Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus adapted for use with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system, the radiotherapy apparatus comprising a linear accelerator, the linear accelerator including an electron source. In the linear accelerator electrons which are introduced by the source are accelerated to impact on a target and produce a beam of radiotherapeutic radiation. The linear accelerator has an accelerator waveguide within which the electrons are accelerated and an external waveguide enclosure; this enclosure extends substantially continuously over the accelerator waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combined radiotherapy and MRI system in which an imaging coil is mounted on a mechanical arm. The position of the imaging coil is thus known and in embodiments can be controlled to prevent collisions with the patient and unfavourable interactions between the imaging coil and the radiation beam.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention thus define a system and methods for moving a patient into a medical treatment/imaging apparatus. By appropriate use of relatively narrow guides, a bed can be held securely both prior to movement onto the apparatus and while on the apparatus. By use of relatively wide guides, the bed is allowed a degree of lateral play to ensure a smooth transition on to the apparatus.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus is disclosed, with a linear accelerator for producing a beam of electrons, a target aligned with the electron beam, the target being capable of producing photons when electrons are incident thereon, and a material which is capable of producing neutrons when photons of sufficient energy are incident thereon. A neutron detector capable of providing a signal to a controller of the linear accelerator is provided, the controller being capable of varying the energy of the electrons of the electron beam.

Abstract: A system and method of integrating a first computer and a second computer is disclosed. The first computer executes a software application having a graphical user interface. The second computer renders the graphical user interface, receives an identification of an event that has occurred in the software application, and identifies an action to be performed by the second computer in response to the occurrence of the event, the action being identified from a predefined sequence of actions. The second computer performs the identified action to modify the rendering of the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose methods and apparatus for managing the provision of radiotherapy treatment. The method includes storing a database of calibration settings for a plurality of components of a first radiotherapy system. The calibration settings may be used by the first radiotherapy system to translate treatment plans into instructions for the plurality of components to carry out. The method further includes deriving from the database allowable ranges of values for the calibration settings. The method also includes receiving from a second radiotherapy system calibration settings for the second radiotherapy system prior to implementation of a treatment plan, comparing the calibration settings for the second radiotherapy system with the derived allowable ranges of values, and generating an alert signal when a subset of the calibration settings for the second radiotherapy system falls outside the allowable range of values.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved techniques for dosimetry in radiotherapy treatment. In a fractionated radiotherapy treatment, once the first fraction is complete and has been verified, data is generated which is representative of the dose development during delivery of the treatment for that patient and that treatment plan. This data can be used as a comparator for the instantaneous doses observed during subsequent fractions, allowing real-time dosimetry verification for the second and subsequent fractions after a successful first fraction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved techniques for dosimetry in radiotherapy treatment. In a fractionated radiotherapy treatment, the expected dose buildup is computed in advance of a fraction delivery based on the instructions in the treatment plan. The progress of the fraction is then monitored using an electronic portal image detector (EPID), and fluence data from the EPID used to calculate an estimate of the actual dose build-up in real time. This estimate can be compared to the expected dose buildup in order to validate the fraction.

Abstract: We disclose a radiotherapy apparatus with a dose verification system in which the portal image is displayed against a background of a better-quality image diagnostic image, such as a two-dimensional radiograph, an ultrasound image, or a section taken from a three-dimensional magnetic-resonance image, cone-beam CT image, or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a first device to identify a second device comprises a first interface and a second interface. Each interface is configured to allow communication between the first device and the second device, and the first interface is distinct from the second interface. The apparatus further comprises one or more controllers configured to receive a first identifier from the second device via the first interface. If the first identifier has a predetermined value, the controllers receive a second identifier from the second device via the second interface. The controllers identify the second device using the second identifier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide phantoms, and associated methods of calibration which are suitable for use in both medical resonance imaging and radiographic imaging systems. A phantom for calibration of a medical imaging system, comprises a first component having a first outer shape, a portion of which defines part of at least one pocket; and a second component coupled to the first component and having a second outer shape, a portion of which defines another part of the at least one pocket. At least one of the first and second components comprises a reservoir, the reservoir having a shape at least a portion of which locates a center of the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A guide for a surgical instrument has a support and an instrument holder. One of the support and the instrument holder has a partial spherical surface, and the other has three of more contact points arranged to be coincident with the surface of a sphere having substantially the same radius as the spherical surface. In use, the spherical surface and the contact points are placed in contact with each other, and the orientation of a surgical instrument can be adjusted by relative movement of the contact points and the spherical surface.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor array, comprising a pair of transducers, a first transducer, configured to transmit pressure waves; and a second transducer, acoustically coupled to the first transducer, configured to detect pressure waves incident upon the sensor array from the environment. The array further comprises control circuitry, coupled to the first and second transducers, configured to: control the first transducer to transmit pressure waves; simultaneously control the second transducer to monitor the transmission of said pressure waves; and verify correct operation of the array in the event that said pressure waves are detected. The invention therefore provides a sensor array with a failsafe mechanism.