Alignment system and method for intra-operative radiation therapy
US5745545A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1089
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for applying radiation therapy include utilizing a radiation applicator that is spaced apart from and mechanically independent of a radiation source. An array of targets is affixed to the radiation applicator and cameras image the targets to determine coordinates that are compared to desired target coordinates. If there is a correlation between actual target coordinates and desired coordinates, radiation source-to-applicator alignment is achieved. Consequently, the patient is properly positioned relative to a radiation beam, such as an electron beam. On the other hand, if the actual and desired coordinates are different, the relative position of the radiation source and the gantry is adjusted. Preferably, the adjustment is automated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.