Abstract: Implementations provide user access to software functionality. In some implementations, a method includes selecting one or more portions of text. The method also includes employing the one or more portions to select software functionality. The method also includes presenting one or more user interface controls in combination with a representation of the text, where the one or more user interface controls includes a user selectable outline around one or more keywords in combination with a drop-down menu.

Abstract: Streamlined and partially automated methods of setting normal tissue objectives in radiation treatment planning are provided. These methods may be applied to multiple-target cases as well as single-target cases. The methods can impose one or more target-specific dose falloff constraints around each target, taking into account geometric characteristics of each target such as target volume and shape. In some embodiments, methods can also take into account a planner's preferences for target dose homogeneity. In some embodiments, methods can generate additional dose falloff constraints in locations between two targets where dose bridging is likely to occur.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes a reconstruction unit which reconstructs a first CT image corresponding to a field of view (FOV) by using a first sinogram acquired by a CT scan of an object; and a correction unit which acquires a second sinogram by performing forward projection on the first CT image and acquires a second CT image by using the second sinogram and a third sinogram representing a portion of the object that is not included in the FOV. Thus, the CT apparatus reduces generation of image errors to thereby provide a high-quality reconstructed CT image.

Abstract: A radiation therapy planning system (10) includes an isodose line unit (36), a region of interest unit (52), and an optimization unit (58). The isodose line unit (36) receives isodose lines planned for a volume of a subject. The region of interest unit (52) defines at least one isodose region of interest based on the received isodose lines. The optimization unit (58) generates an optimized radiation therapy plan based on the at least one defined isodose region of interest and at least one dose objective for the defined region of interest.

Abstract: A method for generating planning data or control data for a radiation treatment, comprising the following steps: acquiring segmented data of an object which contains a treatment volume and a non-treatment volume; modelling at least some or all of the volume or surface of the treatment volume as a source of light or rays exhibiting a predefined or constant initial intensity; modelling the non-treatment volume as comprising volumetric elements or voxels which each exhibit an individually assigned feature or attenuation or transparency value (tmin?t?tmax) for the light or rays which feature is assigned to the light or ray or which attenuation or transparency maintains or reduces the intensity of the light or ray as it passes through the respective volumetric element or voxel, wherein the feature or attenuation or transparency value is individually assigned to each volumetric element or voxel of the non-treatment volume; defining a map surface which surrounds the treatment volume or the object; calculating an acc

Abstract: Radiation therapy dose calculation methods, systems and computer program products, for use with a treatment delivery device for treating a patient and utilizing a scattered radiation detector in making independent dose calculations. The scattered radiation detector is configured to acquire measurement information during patient treatment, which is used to determine an estimate of the output of the treatment delivery device. Other information is acquired including patient imaging data, gantry angle information and collimator position information utilized during patient treatment. The acquired information is utilized along with the treatment delivery device output estimate to determine dose delivered to the patient.

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a camera to image an object and output the image of the object, a display member using a touch screen to display the image of the object output from the camera, and an X-ray irradiation region of the object, an X-ray irradiation region controller to control a region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated, and a control member to enable the irradiation region controller to control the region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated according to the X-ray irradiation region, when the X-ray irradiation region is determined, based on the image of the object displayed in the display member.

Abstract: A control circuit accesses patient information and treatment-platform information and uses that information to automatically suggest a treatment plan having at least one of a given number of treatment-pathway traversals wherein the given number is permitted to be greater than one and sub-treatment-pathway traversal-based physical alterations to at least one of the dynamic elements of the dynamic radiation-treatment platform. By one approach the aforementioned patient information can refer, at least in part, to the patient's external contour and a treatment target's size and position with respect to the patient. The patient information regarding the treatment target can represent the latter as a simple symmetrical geometric shape (such as a cuboid). The treatment-platform information, in turn, can refer, at least in part, to dynamic elements of the dynamic radiation-treatment platform itself.

