Abstract: A method of presenting a suggested path for an ultrasound probe along a patient's surface includes obtaining a three-dimensional, non-ultrasound image of the patient and an ultrasound image of the patient. A treatment area is defined within the within the three-dimensional, non-ultrasound image, and using the images, defining a scanning site contour of an anatomical structure of interest within the patient and an external contour of the patient's surface. A preferred path of the ultrasound scan is projected onto the external contour such that an operator can reproduce the ultrasound scan without knowledge of the anatomical structure of interest.

Abstract: Portal images are combined with 3D ultrasound to determine adjustments to patient treatment parameters. The images are acquired while the patient is in an initial position, and the images are registered to a treatment coordinate system. The images are combined and outlines of anatomical structures are superimposed on the portal images, resulting in new portal images that incorporate the anatomy extracted from the ultrasound. The enhanced portal images are used to identify modifications to the treatment parameters.

Abstract: Positioning an anatomical feature of a patient during repeated radiotherapy treatments, and accounting for variations in that position between treatments allow a patient to be placed in a substantially repeatable orientation with respect to a treatment device.

Abstract: A diagnostic image of internal anatomical features of a patient is annotated with representations of external features, such both can be viewed together on a visual display. Adjustments to various treatment parameters relating to the administration of radiation therapy are provided, and the displayed image is automatically updated based on the adjustments.

Abstract: Representations of a segmented, contoured organ or lesion are obtained from two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. A contour within the image of the lesion or organ of interest is used to identify a region around the initial contour and transform it into a boundary image comprising sampling lines that contain points identifying the organ boundary.

Abstract: A contoured surface map of a lesion within a patient is obtained by shifting a reference surface to an estimated location in operational images. The process can be repeated to minimize errors, and the contoured surface map can then be segmented.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing the effects of therapy on a patient include obtaining baseline and treatment ultrasound scans of a treatment area of a patient where the treatment ultrasound scans are taken subsequent to the baseline scan and at various times during a course of radiotherapy treatment sessions. The baseline and treatment ultrasounds are compared, and as a result a damage map representing cell death within the treatment area can be constructed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calibrating images and imaging devices to common coordinate systems utilize, in some embodiments, rods that detectably reflect an acoustic signal regardless of the incidence angle of the signal with respect to the rods. Typically, the rods are disposed within a “phantom” at known positions with respect to a room coordinate system. Images of the cylindrical rods may be obtained from different directions, allowing the imaging device to be calibrated to the room coordinate system.

Abstract: A displacement of a lesion within a patient is determined for the purpose of administering radiation treatment by generating sets of surface elements from three-dimensional images of the lesion taken at different times. Weights are assigned to the surface elements, and based on weights and the proximity of corresponding elements in one set to elements in another set, a displacement is determined.