University of California

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

Thomas Jefferson University

Johns Hopkins University

Sri International

Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.

Izotropic Corporation

John M Boone

Larry D Partain

Stavros Prionas

Edward J Seppi

Thomas R Yellen-Nelson

Andrew M Hernandez

George W Burkett, Jr

Felix Fernando

James Edward Clayton

Hassan Mostafavi

Jeffrey H Siewerdsen

Stanley Mansfield

Michael C Green

David H Humber

Melvin Tecotzky

Robert M Sutherland

Paul R Schwoebel

George W Burkett

Peymon Gazi

Stephen M Lane

Younes Achkire

Philip D Schneider

Thomas R Nelson

John McGraw

Sarah E McKenney

Embodiments provide a modular phantom that enables quantitative assessment of imaging performance (e.g., spatial resolution, image uniformity, image noise, contrast to noise ratio, cone-beam artifact) and dosimetry in cone-beam computed tomography (CT). The modular phantom includes one or more modules for various imaging performance tests that may be rearranged in the phantom to accommodate the design of various cone-beam CT imaging systems. The modular phantom includes one or more of a cone-beam module, an angled edge module, or a line spread module. The phantom may be inserted into a larger sleeve and be used to assess imaging performance and dosimetry in whole body CT imaging systems.

Modular phantom for assessment of imaging performance and dose in cone-beam CT

A multimodal system for breast imaging includes an x-ray source, and an x-ray detector configured to detect x-rays from the x-ray source after passing through a breast. The system includes an x-ray detector translation system operatively connected to the x-ray detector so as to be able to translate the x-ray detector from a first displacement from the breast to a second displacement at least one of immediately adjacent to or in contact with the breast. The system includes an x-ray image processor configured to: receive a CT data set from the x-ray detector, the CT data set being detected by the x-ray detector at the first displacement; compute a CT image of the breast; receive a mammography data set from the x-ray detector, the mammography data set being detected by the x-ray detector at the second displacement; and compute a mammography image of the breast.

Multimodal system for breast imaging

A size and/or shape specific 3D-beam modulation filter and a size and/or shape specific immobilizer are provided for cone-beam breast computed tomography (bCT). The immobilizer places the breast on an optimal position in the field of view of the scanner system and the 3D-beam modulation filter modulates the incident x-ray beam in the cone-angle (i.e. z-axis of the detector panel) and fan angle (i.e. x-axis of the detector panel) directions in order to improve equalization of the photon fluence incident upon the detector panel and reduce unnecessary radiation dose that the breast receives. Both the immobilizer and the 3D-beam modulation filter are selected among a plurality of alternatives based on the specific shape, size and/or shape or size of the person's breast.

3D-beam modulation filter for equalizing dose and image quality in breast CT

A system for breast computed tomography includes a table supporting a patient in a prone position with an opening positioned for a breast of the patient to extend downwards therethrough, a gantry assembly positioned beneath the table with a platform driven to rotate by a motor, an x-ray source assembly coupled to the platform to rotate therewith and positioned to irradiate with an x-ray beam at least a portion of the breast, and a detector assembly coupled to the platform to rotate therewith and positioned to receive the x-ray beam from the x-ray source assembly. The system includes a shielding enclosure rigidly mounted atop the platform to rotate therewith, enclosing during rotation of the platform the detector assembly, the breast, and the x-ray beam, and having walls composed of a material and a thickness to attenuate an x-ray beam of a predetermined energy and intensity by a predetermined amount.

Self-shielded x-ray computed tomography system

Embodiments provide a stationary X-ray source for a multisource X-ray imaging system for tomographic imaging. The stationary X-ray source includes an array of thermionic cathodes and, in most embodiments a rotating anode. The anode rotates about a rotation axis, however the anode is stationary in the horizontal or vertical dimensions (e.g. about axes perpendicular to the rotation axis). The elimination of mechanical motion improves the image quality by elimination of mechanical vibration and source motion; simplifies system design that reduces system size and cost; increases angular coverage with no increase in scan time; and results in short scan times to, in medical some medical imaging applications, reduce patient-motion-induced blurring.

Stationary X-Ray source

A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry () configured to mount an x-ray emitter () and CT detector () on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor () rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a rotation of source high resolution x-ray detector () positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.

Biopsy systems for breast computed tomography

A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry () configured to mount an x-ray emitter () and CT detector () on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor () rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a high resolution x-ray detector () positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.

Stationary X-ray source

A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry () configured to mount an x-ray emitter () and CT detector () on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor () rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a rotation of source high resolution x-ray detector () positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and and detector the x-ray emitter.

Measuring breast density using breast computed tomography

A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry configured to mount an x-ray emitter and CT detector on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a high resolution x-ray detector positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.

A method of delivering external radiation beams to a target volume in a body portion includes positioning a radioactive isotope source at a plurality of locations spaced apart around the body portion, and collimating radiation beams of the radioactive isotope source from the plurality of locations, whereby the target volume in the body portion is deposited with a predetermined dose distribution. A radiation device employs a member having a configuration adapted to surround a body portion to be irradiated. The member has a channel and a plurality of collimators spaced apart along and coupled to the channel. The plurality of collimators define a plurality of dwelling locations for a radioactive isotope source in the channel and are configured to collimate radiation beams of the radioactive isotope source.

External beam radiotherapy and imaging with radioactive isotope

Growing community of inventors

Folsom, CA, United States of America

John M Boone