4 Dimensional CT Gating
With the use of 4D CT gating, which is used during the treatment planning process and accounts for movements as slight as breathing, Mary Bird Perkins is able to be more aggressive in the treatment of certain cancers. The use of 4D CT, the fourth dimension is time, allows Mary Bird Perkins to treat lung tumors, and others that move, which much higher doses or radiation.
CT or “Virtual” Simulation
CT Simulation is done with sophisticated computers using mathematical equations based on the digital imaging scans of the patient. With these mathematical models and visualization software, the radiation beams and patient anatomy are emulated by assembling computed tomography (CT) scans. Multiple picture “slices” are reassembled by a computer that builds the patient’s anatomy in a virtual digital space. Radiation treatment is simulated before the patient even gets on the table. The computers are enabled to determine how the radiation will affect different parts of the body, depending on how the radiation fields are organized.
Image Fusion
With the use of sophisticated 3-dimensional simulation software, multiple images of a tumor from various technologies -- e.g. CT, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -- are overlaid and registered (lined up) to further define the treatment volume, optimizing the accuracy of treatment planning.
In addition to on-site CT scanning, digital information is often obtained from other imaging technologies. Called ‘fusion,’ this precision definition of the tumor provides for optimal patient care. It replaces the need for manual transference of data between treatment equipment which eliminates the chance of human error while saving the patient, physician and treatment staff a lot of time.
But this computer designed treatment plan is further facilitated with computerized hardware that shapes the radiation beam as it is being delivered from the linear accelerator.
PET/CT Scan
The Discovery ST is a PET/CT imaging system that blends two essential images and complementary medical imaging technologies into one life-changing scanner. The system has the unique capability to capture two types of medical images with one machine -- computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) -- at the same time. The system combines the two images into one single image and presents combined results to aid physicians in making treatment decisions. On the CT image, the physician sees the body’s anatomic structure. On the PET image, the physician sees how the body is functioning. When combined into a PET/CT image, the patient’s complete picture is revealed. Because the two imaging technologies are merged into one scanner, physicians gain exceptional images that would normally take two scanners twice the time to accomplish. Plus, with the patient lying in exactly the same position during the exam, the images mesh perfectly.
In-depth patient information about PET/CT scans can be found in the patient brochure.
CT LightSpeed RT
The LightSpeed RT is the first multi-slice, wide bore CT scanner in the industry. With an extra large 80 cm gantry opening for better patient positioning clinicians can now see the patient’s entire anatomy for precise radiation therapy planning.
Thin, multi-slice imaging is the extra bonus -- enabling respiratory gating, providing precise target delineation and delivering higher resolution digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) than ever before. All adding up to the ability for you to deliver what really matters most -- better cancer care for your patients.