Patents by Inventor Tony Falco

Tony Falco has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230372739
    Abstract: Techniques are described to simulate partial patient images, such as 2D Megavolt (MV) images or 2D CT images, such as slices or projections, as the patient representation evolves during the radiation treatment, and then compare one or more actual patient images obtained during the radiation treatment to the one or more simulated partial patient images. A resulting image similarity indication, such as a pass/fail signal, can then be provided to a radiation therapy system to represent movement of the organ occurring during the radiation treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20230302297
    Abstract: Techniques are described that use surface camera imaging data combined with other information to describe how a patient is moving in 4D. Intrabody imaging data, such as from CT images, and surface camera imaging data, such as from surface imaging cameras, can be acquired. A system can generate a model relating the intrabody imaging data having a three-dimensional (3D) patient representation to a two-dimensional (2D) surface patient representation. During a particular treatment fraction session, the system can obtain surface camera imaging data and use the surface camera imaging data and the model to calculate a 3D patient representation during the particular treatment fraction session. In this manner, surface camera imaging data can drive the model to provide motion management during (or before or after) a treatment session so that the 3D state of a patient is known at any given moment during (or before or after) a treatment session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20230285776
    Abstract: A reference radiotherapy treatment plan having a plurality of control points, such as a sequence of gantry angles, aperture leaf positions, and intensity weights, can be adapted during the radiotherapy treatment session. Treatment imaging data of a patient may be obtained during the radiotherapy treatment session and one or more parameters may be determined using the treatment imaging data. Then, a current radiotherapy treatment plan may be generated based on the parameter(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Patent number: 11064899
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) projection imaging. Such projection imaging may be used for generating four-dimensional (4D) imaging information representative of a physiologic cycle of a subject, such as including generating two or more two-dimensional (2D) images, the 2D images comprising projection images representative of different projection angles, and the 2D images generated using imaging information obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, assigning the particular 2D images to bins at least in part using information indicative of temporal positions within the physiologic cycle corresponding to the particular 2D images, constructing three-dimensional (3D) images using the binned 2D images, and constructing the 4D imaging information, comprising aggregating the 3D images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Elekta, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20210121715
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing operations comprising: generating a radiotherapy treatment plan for treating an ablation volume comprising a myocardial scar based on a first image of a patient that is generated using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging information; identifying, based on the first image of the patient, the ablation volume comprising the myocardial scar in a second image of the patient that is generated using MR imaging information without contrast; adjusting the radiotherapy treatment plan based on the ablation volume identified in the second image of the patient; acquiring a cine image of the patient during delivery of a radiotherapy treatment fraction by a radiotherapy treatment device based on the adjusted radiotherapy treatment plan; and comparing the cine image to the second image of the patient to control delivery of a radiotherapy beam by the radiotherapy treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Tony Falco, Martin Emile Lachaine
  • Patent number: 10791958
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) projection imaging. Such projection imaging may be used to control radiation therapy delivery to a subject, such as including receiving reference imaging information, generating a two-dimensional (2D) projection image using imaging information obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the 2D projection image corresponding to a specified projection direction, the specified projection direction including a path traversing at least a portion of an imaging subject, determining a change between the generated 2D projection image and the reference imaging information, and controlling delivery of the radiation therapy at least in part using the determined change between the obtained 2D projection image and the reference imaging information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Elekta, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20200121282
    Abstract: Radiation treatment is delivered to a patient by positioning the patient such that a radiation beam is delivered to a lesion within the patient along a beam-delivery path while securing a diagnostic imaging device about the patient such that the diagnostic imaging device does not intersect the beam-delivery path. Radiation therapy is simultaneously delivered along the beam-delivery path while diagnostic images are obtained using the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Martin Lachaine, Sebastien Tremblay, Philippe Fortier, Sergei Koptenko, Tony Falco
  • Patent number: 10542962
    Abstract: Radiation treatment is delivered to a patient by positioning the patient such that a radiation beam is delivered to a lesion within the patient along a beam-delivery path while securing a diagnostic imaging device about the patient such that the diagnostic imaging device does not intersect the beam-delivery path. Radiation therapy is simultaneously delivered along the beam-delivery path while diagnostic images are obtained using the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Elekta, LTD
    Inventors: Martin Lachaine, Sebastien Tremblay, Philippe Fortier, Sergei Koptenko, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20200023203
    Abstract: Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Sebastien Tremblay, Fabienne Lathuiliere, Tony Falco
  • Patent number: 10531858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Elekta, LTD
    Inventors: Martin Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Patent number: 10449390
    Abstract: Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Elekta LTD
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Sebastien Tremblay, Fabienne Lathuiliere, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20190261885
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) projection imaging. Such projection imaging may be used to control radiation therapy delivery to a subject, such as including receiving reference imaging information, generating a two-dimensional (2D) projection image using imaging information obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the 2D projection image corresponding to a specified projection direction, the specified projection direction including a path traversing at least a portion of an imaging subject, determining a change between the generated 2D projection image and the reference imaging information, and controlling delivery of the radiation therapy at least in part using the determined change between the obtained 2D projection image and the reference imaging information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Patent number: 10327666
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) projection imaging. Such projection imaging may be used to control radiation therapy delivery to a subject, such as including receiving reference imaging information, generating a two-dimensional (2D) projection image using imaging information obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the 2D projection image corresponding to a specified projection direction, the specified projection direction including a path traversing at least a portion of an imaging subject, determining a change between the generated 2D projection image and the reference imaging information, and controlling delivery of the radiation therapy at least in part using the determined change between the obtained 2D projection image and the reference imaging information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Elekta, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20180256064
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) projection imaging. Such projection imaging may be used for generating four-dimensional (4D) imaging information representative of a physiologic cycle of a subject, such as including generating two or more two-dimensional (2D) images, the 2D images comprising projection images representative of different projection angles, and the 2D images generated using imaging information obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, assigning the particular 2D images to bins at least in part using information indicative of temporal positions within the physiologic cycle corresponding to the particular 2D images, constructing three-dimensional (3D) images using the binned 2D images, and constructing the 4D imaging information, comprising aggregating the 3D images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Elekta, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20170361128
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) projection imaging. Such projection imaging may be used to control radiation therapy delivery to a subject, such as including receiving reference imaging information, generating a two-dimensional (2D) projection image using imaging information obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the 2D projection image corresponding to a specified projection direction, the specified projection direction including a path traversing at least a portion of an imaging subject, determining a change between the generated 2D projection image and the reference imaging information, and controlling delivery of the radiation therapy at least in part using the determined change between the obtained 2D projection image and the reference imaging information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Martin Emile LACHAINE, Tony FALCO
  • Patent number: 9451928
    Abstract: A diagnostic image of internal anatomical features of a patient is annotated with representations of external features, such that 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Elekta LTD.
    Inventors: Tony Falco, Martin Lachaine, Jason Gorman
  • Patent number: 9248316
    Abstract: Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ELEKTA LTD.
    Inventors: Martin Lachaine, Sebastien Tremblay, Fabienne Lathuiliere, Tony Falco
  • Publication number: 20150375013
    Abstract: Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Emile Lachaine, Sebastien Tremblay, Fabienne Lathuiliere, Tony Falco
  • Patent number: 8929621
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Elekta, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fabienne Lathuilière, Véronique Audet, Tony Falco, Martin Lachaine
  • Patent number: 8366618
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Elekta Ltd.
    Inventors: Tony Falco, Martin Lachaine