Abstract: A method for dose-gradient based optimization of an intensity modulated radiation therapy plan. First, an optimizer (6) performs a first optimization (40) of the plan to generate dose distributions corresponding to the plan. Next, the optimizer (6) generates a beam specific dose gradient map (42) for each beam of the plan. Then, new dose gradients are specified (44) for the plan. Last, the optimizer (6) performs a final optimization (46) using the new dose gradients. The final optimization is given the new dose gradients as soft constraints into an objective function. The optimizer (3) applies a limiting factor to the objective function such that a first dose gradient is limited by the optimizer only if the first dose gradient exceeds the new dose gradient for a specific beamlet.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for assessing machine trajectories for collision avoidance. A three-dimensional model of a patient based at least in part on data received from a three-dimensional imaging device is generated. The three-dimensional model of the patient is aligned with a coordinate system of a three-dimensional model of a radiation treatment machine. It is then determined whether a collision between the patient and the radiation treatment machine will occur at each one of a series of control points of the radiation treatment plan.

Abstract: In an MRI magnet structure for use with a radiation beam source as an assembly, magnet coils of varying diameters are concentrically arranged along a magnetic axis, the magnetic coils not sharing a common inner or outer radius. Mechanical support is provided to retain the magnetic coils in necessary relative fixed positions. The patient bore tube is provided through the assembly and defines a patient bore axis in an essentially horizontal direction such that the magnetic axis is inclined to the patient bore axis by an angle of 30°-60°. At least one radiation therapy beam access cavity provides access in a straight line for a radiation therapy beam to reach a treatment region within the magnet structure.

Abstract: A method and computer program for dose calculation include using information from a fraction image to update contour information from a planning image and also includes using density information from the fraction image and the planning image for performing dose calculation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for permitting manipulation of an achievable dose distribution estimate deliverable by a radiation delivery apparatus for proposed treatment of a subject. One such method comprises: determining a dose modification voxel for which it is desired to modify the dose value and a corresponding magnitude of desired dose modification; for each of a plurality of beams: (i) characterizing the beam as a two-dimensional array of beamlets, wherein each beamlet is associated with a corresponding intensity value and a ray line representing the projection of the beamlet into space; and (ii) identifying one or more dose-change beamlets which have associated ray lines that intersect the dose modification voxel; modifying the intensity values of at least one of the dose-change beamlets; and updating the achievable dose distribution estimate to account for the modified intensity values of the at least one of the dose-change beamlets.

Abstract: A control circuit employs at least two optimization stages while developing a radiation-treatment plan. During a first optimization stage the control circuit uses a first radiation-treatment plan optimization process that employs user-selected constraints to provide general plan results. During this first optimization stage the control circuit then provides one or more opportunities for a user to modify those user-selected constraints to thereby influence the general plan results. Eventually, this first optimization stage identifies a set of resultant user-selected constraints. During the second optimization stage the control circuit then uses a second radiation-treatment plan optimization process that employs the aforementioned resultant user-selected constraints to provide an optimized radiation-treatment plan.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an architecture, system and methods for optimizing power utilization for transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery which maintain a iontophoretic driving voltage at a reduced or even minimum value to support an iontophoretic delivery current. The reduced voltage reduces the power requirements for a transdermal iontophoretic delivery system during a period of drug delivery. Embodiments of an architecture for implementing this approach can utilize a controller which compares the desired current to the actual current and adjusts the voltage to reduce the amount of power used for iontophoretic drug delivery. The controller can comprise a state machine or microprocessor. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for extending the battery life of transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: A medical data processing method for determining a target set comprising at least one irradiation target in a patient's body for radiation therapy treatment by means of a treatment device constituted to treat the at least one target by means of one or more sub-beams during a treatment time, the one or more sub-beams constituting at least one treatment beam which is to pass through the at least one target in accordance with a treatment plan during the treatment time, the method comprising the following steps and being constituted to be executed by a computer: a) acquiring (S 1.1) critical area; b) acquiring (S 1.2) target data; c) acquiring (S 1.3) treatment beam constraint data; d) acquiring treatment beam criteria data (S 1.4); and e) determining (S4), based on the critical area data, the target data, the treatment beam constraint data and the treatment beam criteria data, target set data describing spatial information on at least one irradiation region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) as absolute radiation beam measuring devices and as radiation beam alignment devices without implementation of elaborate and complex calibration procedures.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for dosimetric verification of radiation therapy treatments by selective evaluation of measurement points. Systems, methods, and computer program-products for providing dosimetric verification of radiation therapy treatments by evaluating measurement points using different evaluation criteria.

