Abstract: A device is used to precisely deliver the treatment plan created by an automatic planning system by positioning a single low energy radiation source, or a plurality of low energy sources connected to each other, in a predetermined parallel, planar, or similar geometry, each source equipped with blocking and attenuation mechanisms, thereby delivering a plurality of parallel overlapping beams indexed on a millimeter or submillimeter grid such that a concentration of dose is achieved at a variable depth in tissue relative to the dose where the radiation first enters the tissue. A plurality of overlapping beams indexed on a millimeter or submillimeter grid can converge on a target volume loaded with gold nanoparticles to deliver a tumorcidal dose of radiation in as little as a single session to tumor cells but not to normal cells or to deliver serial radiosurgical treatments.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described including implantable radiation sensing devices having exposure determination devices that determines exposure information based on the at least one in vivo measurand output.

Abstract: Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.

Abstract: A method of treating a cancerous region in a breast of a patient comprising (i) imaging the breast in a three-dimensional coordinate system, (ii) stereotactically determining the location of the cancerous region in the breast, (iii) optionally determining the volume of the entire cancerous region to be treated, and (iv) while maintaining the breast in a three-dimensional coordinate system that is identical to or corresponds with the three-dimensional coordinate system used in (i), noninvasively exposing the cancerous region of the breast of the patient to a cancer-treatment effective dose of radiation; and equipment for use in such a method.

Abstract: A system maps components of prescribed treatments to multiple appointments of a patient, tracks patient progress through a course of treatment by recording results of treatment in a clinical information system and replaces multiple manual processes to improve concurrent monitoring of a treatment plan versus actual results. A system schedules multiple appointments for a course of patient treatment. The system uses an input processor for receiving data identifying, a treatment type, a frequency of application of the treatment, a start date of the treatment and a number of applications of the treatment. An appointment processor determines validity of the received data and uses the validated received data to generate data representing a schedule of multiple appointments for receiving the treatment. An interface processor provides data representing the schedule of multiple appointments to a destination system.

Abstract: A radiation therapy dose distribution method starts with selecting a treatment type. Then an organ at risk (OAR) distance to target map is determined. The OAR distance to target map comprises distances to a target organ for portions of an OAR. The OAR distances are determined from at least one segmented patient organ image. A cohort average dose distance to target histogram is selected. A dose value to the portions of the OAR are assigned to form a first 3D dose distribution map. The dose values are from the selected cohort average dose distance to target histogram. A second 3D dose distribution map is determined based on a field arrangement determined by the treatment type and the first 3D dose distribution map. A dose distance to target histogram is calculated using the second 3D dose distribution map and the distance to target map.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system for irradiating a target volume with a particle beam is provided. The radiation therapy system includes a radiation source that is operable to output an adjustable irradiation field that includes a particle beam that is scanned point by point over the target volume. A 3D imaging device may obtain a 3D radiation treatment data set in a radiation treatment phase. An adaptation unit adapts the irradiation field to a change in position and/or shape of the target volume in the radiation treatment phase. The adaptation unit compares the 3D radiation treatment data set with a 3D planning image data set furnished and obtains a transformation that describes the change in position and/or shape of the target volume. The adaptation unit transforms an irradiation field based on the transformation.

Abstract: A system for and method of delivering radiation therapy to a moving region of interest is disclosed. The method, in one implementation, includes the acts of generating a plurality of treatment plans for providing radiation therapy, delivering radiation therapy to the patient following one of the plurality of treatment plans, monitoring the patient while providing radiation therapy, and changing the treatment plan based at least in part on monitoring the patient.

Abstract: Methods described herein include selecting a target disease having an associated therapeutic dose of radiation, determining a maximal energy in an x-ray radiation beam to be emitted from a radiotherapy system to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation associated with the target disease to target tissue in a patient, the selected disease of the plurality of diseases requiring differing maximal energies of the x-ray radiation beam to achieve the associated therapeutic dose of radiation than the maximal energy required to achieve the associated therapeutic dose of radiation for another disease, and outputting to an output module an indication of the determined maximal energy. Methods carried out in a system that can include a processing module that receives an input including a selection of a target disease, and an output module, coupled to the processing module, that outputs, an indication of the determined maximal energy.

