Abstract: A repositionable, lockable support arm assembly for surgical and other tools includes a base arm having a lower end and an upper end, a distal arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a central joint, typically a rotational joint, directly or indirectly linking the upper end of the base arm to the proximal end of the distal arm. A lower joint, typically a spherical joint, is positioned at the lower end of the base arm, and an upper joint, also typically a spherical joint, is located at the distal end of the distal arm. A locking mechanism is coupled to the base arm at a location above the lower joint and is configured to simultaneously deliver locking forces to the lower joint, to the rotational joint, and to the upper joint. The kicking mechanism usually includes a powered, bilateral force generator for actuating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Described herein are radiolucent imaging devices and methods capable of acquiring real-time 2D, 3D, or 4D images. By using remote-actuation techniques to mechanically drive an ultrasound transducer element in multiple directions, the majority of dense metallic components typically present in the ultrasound probe itself are eliminated. Therefore the system herein achieves both CT compatibility and radiation beam compatibility.

Abstract: In external beam radiation therapy, a planning image (scan) of the patient is obtained prior to treatment as a basis for constructing a radiation delivery plan. However, since the planning scan is obtained prior to treatment (potentially days or weeks prior), it does not necessarily represent the state of the patient's anatomy as it presents at the time of treatment beam delivery. The potential mismatch between the patient's anatomy in the planning scan and anatomy at the time of treatment can result in dose discrepancies between the planned dose and the actual delivered dose. The methods herein describe the use of online images taken immediately before or during treatment delivery in order to predict, assess, and adapt to such discrepancies.