Abstract: An interventional therapy system (100, 200, 300, 900) may include at least one controller (102, 202, 910) which may obtain a reference image dataset (540) of an object of interest (OOI); segment the reference image dataset to determine peripheral outlines (545) of the OOI in the plurality image slices; acquire a current image of the OOI (548) using an ultrasound probe (114, 224); select a peripheral outline (CBS, 545) of a selected image slice of the plurality of slices of the reference image dataset which is determined to correspond to the current image; and/or modify the selected peripheral outline of the image slice of the plurality of slices of the reference image dataset in accordance with at least one deformation vector (549).

Abstract: An intervention system employs an optical shape sensing tool (32) (e.g., a brachytherapy needle having embedded optical fiber(s) and a grid (50, 90) for guiding an insertion of the optical shape sensing tool (32) into an anatomical region relative to a grid coordinate system. The intervention system further employs a registration controller (74) for reconstructing a segment or an entirety of a shape of the optical shape sensing tool (32) relative to a needle coordinate system, and for registering the needle coordinate system to the grid coordinate system as a function of a reconstructed segment/entire shape of the optical shape sensing tool (32) relative to the grid (50, 90) (i.e., reconstruction of a segment/entire shape of the OSS needle inserted into/through the grid serving as a basis for the grid/needle coordinate system registration).

Abstract: A radiology workstation (16) includes a display device (25) and at least one user input device (20, 22, 24). A server computer (10) is programmed to operate with the radiology workstation to perform the radiology reading task (14) including a radiology reading support method comprising: receiving user input identifying a radiological finding; retrieving a structured finding object (SFO) template for the radiological finding; displaying an SFO annotation graphical user interface (GUI) dialog (40) having annotation data entry fields for annotating the retrieved SFO template; building an SFO (60) representing the radiological finding by annotating the SFO template via the SFO GUI dialog; and generating natural language text describing the radiological finding from the SFO. Application program interface (API) action rules (54) may be applied to determine whether the SFO being built satisfies any API action rule, and if so a corresponding application program is invoked.

Abstract: The generation of the pattern and for the adaptation to the specific geometry requires a lot of manual work. It is an object of the invention to simplify the workflow for the clinician during treatment planning. This object is achieved by a treatment planning system configured for determining a set of catheter or needle insertion positions to be used during treatment comprising. The treatment planning system comprises an image providing module for providing a medical image from which at least one treatment target structure can be derived. Further the treatment planning system comprises a pattern providing module for providing one or a set of standard patterns for catheter or needle insertion comprising a plurality of catheter or needle insertion positions, wherein the catheter or needle positions relate to treatment positions in the at least one treatment target structure.

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 electromagnetic (“EM”) tracking configuration system employs an EM quality assurance (“EMQA”) (30) and EM data coordination (“DC”) system (70). For the EMQA system (30), an EM sensor block (40) includes EM sensor(s) (22) positioned and oriented to represent a simulated electromagnetic tracking of interventional tool(s) inserted through electromagnetic sensor block (40) into an anatomical region. As an EM field generator (20) generates an EM field (21) encircling EM sensor(s) (22), an EMQA workstation (50) tests an EM tracking accuracy of an insertion of the interventional tool(s) through the EM sensor block (40) into the anatomical region.

Abstract: A radiation therapy delivery system (10) includes an ultrasound imaging unit (26), a radiation therapy delivery mechanism (12, 56, 70, 88), a plurality of fiducials (22, 90) located internal to the subject, an image fusion unit (40), and a delivery evaluation unit (38). The ultrasound imaging unit (26) includes a transducer (30) that emits ultrasonic sound waves to image in real-time an anatomic portion of a subject (16) in a first coordinate system. The radiation therapy delivery mechanism (12, 56, 70, 88) delivers amounts of therapeutic radiation in the anatomic portion of the subject in a second coordinate system. The fiducials (22, 90) include implants or a trans-rectal ultrasound probe (80). The image fusion unit (40) registers locations of the plurality of fiducials to at least one of the first and the second coordinate system and tracks the locations of the fiducials in real-time.

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: There is presented a method 100 and apparatus 200 to measure the surface of the patient (thorax and abdominal regions), e.g., during therapy delivery and (if necessary) while imaging. Together with biomechanical considerations the position of internal structures of the patient, such as an organ, and optionally a tumor in an organ, is inferred from the measured patient surface. In case the patient breaths and thus the organ and/or tumor moves, the position may be determined, which may be advantageous during, e.g., radiation therapy, since it enables that whenever the tumor is at the right position according to the radiation therapy plan, the radiation is switched on. In a specific embodiment, a finite element model is employed.