Abstract: Interference of dose application in scanned ion beam therapy and organ motion, also called interplay effect, may lead to dose deviations at target volumes. Current repainting methods are susceptible to artifacts due to a predominant scanning direction, ranging from fringed field edges to under and overdosed regions (hot and cold spots). To overcome the difficulties inherent in the repainting techniques of conventional proton therapy systems, new random repainting techniques are described herein for mitigating the under-dose and/or over-dose pattern inherent in existing repainting techniques using a random repainting approach that randomly selects spot locations within the target area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for volume rendering based 3D image filtering and real-time cinematic volume rendering is disclosed. A set of 2D projection images of the 3D volume is generated using cinematic volume rendering. A reconstructed 3D volume is generated from the set of 2D projection images using an inverse linear volumetric ray tracing operator. The reconstructed 3D volume inherits noise suppression and structure enhancement from the projection images generated using cinematic rendering, and is thus non-linearly filtered. Real-time volume rendering can be performed on the reconstructed 3D volume using volumetric ray tracing, and each projected image of the reconstructed 3D volume is an approximation of a cinematic rendered image of the original volume.

Abstract: This device for controlling a radiation treatment device is provided with a gantry for supporting a radiation emitting device so as to enable rotation thereof about a first axis, and a ring for supporting the gantry so as to enable rotation thereof about a second axis intersecting with the first axis, the device for controlling a radiation treatment device being provided with a movement path information storage unit for storing movement path information set in the radiation emitting device, and a control unit for providing a limit to the rotation speed of the gantry and the rotation speed of the ring while maintaining the ratio of the rotation speed of the gantry and the rotation speed of the ring indicated by the movement path information, on the basis of the rotation angle of the gantry and the rotation angle of the ring.

Abstract: An adaptive therapy delivery system can receive imaging information including a volumetric image comprising a target such as a tumor or one or more other structures, and can receive imaging information corresponding to one or more imaging slices comprising different portions of the target, such as imaging slices acquired at different times after acquisition of the volumetric image. The system can spatially register information from an earlier-acquired image with a portion of the target included in a later-acquired one of the imaging slices. The system can then determine an updated location of the target indicated by the spatially-registered information. Using the updated location, the system can generate an updated therapy protocol to control delivery of a therapy beam.

Abstract: A control circuit identifies (prior to optimizing a radiation-treatment plan) at least one angle (such as one or more gantry angles as correspond to an arc-therapy treatment platform) to provide one or more identified angles. The control circuit then optimizes a radiation-treatment plan with respect to a particular patient target volume by using the identified angle(s) as preferred angles as regards irradiating the patient target volume. Being “preferred,” the radiation-treatment plan is thereby influenced (without being required) towards changing a rate of moving the gantry when traversing the preferred angle(s). For example, the plan can be biased towards slowing down movement of the gantry at such angles to thereby deliver a relatively greater amount of radiation to the patient target volume at the preferred angle.

Abstract: A method for automatically adding a first sensor device to a first personal area network in a healthcare application includes receiving a signal with out-of-band pairing data at the first sensor device. The first sensor device is disposed on a patient's body. The out-of-band pairing data is injected into the patient's body by a second sensor device disposed on the patient's body. Pairing data is extracted from the received signal at the first sensor device. Using the pairing data, the first sensor device is added to the first personal area.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus is provided with an X-ray irradiation unit configured to perform irradiation with X-rays; a detection unit configured to detect the X-rays; a top table configured to be movable and allow a test object to be mounted; a position information acquisition unit configured to acquire first relative position information representing a relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit with respect to a position of the top table, and second relative position information representing a relative position of the detection unit with respect to the position of the top table, as clinical position information; and a drive control unit configured to drive the X-ray irradiation unit and the detection unit, based on displacement information representing a displacement of the position of the top table and the clinical position information.

