Abstract:
Various embodiments are described herein for an area integrated fluence monitoring sensor that can be used to measure a radiation dose. The sensor comprises at least one Gradient Ion Chamber (GIC) comprising an ion chamber having a volume gradient across a length or width thereof, a gas or liquid located within the ion chamber and an electrode to detect ions generated within the gas or liquid when the at least one GIC is subjected to an ionizing radiation beam. Various embodiments are also described herein for an Integral Quality Monitoring system and associated method that can be used to measure and monitor the quality of radiation doses provided by a radiation treatment system.
Abstract:
A highly compact, high-performance volumetric imaging system is proposed, that is integrated with a multi-source Cobalt-60 gamma irradiator for high throughput, high accuracy and minimally invasive fractioned treatments of intracranial, orbital and head-and-neck targets.
Abstract:
A highly compact, high-performance volumetric imaging system is proposed, that is integrated with a multi-source Cobalt-60 gamma irradiator for high throughput, high accuracy and minimally invasive fractioned treatments of intracranial, orbital and head-and-neck targets.
Abstract:
A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.
Abstract:
Imageable disruptable capsules containing a sensitizing agent or a protecting agent are used to enhance radiation therapy. Said capsules may be imaged by a non-invasive imaging modality, allowing for the determination of the precise timing to disrupt the capsule and release the sensitizing agent or protecting agent using an external energy source. This controlled and timed release of the sensitizing agent or protecting agent provides for enhanced radiation therapy by optimizing the delivery of the sensitizing agent or protecting agent to the target tissues. Systems comprising non-invasive imaging modalities, external energy sources and radiation energy sources are also taught for use with these imageable disruptable capsules.
Abstract:
A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.
Abstract:
A respiratory marker (40, 140, 240, 340, 440) includes an elongated detectable portion (42, 342, 442) that is operatively coupled with respiration of an imaging subject such that the elongated detectable portion moves with the respiration. The elongated detectable portion is arranged to intersect images acquired by an imaging scanner (10) at different times and at different positions along a scanner axis (20), and is detectable as a marker feature in the images. A marker position finder (52, 54) is configured to determine positions of the marker features in the images.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for delivering radiation therapy to patients during suspended ventilation are provided. The apparatus includes a ventilator assembly having first and second selectively operable valves that independently control inhalation and exhalation of the patient. Both valves are shut to suspend patient ventilation for a period of time. In the methods of the present invention, radiation therapy is administered during this period of suspended patient ventilation.
Abstract:
A system for obtaining coordinate data of a source and detector instrument are described. The system includes a marker assembly having a plurality of markers with a particular geometry, and an energy source for targeting the plurality of markers with energy packets. The system further includes a detector for detecting energy packets after the plurality of markers have interacted therewith, and an image device for forming image data of the plurality of markers from the energy packets detected by the detector. A calibration module for utilizes the particular geometry of the plurality of markers and the image data to non-iteratively determine coordinate data.
Abstract:
A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using a radiation source and a plurality of detectors to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining a desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can comprise at least one of desired levels of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and may provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.