Abstract: A robotic treatment delivery system including a linear accelerator (LINAC), and a robotic manipulator coupled to the LINAC. The robotic manipulator is configured to move the LINAC along seven or more degrees of freedom, at least one of the seven degrees of freedom being a redundant degree of freedom.

Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an irradiation treatment plan, the plan constituted of: obtaining a plurality of reference scans of a target tissue over a breathing cycle; obtaining a pre-treatment scan of the target tissue; identifying the reference scan whose phase is consonant with the obtained pre-treatment scan; computing at least one motion vector field between the identified reference scan and another of the plurality of reference scans different from the identified reference scan; applying the at least one computed motion vector field to one of the obtained pre-treatment scan and the another of the plurality of reference scans so as to obtain at least one synthetic scan whose phase is consonant with the other of the obtained pre-treatment scan and the another of the plurality of reference scans; and adjusting one of an irradiation dose, irradiation angle and irradiation positioning responsive to the at least one synthetic scan.

Abstract: A certain component of an input time series signal (hereinafter referred to as input) is assumed as a cycle time-variable time series signal and a prediction model for predicting a value of the input after the predetermined time is produced, and the value of the input after the predetermined time is predicted and outputted using the prediction model.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapy delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment, a therapy delivery system includes a plurality of movable components including a radiation therapy nozzle and a patient pod for holding a patient, a patient registration module for determining a desired position of at least one of the plurality of movable components, and a motion control module for coordinating the movement of the least one of the plurality of movable components from a current position to the desired position. The motion control module includes a path planning module for simulating at least one projected trajectory of movement of the least one of the plurality of moveable components from the current position to the desired position.

Abstract: A method and system for providing intensity modulated radiation therapy to a moving target is disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a treatment plan for providing radiotherapy using a multi-leaf collimator (“MLC”) comprises a plurality of sub-plans, each of which is optimized for a different phase of target movement. Movements of the treatment target are tracked in real time, and the choice of which sub-plan to implement is made in real time based on the tracked position of the target. Each of the sub-plans is preferably formulated to minimize interplay effects between target movements and MLC leaf movements, consistent with other planning goals. In addition, the sub-plans preferably include a predicted region corresponding to the next anticipated position of the target, in order to facilitate the transition to the next position.

Abstract: An X-ray collimator for controlling an X-ray radiation field, having a lower base member, a pair of regulating members, a pair of surrounding members having substantially U-shaped forms in planar view, N columnar members surrounded by the pair of surrounding members (where N is 4, 6, or 8), a guiding member, a pair of moving members moving parallel to the opposed surfaces of the regulating members, an upper base member, a first motor for horizontally moving the pair of moving members, and a second motor for moving the columnar members. The first motor is driven to horizontally move the pair of moving members over the same distance in opposite directions. The second motor is configured to move one of the columnar members along an internal surface of the surrounding member surrounding the columnar member, thereby moving the other N?1 columnar members sequentially.

Abstract: Among other things, an applicator means (20) for x-ray radiation therapy for the irradiation of surfaces, as well as a radiation therapy device are described, having an applicator element (21) for taking up a probe tip or a radiation source element of a radiation source means (11). In order to further develop applicator means (20) in such a way that it is especially suitable also for the irradiation of surfaces, it is provided that applicator element (21) for adjusting different beam characteristics has at least one element (27) for influencing the beam, in particular a lens element, which is disposed in an exchangeable manner at/in applicator element (21). In addition, an advantageous fastening means is described, by means of which applicator means (20) can be attached and fixed on the surface to be treated.