Abstract: Multiple tumors are grouped into multiple treatment groups. Tumors in different treatment groups are treated by a radiosurgery in different treatment sessions than the tumors in the same treatment groups. The tumors can be grouped so as to decrease the biologically effective dose received by normal tissue in the treatment area. The radiosurgical planning system can divide the tumors into groups based on their location relative to each other and the radiation the tumors will be treated with and create a plan for treating the tumors according to the treatment groups.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus includes a data acquirer acquiring a first image and a second image that are partial images, by using data acquired in a first angular section corresponding to a first time point and a second angular section corresponding to a second time and facing the first angular section, by performing a tomography scan on an object that is moving, and acquiring first information indicating a motion amount of the object by using the first image and the second image, and an image reconstructor reconstructing a target image indicating the object at a target time, based on the first information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for evaluating treatment parameters for a patient undergoing radiotherapy. The method includes the step of generating a portal dosimetry image showing differences between a planning image obtained prior to a treatment session and a portal image obtained during the treatment session. A database of prior portal dosimetry results is accessed, and a processor is used to perform a similarity measurement between the portal dosimetry image and the prior portal dosimetry results. Based on the similarity measurement, the system determines whether radiation was delivered as planned during the treatment session.

Abstract: A non-sliding, non-sutured hands-free contact lens assembly for ophthalmic procedures utilizes a number of microstructures strategically placed on the bottom of either the contact lens or the bottom of a contact lens holder ring. After the contact lens, or the contact lens assembled with the contact lens holder ring, is placed on the cornea of the eye and centered, a surgeon applies downward pressure either on the contact lens itself or on the lens holder ring. This secures the lens assembly to the cornea due to increased friction between the microstructures and the tissues of the eye when the microstructures penetrate through the tear film and, optionally, viscous solution film and into the contact with superficial layer of cornea or other parts of the eye, thus temporarily anchoring the contact lens, or lens holder, to the desired surgical site.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes: a collimator for adjusting an X-ray irradiation region; a data obtainer for obtaining position information of a target in an object based on an electrode signal sensed from electrodes attached to the object; and a controller for setting first coordinates indicating a position of the target on a first coordinate system with respect to the object based on the position information, transforming the first coordinates to second coordinates on a second coordinate system with respect to an X-ray image of the object, and adjusting a position of the collimator based on the second coordinates.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), utilizes an iterative approach which adjusts a treatment plan based on inter- or intra-fraction images to improve the accuracy of the radiation delivered during the overall treatment. The prescribed dose of radiotherapeutic radiation is mapped onto the patient's anatomy using an image acquired of the region, which is to be the target for radiotherapeutic radiation. Following beam-angle-optimization, fluence optimization and segmentation, the efficiency of delivery of each segment is determined using an objective function, and the segments ranked according to their efficiency. The plan proceeds with the choice of the most efficient segment (or segments) to be delivered first.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable storage media relate to determining optimal treatment information. The methods may include determining a dose distribution for one or more target regions by applying a deformation parameter to a treatment plan dose distribution for a subset of a plurality of phases. The method may also include determining one or more dose parameters based on the dose distribution for the subset of the plurality of phases. The one or more dose parameters may represent a motion of the dose distribution over the plurality of phases for each region. The method may further include determining optimal treatment information based on the one or more dose parameters. The optimal treatment information may include optimal phase and associated dose distribution and the optimal phase may be a phase having a minimum total dose for the one or more target regions.

Abstract: In a method for correcting respiratory influences on recordings of an examination object by operation of a magnetic resonance apparatus, an external respiratory signal is determined, an internal respiratory signal is determined, a correlation signal is determined, at least one reliability range of the correlation signal is determined, a fit function in at least one reliability range of the correlation signal is determined, and the recordings subject to respiratory influences of the examination object are corrected based on the determined fit function.

