop computes a dose distribution (60) in a patient represented by a planning image (42) with regions of interest (ROIs) defined in the planning image. Weights (64) for objective functions (50) are determined from objective function value (OFV) goals (52) for the objective functions. An optimized dose distribution is produced by adjusting the plan parameters to optimize the computed dose distribution respective to composite objective function (62). At least one optimization loop may include updating (70) at least one OFV goal to be used in at least the next performed optimization loop. At least one optimization loop may include updating an objective function quantifying compliance with a target dose for a target ROI based on a comparison of a metric of coverage of the target ROI and a desired coverage of the target ROI.