Abstract: An interventional tool stepper (30) employing a frame (31), a carriage (33), an optional gear assembly (32), and an optional grid template(34). The frame (31) is structurally configured to be positioned relative to an anatomical region for holding an interventional tool (40) relative to the anatomical region. The carriage (33) is structurally configured to hold the interventional tool (40) relative to the anatomical region. The gear assembly (32) is structurally configured to translate and/or rotate the carriage (33) relative to the frame (31). The grid template (34) is structurally configured to guide one or more additional interventional tools (41) relative to the anatomical region. The frame (31), the carriage (33), the optional gear assembly (32) and the optional grid template (34) have an electromagnetic-compatible material composition for minimizing any distortion by the interventional tool stepper (30) of an electromagnetic field.

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: The invention relates to a system and method in which a Foley catheter (70) or other medical tool which is equipped with ultrasound (US) sensor(s) (72) is inserted into the prostatic urethra. Based on analysis of the US signal received by these US sensors (72) as the US beams from a transrectal US (TRUS) probe (40) or other ultrasound probe sweep the field of view, it is possible to precisely detect and track these US sensors (72) in the same frame of reference as the TRUS images, thereby precisely delineating the Foley catheter and the course of the prostatic urethra. During the procedure, before each seed is dropped, the delivered dose to the prostatic urethra can be computed based on real-time tracking and segmentation of prostatic urethra and dose radiation based on previously dropped seeds and if necessary, the procedure can be re-planned automatically.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging apparatus (24) for imaging an introduction element (17) like a needle or a catheter for performing a brachytherapy or a biopsy. A tracking unit (3, 4) tracks the location of the introduction element within a living being (2), an imaging unit (6) like an ultrasound imaging unit generates an image showing an inner part of the living being, which includes the tracked location of the introduction element, based on the tracked location, and a display (7) displays the image. During the brachytherapy or biopsy the display can always show the introduction element, without requiring a manual control. For instance, it is not necessary that a physician manually controls the position and image plane of the imaging unit. This allows for an accurate and fast insertion of the introduction element into the living being such that a target region is reliably reached.

Abstract: A system for localizing one or more medical instruments includes a guidance grid (162) disposed in an operative relationship with a Workstation subject for receiving the one or more medical instruments (102) when deployed. An ultrasound imaging system (110) is configured to image a volume where the one or more medical instruments are deployed. A program module (136) is configured to register positions of the one or more medical instruments, using tracked position information and grid information, to the volume such that the positions of the one or more medical instruments can be visually monitored during a procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration apparatus for calibrating a system for introducing an influencing element like a radiation source into an object, particularly for calibrating a brachytherapy system. First and second images show a longish introduction device (12) like a catheter and a tracking device (16) like an electromagnetically trackable guidewire inserted into the introduction device as far as possible, and the introduction device and a calibration element (46) having the same dimensions as the influencing element and being inserted into the introduction device as far as possible. A spatial relation between the tracking device and the calibration element is determined based on the images for calibrating the system. Knowing this spatial relation allows accurately determining an influencing plan like a brachytherapy treatment plan and accurately positioning the influencing element in accordance with the influencing plan, which in turn allows for a more accurate influencing of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assisting apparatus for assisting in performing brachytherapy. The position of an introduction element (17) like a catheter is tracked particularly by using electromagnetic tracking, while a group of seeds is introduced into a living object (2). This provides a rough knowledge about the position of the seeds within the object. An ultrasound image showing the group is generated depending on the tracked position of the introduction element and, thus, depending on the rough knowledge about the position of the seeds, in order to optimize the ultrasound visualization with respect to showing the introduced seeds. Based on this optimized ultrasound visualization the position of a seed of the group is determined, thereby allowing for an improved determination of seed positions and correspondingly for an improved brachytherapy performed based on the determined positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a determination apparatus for determining the pose and shape of an introduction element like a catheter within a living being, wherein the introduction element (12) is adapted to be used by a brachytherapy apparatus for introducing a radiation source (10) close to a target object (11) to be treated. A position determination element (27) like guidewire (20) with an electromagnetic tracking element (16) is introduced into the introduction element (12) such that it is arranged at different locations within the introduction element (12), wherein the positions of the position determination element (27) within the introduction element (12) are determined. The determined positions are then acquired depending on the determined positions for determining the pose and shape of the introduction element within the living being. This can lead to a determination procedure with reduced user interaction, thereby simplifying the determination procedure for the user.