Ultrasound localization and image fusion for the treatment of prostate cancer
AssigneeAssociates of the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy, Inc.
InventorsEdward J. Holupka, Irving D. Kaplan, Everette C. Burdette
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for localizing and treating a patient's prostate by radiation therapy. The system includes an ultrasound probe for generating an ultrasound image of the prostate with the probe having at least two fiducial end points as landmarks. In addition, the system includes a CT apparatus to generate X-ray simulator images of the anatomical region near the prostate and further includes a computer executing computer software to transform the ultrasound image to the simulator image enabling accurate localization of the prostate relative to proximate anatomical features enabling accurate radiation therapy to be carried out on the prostate.
Claims23
A method of spatially localizing an internal organ of a patient for planning of radiation therapy treatment, comprising the steps of:
- (a) producing an ultrasound image by an ultrasound device including at least two fiducials to establish spatial point positions relative to the organ;
- (b) generating an additional image of anatomical features proximate to the organ, said additional image generated by another imaging device using means different from ultrasound with said another imaging device including said at least two fiducials from said ultrasound device;
- and
- (c) positioning said ultrasound image relative to said additional image, utilizing said at least two fiducials common to each of said images, to form a combined resulting image enabling the radiation therapy to be implemented.
An apparatus for preparing a patient for radiation therapy of an organ, comprising:
- means for generating an ultrasound image of the organ prior to radiation therapy:
- at least two fiducial elements disposed within the patient to provide spatial point locations relative to the organ, said at least two fiducials being imaged in the ultrasound image;
- means for generating an additional image of anatomical features proximate to the organ, said means for generating an additional image also imaging said at least two fiducials;
- and
- means for positioning said ultrasound image relative to said additional image of anatomical features, utilizing said at least two fiducials common to each of said images, to form a combined resulting image for assisting in performing the radiation therapy.
An apparatus for monitoring in real time a patient during radiation therapy of an organ, comprising:
- means for adjusting generating an ultrasound image of the organ at least one of prior to and during radiation therapy, said means for generating an ultrasound image including at least two associated fiducials to establish spatial point locations;
- means for generating an additional image of anatomical features proximate to the organ, said means for generating an additional image arising from a different imaging device and imaging said at least two associated fiducials;
- means for juxtaposing said ultrasound image to said additional image of anatomical features, utilizing said at least two fiducials common to each of said images, to form a combined resulting image;
- means for transforming said ultrasound image and localizing said ultrasound image relative to a radiation field isocenter;
- and
- means for adjusting said radiation field isocenter to maintain the ultrasound image and radiation field isocenter at the same relative location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.