Abstract: An exposure dose management system according to an embodiment includes an image storage device, a first recording device, a misalignment correction device, and a second recording device. The image storage device stores a human body three-dimensional image. The first recording device records an exposure dose and an exposure area of a subject in a first irradiation step on the human body three-dimensional image. The misalignment correction device corrects misalignment between a position of the subject in a second irradiation step, which follows the first irradiation step, and a position of the human body three-dimensional image. The second recording device further records an exposure dose and an exposure area in the second irradiation step on the human body three-dimensional image in which the misalignment was corrected.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography imaging device (1) for imaging a retina of a human subject comprises a base (10) having a planar contact surface (11), an optical unit (30) providing a sample beam to scan the retina of the human subject and a head support (80) to be contacted by a head portion of the human subject, the head support (80) defining an entrance position of the sample beam entering an eye of the human subject. An angle between the sample beam at the entrance position and the planar contact surface (11) of the base (10) is 50 to 90°. This arrangement ensures that the head rests in a stable and well defined position with respect to the OCT optics. The risk of negative effects on the imaging process due to head movements, in particular due to movements during the scan time of the OCT device is considerably reduced. Furthermore, the device may assume a compact form factor.

Abstract: An existing radiation treatment plan is accessed for a given patient as well as first information (such as automatically generated updated information) regarding at least one physical characteristic as corresponds to the radiation treatment of this patient. One then initiates, prior to receiving second information (such as user input) regarding the first information, an automatic adaptation process to adapt the treatment plan to accommodate the first information. Upon later receiving second information regarding the first information, one then modifies the automatic adaptation process itself to incorporate the second information regarding the first information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hadron therapy installation comprising a moving floor in the form of a deformable band guided in a guide structure. The moving floor comprises a lower segment and an upper segment. The lower segment can be pulled by the irradiation unit from a lower docked position to a position in which the lower segment forms a substantially horizontal floor surface when the irradiation unit is in a first angular position. The upper segment can be pulled by the irradiation unit from an upper docked position to a position in which the upper segment at least partially forms the substantially horizontal floor surface when the irradiation unit is in a second angular position. The lower segment and the upper segment may have a finite length and a counterweight further connected to the free end of the upper segment.

Abstract: An image-guided radiotherapy system for tumor treatment featuring obtaining a three-dimensional visualized tumor image, identifying the boundary of the tumor, and designating and applying a boosted radiation dose of treatment for a boost region within the tumor boundary. A predetermined safety region is between the boosted region and the tumor boundary with a predetermined minimum distance between the boosted region boundary and tumor boundary.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for immunization against human breast cancer are disclosed. In one embodiment the multivalent antigenic composition is provided comprising immunogenic polypeptides selected from the group consisting of human ?-lactalbumin, ?S1 casein, ?-casein and ?-casein.

Abstract: An optical scanning type observation apparatus includes: a light source portion for supplying illuminating light; an optical fiber for guiding the illuminating light and emitting the illuminating light from an emission end portion; an actuator portion for displacing an irradiation position of the illuminating light by swinging the emission end portion; a control portion for controlling the actuator portion such that at least a first frame and a second frame are periodically obtained; an image generating portion for sequentially generating at least a first image in the first frame and a second image in the second frame; a motion detecting portion for detecting a motion of an image between different frames; and an image outputting portion for outputting one or both of the first and second images based on a motion detected by the motion detecting portion.

Abstract: An X-ray positioning apparatus according to the present invention is provided with an X-ray video device that generates second X-ray image data in which a respiratory signal of a patient and first X-ray image data are related to each other, a positioning computer that generates patient platform control data for controlling a patient platform, and a photographing trigger generation apparatus that outputs a photographing trigger signal to an X-ray tube; the X-ray positioning apparatus is characterized in that the photographing trigger generation apparatus generates the photographing trigger signal, in accordance with a first frame rate and a second frame rate that is higher than the first frame rate, and in that the positioning computer generates the patient platform control data, based on a reference image and one X-ray image selected from consecutively photographed images that are photographed at the second frame rate.

