Abstract: A computer based method and apparatus for providing prostate brachytherapy using Interventional Magnetic Resonance imaging is described. The invention utilizes the excellent soft tissue visualization that Interventional Magnetic Resonance provides to produce radiographic, geometric and dosimetric feedback to an implant treatment planner (software module). The feedback enables an iterative procedure for the placement of needles based upon cumulative dosimetric feedback on the effect of the current and prior needle placements. The invention allows a treatment plan to be developed and the implantation procedure to be performed initially in accordance with the developed treatment plan. Modifications to the plan are made in real-time by the invention software module coupled to the IMR imaging system. The implantation procedure continues with the modified plan where further modifications are made to the plan with placement of each subsequent needle.

Abstract: A collimator apparatus for a treatment planning machine that delivers a beam. A circular collimator defines a circular aperture for the beam. At least one movable collimator jaw is moved into the projection of the circular aperture with respect to the beam in order to eclipse a portion of the beam.

Abstract: A collimator apparatus for a treatment planning machine that delivers a beam. A circular collimator defines a circular aperture for the beam. At least one movable collimator jaw is moved into the projection of the circular aperture with respect to the beam in order to eclipse a portion of the beam.

Abstract: A collimator apparatus for a treatment planning machine that delivers a beam. A circular collimator defines a circular aperture for the beam. At least one movable collimator jaw is moved into the projection of the circular aperture with respect to the beam in order to eclipse a portion of the beam.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fusion of one data set acquired by either two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging data acquisition means, such as MRI, onto another data set taken by another imaging means which has been mapped into stereotactic coordinates. As an example, an MRI data set which has intrinsic distortion in its dimensions or linearity can be fused with a CT data set which does not have image distortion, the CT data set being rendered in stereotactic coordinates by a stereotactic localizer means that has been attached to the patient's body. In this way, a distorted data set or a non-stereotactic data set such as the MRI image data can be mapped into a non-distorted or stereotactic data set so as to render the MRI data set in stereotactic coordinates and/or to render it with less distortions in its dimensions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the automatic determination of beam parameters and other criteria to determine a dose plan of radiation on a target volume. The method involves determination of geometric and other radiation involvement criteria, with search of a phase space on the incoming direction of the irradiation beam ports. The evaluation of the goodness of fit, based on parameter thresholds and other considerations, makes it possible to search on the entire phase space of possible beam directions towards the target volume so as to improve the treatment planning dosimetry. The invention applies to circular or non-circular collimator shapes, and can be illustrated by use with a linear accelerator (LINAC) as a means for X-ray delivery to a target volume such as a tumor within a patient's body.