Combined MR-optical coil for prostate, cervix and rectum cancer imaging diagnostics

US7894876B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Bogdan Von Rueckmann · Birkenfeld, DE
• Ralph Gareus · Forchheim, DE
• Ralph Weissleder · Peabody, US
• Arne Hengerer · Steinfeld (Oldenburg), DE
• Wilhelm Durr · Erlangen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 1, 2005
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2011
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/34084
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

We present, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a system combining anatomical imaging technologies (e.g., MR) with optical technologies. The system can be used for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, (1) cancer diagnosis and staging; (2) image guidance; and (3) radiation therapy planning. Image guidance may include guiding a biopsy. For example, a prostatectomy potentially has severe side effects, such as impotence and incontinence. Thus, a histologically-confirmed diagnosis, such as one provided from a biopsy, may prevent unnecessary prostatectomy. Image guidance may also include guiding minimal invasive therapy, such as brachytherapy focused ultrasound. The present invention may be used to plan radiation therapy, for example, by detecting, and thus sparing, healthy tissue from radiation exposure.