Abstract: System includes a beam generator to generate beam(s) for patient treatment and a computing device that obtains three-dimensional image(s) of a target structure that repositions with respect to surrounding tissue of the patient. The computing device creates plan(s) including a first three-dimensional probability distribution of patient's position and a second three-dimensional probability distribution of the repositioned structure's internal position. The computing device combines the first distribution with the second distribution to generate a joint distribution and selects a probability level from the joint distribution. The probability level defines an enclosed surface. A distance defined between the surface and a point of origin in at least one direction is equal to a threshold value of a parameter of the repositioned target in the direction.

Abstract: A scanning candidate route extracting unit which extracts plural candidates of scanning routes in which each of the scanning routes connects all spot positions in one layer is provided, in an evaluation function using necessary scanning time Tk and weight coefficient wk for a kth partial route among partial routes which are routes between the spot positions which are adjacent on one of the plural candidates of scanning routes, and number n of spot in the layer, wk with respect to a partial route which passes through affected tissue is set to be 1, wk with respect to a partial route which passes through normal tissue is set to be bigger than 1, and wk with respect to a partial route which passes through an important internal organ is set to be bigger than wk with respect to a partial route which passes through normal tissue.

Abstract: A method for extending initial image data of a subject for dose estimation includes obtaining first image data of the subject for dose calculation, wherein the first image data has a first field of view. The method further includes obtaining second image data for extending the field of view of the first image data. The second image data has a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view. The method further includes extending the first field of view based on the second image data, producing extended image data.

Abstract: A radiation device directs a beam of radiation onto a target. The beam can be adjusted using, for example, a control for setting beam shape and a control for setting beam intensity. The target is supported on a surface that can be adjusted using, for example, a control for setting surface position and a control for setting a speed for moving the surface. Controls are selected to adjust the beam and the surface cooperatively in order to compensate for movement of the target.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one three-dimensional image data record of a target area from two sets of projection images recorded with x-ray spectra using different energy maxima. A first set of projection images is recorded via a first X-ray spectrum and different first projection directions and a second set of projection images via a second X-ray spectrum and different second projection directions which differ at least partially from the first projection directions. A three-dimensional anatomy image data record is reconstructed from the first and the second projection images. A three-dimensional spectral image data record is reconstructed by a weighted combination of a first three-dimensional reconstruction image data record reconstructed from the first projection images, and a second three-dimensional reconstruction image data record reconstructed from the second projection images. The anatomy image data record and the spectral image data record are displayed.

Abstract: A control circuit controls real-time administration of a radiation-treatment plan that administers a therapeutic radiation dose to a patient. This includes compensating for a first movement as regards the application setting using a first treatment-administration modality and responding to detection of a second movement by using a second treatment-administration modality that is different from the first treatment-administration modality.

Abstract: A system for tracking tumors during radiotherapy by interleaving treatment pulses with imaging pulses is disclosed. The system includes a multisource scanning eBeam X-ray tube having a plurality of focal spots. The X-ray tube is configured to emit X-rays to a plurality of different locations on a target by sequentially emitting the X-rays to the focal spots in the plurality of focal spots. This is done such that the X-rays can be emitted to the plurality of different locations on the target without substantially moving the X-ray tube or the target. The system further includes an imager panel configured to act as the target and configured to receive the X-rays from the focal spots of the X-ray tube. The system further includes a tomosynthesis reconstruction module configured to process output from the imager panel to construct an image.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for estimating patient radiation exposure during computerized tomography (CT) scans. More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide efficient approaches for generating a suitable patient model used to make such an estimate, to approaches for estimating patient dose by interpolating the results of multiple simulations, and to approaches for a service provider to host a dose estimation service made available to multiple CT scan providers.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for designing a radiation treatment for a subject using single arc dose painting. The methods and systems comprise an algorithm or a computer-readable product having the same, to plan the radiation treatment. The algorithm converts pairs of multiple leaf collimation (MLC) leaves to sets of leaf aperture sequences that form a shortest path single arc thereof where the pairs of MLC leaves each aligned to an intensity profile of densely-spaced radiation beams, and connects each single arc of leaf apertures to form a final treatment single arc. Also provided is a method for irradiating a tumor in a subject using single arc dose painting.