Abstract: Embodiments provide method and systems for determining or measuring objective eye alignment in an external-coordinate system so as to define a reference axis. Additional embodiments provide a method and system of aligning an objectively determined reference axis of the eye in a selected relationship to a therapeutic axis of an ophthalmic therapeutic apparatus and/or a diagnostic axis of an ophthalmic diagnostic apparatus. Embodiments provide a method and system for planning an ophthalmic treatment procedure based on objective eye alignment in an external-coordinate system so as to define a reference axis of an eye to be treated. The reference axis may be used to position a therapeutic energy component, for example, an orthovoltage X-ray treatment device, e.g., positioned to provide treatment to tissue on the retina, such as the macula.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to compact, non-synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) systems and methods for cancer research and treatment based on a carbon nanotube distributed x-ray source array technology. The systems and methods can deliver microscopically discrete x-ray radiation at peak dose rate of 10 Gy per second or higher. The x-ray radiation can be provided by a spatially distributed x-ray source array. The technology can be used, for example and without limitation, for human cancer treatment, for intra-operative radiation therapy, and for pre-clinical cancer research on animal cancer models.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for planning imaging include planning imaging in conjunction with planning a radiation treatment. A radiation dose due to planned imaging may be calculated and used in optimizing a plan for delivering therapeutic radiation. Imaging and treatment may be performed using radiation beams having different characteristics. In some embodiments an imaging beam is generated using a low-Z target and a therapy beam is generated using a high-Z target. A radiation treatment planning system may include data characterizing both the imaging beam and the treatment beam.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for examining an object (e.g., a tumor in a patient) and subsequently treating the object. The examination and treatment generally occur very close to one another in time, with the patient remaining on a support article (e.g., on a bed or in a chair) during both the examination and the treatment. In this way, a position of the tumor and/or orientation of the tumor relative to the patient is substantially fixed during both the examination and the treatment. In one embodiment, a support article is configured to rotate during the examination and/or treatment. In this way, the object can be examined (e.g., and volumetric data related to the object can be acquired) and/or treated without moving portions of the imaging and/or treatment apparatus, for example.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system comprising a support for a patient undergoing radiotherapy treatment, a gantry rotatable about an axis, a source of radiation mounted on the gantry and producing a beam of radiation directed towards a target region of the patient, a collimator coupled to said radiation source, the collimator comprising a plurality of movable, beam-limiting elements, to collectively define a shaped aperture through which the radiation beam passes, a portal imager mounted on the gantry opposite the radiation source for detecting the radiation after it has passed through the patient and generating corresponding images, and associated circuitry for controlling at least the gantry, the source, the collimator, and the portal imager, collating detected data comprising a plurality of images acquired including images at a plurality of angles of rotation of said gantry and images at a plurality of collimator shapes; generating a three-dimensional image of the target region based thereon.

Abstract: A portable orthovoltage radiotherapy system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, the ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the ocular structures inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the ocular structures within the coordinate system.

Abstract: Radiation treatment methods comprise: obtaining initial image data of a region of interest; initially optimizing one or more radiation delivery variables of a radiation treatment plan based on the initial image data; and dividing the plan into one or more fractional treatments. Each fractional treatment comprises: delivering an initial portion of a fraction based on the one or more initially optimized radiation delivery variables; obtaining fractional image data pertaining to the region of interest; fractionally optimizing the one or more radiation delivery variables based at least in part on the fractional image data; and delivering a subsequent portion of the fraction based on the one or more fractionally optimized radiation delivery variables. At least part of delivering the initial portion of the fraction overlaps temporally with at least one of: obtaining the fractional image data and fractionally optimizing the one or more radiation delivery variables.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive method for treatment of arrhythmia. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of a trial fibrillation in a heart of a patient comprises directing radiation from outside the patient toward one or more target treatment regions of the heart so as to inhibit the a trial fibrillation. The radiation may induce isolation of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described including implantable radiation sensing devices having exposure determination devices that determines cumulative exposure information based on the at least one in vivo measurand.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for determining an optimum amount of Internal Radionuclide Therapy (IRT) and External Radiation Therapy (XRT) to administer, comprising: obtaining activity image information for an imaged object from a detector; running a Monte Carlo simulation for the activity image information to obtain absorbed dose-rate image information at multiple times; adding the absorbed dose-rate image information from each time to obtain IRT total absorbed dose image information; and utilizing the IRT total dose image information to obtain total dose image information that is equivalent to XRT dose image information in terms of dose-rate, wherein the IRT dose information is converted to equivalent XRT dose information without having to generate BED dose maps.

Abstract: These various embodiments access target information regarding a radiation-therapy treatment volume for a given patient as well as non-target information regarding at least one structure other than the radiation-therapy treatment volume that also comprises a part of the given patient. These embodiments then provide for accessing uncertainties information regarding spatial uncertainties as pertain to at least one of the target information and the non-target information and using that uncertainties information to characterize at least one radiation-therapy treatment plan optimization consideration with respect to a preference of usage to thereby provide preference considerations. These preference considerations are then used to influence a follow-on radiation-therapy treatment plan optimization process when developing a treatment plan for the radiation-therapy treatment volume.

