Abstract: A segmentation selection system includes a transducer (14) configured to transmit and receive imaging energy for imaging a subject. A signal processor (26) is configured to process imaging data received to generate processed image data. A segmentation module (50) is configured to generate a plurality of segmentations of the subject based on features or combinations of features of the imaging data and/or the processed image data. A selection mechanism (52) is configured to select one of the plurality of segmentations that best meets a criterion for performing a task.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for performing a therapeutic procedure like a HDR brachytherapy. An elongate introduction element is introduced into a body (2), a temperature is determined along the introduction element, and it is determined which part of the introduction element is within the body based on the determined temperature. A therapeutic procedure is performed by using the introduction element depending on the determination which part of the introduction element is within the body (2). This can ensure that the therapeutic procedure is only performed within the body, thereby reducing the likelihood of involuntary affecting, for instance, a patient's outer skin, especially by ionizing radiation which may be used during a HDR brachytherapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a registration apparatus for registering an elongated introduction element (18), like a catheter or a needle, during an interventional procedure, for instance, a brachytherapy or a biopsy. A guide element (13) comprising at least one opening guides the introduction element when being introduced into a living being (2) through the opening. A temperature profile generation element (14) associated with the opening generates a characteristic temperature profile at the opening for being transferred to the introduction element when being present in the opening. A temperature determination unit (15) determines a temperature along the introduction element, and a registration unit (16) registers the introduction element, wherein the registering comprises identifying the transferred characteristic temperature profile on the introduction element based on the determined temperature.

Abstract: An applicator device (100, 200, 300) for use in interventional brachytherapy, wherein the applicator device (100, 200, 300) is configured to be inserted in, or near a region of interest within a living body, and the applicator device is defining a lumen (101, 201, 301) for receiving a radiation source (103, 203, 303), characterized in that the applicator device (100, 200, 300) comprises one or more sensor elements (102, 202, 302) each configured to generate an output signal indicative of whether or not the radiation source (103, 203, 303) is at a predetermined position in the lumen (101, 201, 301).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for applying radiation to a target region within a subject. An introduction element (12) like a brachytherapy catheter is inserted into the subject and a radiation source (10) is moved within the introduction element such that it is located within or close to the target region. The target region is heated, wherein the movement of the radiation source within the introduction element is controlled depending on the temperature along the introduction element. The susceptibility of the subject for the radiation emitted by the radiation source at a respective location along the length of the introduction element can depend on the temperature at the respective location such that by controlling the movement of the radiation source depending on the temperature along the length of the introduction element the application of the radiation can be optimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for providing an object (2) in a body (1), a processor (18) arranged to be used in the system (10) for providing an object (2) in a body (1), an instrument (12) for providing an object (2) into a body (1), a method for detecting a providing of an object (2) in a body (1) and a software product for detecting a providing of an object (2) in a body (1). In order to allow for a providing of an object (2) in a body (1) and a detecting hereof while avoiding the drawbacks on the known approaches, e.g. giving an opportunity for reliable localization in ultrasound images used for real-time monitoring of a medical procedure with reduced error proneness to electromagnetic interference, the invention utilizes the finding that the characteristics of a reception or transmission of an ultrasound transducer (24, 26) are influenced by the surrounding environment of the ultrasound transducer (24, 26).

Abstract: The invention relates to a HDR brachytherapy system comprising an ultrasound sensor for being arranged at the location of a brachytherapy catheter (12), wherein the ultrasound sensor is adapted to generate an ultrasound signal based on ultrasound radiation, which has been sent by an ultrasound imaging device preferentially comprising a TRUS probe (40) and which has been received by the ultrasound sensor. The position of the ultrasound sensor is determined based on the generated ultrasound signal, and based on this position of the ultrasound sensor the pose and shape of the brachytherapy catheter and/or the position of a HDR radiation source are determined. This allows for a very accurate determination of the pose and shape of the brachytherapy catheter and/or of the position of the HDR radiation source, which in turn can lead to an improved HDR brachytherapy.

Abstract: A system (100) for and a method of visualizing quality information to a person performing a procedure of temporarily or permanently placing energy provision sources in a part of a body of a living being are provided. The body comprises a volume of interest. The system (100) comprising an input (104) for receiving a treatment plan (102), a data storage (108) for storing positions (P1, P2) of previously placed energy provision sources, a sub-system (106) for determining a shape and a position of the volume of interest, a tracking system (107) for obtaining tracking information relating to a placement tool for guiding a to-be-placed energy provision source towards a specific position, a processing 107 device (110) configured for calculating a dose-volume histogram (114) for the volume of interest, and a display device (112) for presenting the dose-volume histogram (114) to the person.

Abstract: A treatment device (100) and a treatment system are provided. The treatment device (100) is suitable for temporarily or permanently placing a therapeutic device (112) in a part of a corpus of a living being. The treatment device (100) comprises an elongated body (102) for being inserted in the part of the corpus. The elongated body (102) comprises a channel (110) and an impedance sensor element (104). The channel (110) is for guiding the therapeutic device (112) to a specific position (PI) within the channel (110) and/or for holding the therapeutic device (112) at a specific position (PI) within the channel (110). The impedance sensor element (1040) is configured to be coupled to a detection device for detecting the presence of the therapeutic device (112) at the specific position (PI) on basis of a change of a signal provided by the impedance sensor element (104).

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for performing brachytherapy treatment of tumour tissue in an animal body comprising at least a longitudinally extending intracavitary component and at least a guiding unit which extends at least partly parallel to said intracavitary component. Said guiding unit comprises at least one interstitial needle for guiding a radiation source into the tumour tissue. Said guiding unit is tubular over at least a longitudinal distance sufficient that in use a proximal end of said guiding unit is situated outside said body to be treated, while a distal end of said guiding unit is situated in situ close to or adjacent the tumour tissue.

Abstract: A brachytherapy method and apparatus include implanting an applicator having at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel (62) into soft tissue adjacent a target region (40) to be irradiated. A high resolution planning image (64) of the target region including the applicator is generated, wherein the high resolution planning image is used for determining a three-dimensional treatment plan (66). A position of the applicator is tracked relative to the target region (40) and the treatment plan (66). Tracking the position includes measuring, via shape-sensing, a location and shape of the at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel (62).

Abstract: A system and methods for adaptive placement of a treatment element include a placement device (134), and a localization system (120) configured to track progress of the placement device such that a position of a treatment element (146, 132) placed by or to be placed by the placement device is stored in memory. A computer system (142) includes a program (104) implemented in computer readable storage media and configured to compute an effect of the treatment element at the position and determine whether a dosage amount has been achieved by the treatment element for treatment of an organ.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for performing brachytherapy treatment of tumour tissue in an animal body comprising at least a longitudinally extending intracavitary component and at least a guiding unit which extends at least partly parallel to said intracavitary component. Said guiding unit comprises at least one interstitial needle for guiding a radiation source into the tumour tissue. Said guiding unit is tubular over at least a longitudinal distance sufficient that in use a proximal end of said guiding unit is situated outside said body to be treated, while a distal end of said guiding unit is situated in situ close to or adjacent the tumour tissue.