Abstract: A system and method of producing a reference graph for use in selecting the proper radiation levels for use during radiation therapy. Using the radiation treatment plan, a physician can then create a dose volume histogram. The dose volume histogram is used to create a risk map for selected tissue. Data from one or more databases is then accessed and overlaid onto the risk map to create a reference graph. The data from the selected databases contains historical data of past radiation levels used during prior radiation therapies. Furthermore, the historical data can contain instances of adverse reactions due to high radiation levels. The physician can view the reference graph to determine if the radiation being used on a patient is either overly aggressive or overly safe in all areas of affected tissue.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method that provides an automatic warning when a planned dose of radiation exceeds a predetermined safety limit. A tissue mass and surrounding healthy tissue is imaged to obtain imaged data. A dose volume histogram is generated that plots at least some of the imaged tissue versus proposed doses of radiation. The dose volume histogram presents a data curve when plotted. At least one dose tolerance limit is recalled from a reference database. The system computer analyzes the dose tolerance limits and compares this data to the data curve. The system computer determines if the data curve surpasses any selected dose tolerance limit at any point along the data curve.

Abstract: A software device that aids the user to evaluate the dose distribution and dose tolerance limits for radiation therapy treatment plans. Radiation therapy treats a desired tumor volume as well as undesired volumes of critical anatomical structures within the patient. The dose volume histogram (DVH) is commonly used to assess the volume of tumor and the volumes of critical structures receiving certain doses. The disclosed invention overlays historical dose statistical information on the dose volume histogram to conveniently enable the user to evaluate the quality of the radiation treatment plan.

Abstract: A software device that aids the user to evaluate the dose distribution for radiation therapy treatment plans. Radiation therapy treats a desired tumor volume as well as undesired volumes of critical anatomical structures within the patient. The dose volume histogram (DVH) is commonly used to assess the volume of tumor and the volumes of critical structures receiving certain doses. The disclosed invention overlays dose tolerance limits onto the DVH to conveniently and comprehensively enable the user to evaluate the quality of the radiation treatment plan. References Cited 3871579 Mar. 18, 1975 Inamura 3987281 Oct. 19, 1976 Hodes 4845370 July 4, 1989 Thompson, et al. 5012357 Apr. 30, 1991 Schoeppel, et al. 5205289 Apr. 27, 1993 Hardy, et al. 5339812 Aug. 23, 1994 Hardy, et al. 5647663 Jul. 15, 1997 Holmes 6167294 Dec. 26, 2000 Busch 6222544 Apr. 24, 2001 Tarr, et al. 6393096 May 21, 2002 Carol, et al. 6741674 May 25, 2004 Lee 7027557 Apr. 11, 2006 Llacer 7186991 Mar.

Abstract: A device that automatically aligns laser beams to corresponding targets to establish a frame of reference for radiation oncology or diagnostic imaging. The device is comprised of one or more lasers and corresponding laser alignment targets, two motors for each laser to control its direction, a laser imaging device or devices, a wireline or wireless network, a computer for controlling each laser's motors, and a central computer connected to the laser imaging device(s). Each laser alignment target has crosshairs to align the laser beam to, and each laser alignment target also has unique identifying marks to distinguish it from the other lasers' targets. Each laser has two means for automatic alignment, one to adjust the laser beam positive or negative along X coordinates, and another to adjust the laser beam positive or negative along Y coordinates.