Abstract: Controlling the timing of acquiring x-ray images based on target movement.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient positioning and/or repositioning system, such as a laying, semi-vertical, or seated patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle radiation therapy. Patient positioning constraints optionally include one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are preferably movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning, repositioning, and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the charged particle beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: A treatment planning, simulation, and verification system is described. According to one embodiment, a treatment plan and a fluoroscopy data image of a treatment volume are received and the treatment plan is automatically adjusted based on the movement of the fluoroscopy data image. According another embodiment, a system includes a treatment planning component to generate a treatment plan and a simulation component to simulate the execution of the treatment plan.

Abstract: A radiotherapeutic apparatus comprises a source of therapeutic radiation, a source of visible light arranged to cast a light field corresponding to the beam of radiation, and a multileaf collimator for shaping the beams, wherein a filter is disposed in the path of the visible light beam having a plurality of linear dark sections corresponding to leaves of the collimator. This prevents the incident light from falling on the leaves and removes the ghost images at source. By placing the filter in the head, the line can be very narrow and will be blurred into penumbra at the isocentre. This is therefore a very inexpensive yet effective method of reducing ghosting. A mirror can deflect the path of the visible light to correspond to that of the radiation beam, and the filter can be disposed anywhere in the beam path, such as prior to the mirror, subsequent to the mirror and prior to the collimator, or subsequent to the collimator.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method to carry out image-guided radiotherapy or radiosurgical treatments using Kilovoltage X-ray beams; one of the problems with the clinical application of this treatment consists in the absorbed dosage imparted unto a point within the subject to be irradiated depends on the local concentration of the contrast agent at that point, and the lack of properly quantifying the presence of the contrast agent at each point of the tumor or malformation to be irradiated results in a significant decrease in the quality of the treatment; the method and apparatus of the present invention resolve this and other problems.

Abstract: A device, system and method for administering radiation therapy to a tissue surface of a patient utilizes an applicator capable of controlled movement and repositioning over a selected area of tissue, under the control of a computer or controller. A servo-controlled manipulator can effect a raster scan of the desired area, such as an area of the skin, and this can be in any desired pattern such as serpentine, spiral, parallel but unidirectional, or irregular patterns. Preferably a third direction of control is included, i.e. a depth direction, with an appropriate form of depth sensor, a signal from which can be used to adjust the radiation source so that radiation of the tissue surface is consistent over varied contoured.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy that includes a couch upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned, the couch having continuous arc rotation for delivery accelerated irradiation to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Gd2O2S:Nd fluorescent material and the use of Nd3+ as emitter in suitable materials.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system including a radiation therapy apparatus for generating a therapeutic treatment beam, with which an object is irradiated, an imaging apparatus for generating a medical image of the object, and a positioning apparatus, with which the object is positioned in the radiation therapy system for irradiation and imaging purposes, is provided. The imaging apparatus and the radiation therapy apparatus are both rotatably mounted so that the object is positioned in a first rotation state in the imaging apparatus and is positioned in the radiation therapy apparatus in a second rotation state.

Abstract: A spherical rotational radiation therapy apparatus (SRRTA) with single spherical rotation center (SRC) is proposed. Referencing a combined X-Y-Z Cartesian and (r-?-?-?) polar coordinates.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described including implantable radiation sensing devices having exposure determination devices that determines cumulative exposure information based on the at least one in vivo measurand.

Abstract: A treatment planner (102) generates fluence maps (140) indicative of a desired fluence distribution at various locations (304, 312) along a treatment arc (302). A converter (142) converts the fluence distributions (140) to treatment device settings (144). The settings (144) may include multiple segments. A segment distributor (146) distributes the settings to locations in the vicinity of their original positions.

Abstract: A therapeutic energy system for performing interstitial laser therapy and brachytherapy includes two categories of components. The first category includes components usable to perform both interstitial laser therapy and brachytherapy. The second category of components includes components usable to perform either interstitial laser therapy or brachytherapy, but not both. The components co-act to apply therapeutic energy to tissue. The components of the first system include components inserted percutaneously into the tissue, such that interstitial laser therapy and brachytherapy can be performed sequentially without removing and re-inserting percutaneous components. Components of the second category include components not requiring additional puncturing of the skin of a patient, such that removing and inserting components of the second category from a patient is done easily and painlessly. An energy probe component does not maintain a cavity around the tumor mass.

Abstract: A control device for a medical system is provided. The medical system may be a medical diagnosis and/or medical therapy system. The medical system may include a control unit operable to be used to carry out control processes that control the medical system, and a mobile handheld control unit operable to control at least one controllable element of the medical system by a user. The control device may be configured so that one or more control processes may only be carried out by the control unit when the mobile handheld control unit is located at a predefined location.

Abstract: An apparatus for delineating a structure of interest includes: a plane selection interface (32, 70) for selecting a contouring plane of selectable orientation in a three-dimensional image or map (80); a contouring interface (32, 72) for defining a contour in the selected contour plane; and a mesh constructor (74, 76) configured to construct a three-dimensional polygonal mesh (90) delineating the structure of interest in the three-dimensional image or map. The mesh constructor positions constrained vertices (102, Vc) on or near a plurality of non-coplanar delineation contours (84, Ccor, Cobl) defined using the contouring interface.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for developing a dynamic scheme for Gamma Knife radiosurgery based on the concept of “dose-painting” to take advantage of robotic patient positioning systems on the Gamma Knife C and Perfexion units. The spherical high dose volume created by the Gamma Knife unit will be viewed as a 3D spherical “paintbrush”, and treatment planning is reduced to finding the best route of this “paintbrush” to “paint” a 3D tumor volume. Under the dose-painting concept, Gamma Knife radiosurgery becomes dynamic, where the patient is moving continuously under the robotic positioning system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for developing a treatment plan for irradiating a treatment volume within a patient are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, control points used to calculate a dose of radiation delivered to the treatment volume may be combined to result in a smaller number of control points. The smaller number of control points may allow more efficient calculation of dose distributions resulting in a treatment plan that can be delivered to the patient earlier or may allow additional iterations of treatment plan optimization resulting in a more accurate dose distribution being delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A method, code and system for planning the treatment a lesion on or adjacent to the retina of an eye of a patient are disclosed. There is first established at least two beam paths along which x-radiation is to be directed at the retinal lesion. Based on the known spectral and intensity characteristics of the beam, a total treatment time for irradiation along each beam paths is determined. From the coordinates of the optic nerve in the aligned eye position, there is determined the extent and duration of eye movement away from the aligned patient-eye position in a direction that moves the patient's optic nerve toward the irradiation beam that will be allowed during treatment, while still maintaining the radiation dose at the patient optic nerve below a predetermined dose level.

Abstract: An image guided radiation therapy system comprises a radiation source to generate radiation. Radiation optics forms a therapeutic radiation beam from the therapeutic radiation from the radiation source. An imaging system forms an image of a target zone to control the radiation optics to direct the therapeutic radiation beam onto the target zone. The radiation optics is provided with an optics module configured to generate an imaging photonic beam endowed with optical angular momentum. The imaging system comprises a magnetic resonance assembly to receive magnetic resonance signals the from the target zone generated by imaging photonic beam endowed with optical angular momentum.

Abstract: A method and device for image guided dynamic radiation treatment of prostate cancer and other pelvic lesions including: 1) a unique fan geometry of radiation sources; 2) a special collimation method and apparatus to sculpt the radiation borders; 3) an integrated three-dimensional imager and a special tissue interface imaging system to locate and track critical boundaries in real-time; 4) a dynamic patient support system, which is shared by the said imager and the irradiation system; and 5) motorized custom shielding filters to further protect neighboring normal tissues such as the kidneys and femoral heads. The fan geometry utilizes a plural number of radiation sources arranged specifically for irradiating tumors in the human pelvis while not harming critical structures, and the collimation sculpts the radiation borders using motorized shields for different sensitive structures.

Abstract: A device is used to precisely deliver the treatment plan created by an automatic planning system by positioning a single low energy radiation source, or a plurality of low energy sources connected to each other, in a predetermined parallel, planar, or similar geometry, each source equipped with blocking and attenuation mechanisms, thereby delivering a plurality of parallel overlapping beams indexed on a millimeter or submillimeter grid such that a concentration of dose is achieved at a variable depth in tissue relative to the dose where the radiation first enters the tissue. A plurality of overlapping beams indexed on a millimeter or submillimeter grid can converge on a target volume loaded with gold nanoparticles to deliver a tumorcidal dose of radiation in as little as a single session to tumor cells but not to normal cells or to deliver serial radiosurgical treatments.