A markerless beam′s eye view tumor tracking algorithm based on VoxelMorph-a learning-based unsupervised registration framework for images with missing data / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To propose a machine learning-based markerless beam′s eye view (BEV) tumor tracking algorithm that can be applied to low-quality megavolt (MV) images with multileaf collimator (MLC)-induced occlusion and non-rigid deformation.Methods:This study processed the registration of MV images using the window template matching method and end-to-end unsupervised network Voxelmorph and verified the accuracy of the tumor tracking algorithm using dynamic chest models. Phantom QA plans were executed after the treatment offset was manually set on the accelerator, and 682 electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images obtained during the treatment were collected as fixed images. Moreover, the digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) images corresponding to the portal angles in the planning system were collected as floating images for the study of target volume tracking. In addition, 533 pairs of EPID and DRR images of 21 lung tumor patients treated with radiotherapy were collected to conduct the study of tumor tracking and provide quantitative result of changes in tumor locations during the treatment. Image similarity was used for third-party validation of the algorithm.Results:The algorithm could process images with different degrees (10%-80%) of data missing and performed well in non-rigid registration of images with data missing. As shown by the phantom verification, 86.8% and 80% of the tracking errors were less than 3 mm and less than 2 mm, respectively, and the normalized mutual information (NMI) varied from 1.18 ± 0.02 to 1.20 ± 0.02 after registration ( t = -6.78, P = 0.001). The tumor motion of the clinical cases was dominated by translation, with an average displacement of 3.78 mm and a maximum displacement of 7.46 mm. The registration result of the cases showed the presence of non-rigid deformations, and the corresponding NMI varied from 1.21 ± 0.03 before registration to 1.22 ± 0.03 after registration ( t = -2.91, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The tumor tracking algorithm proposed in this study has reliable tracking accuracy and high robustness and can be used for non-invasive and real-time tumor tracking requiring no additional equipment and radiation dose.

Study on the Quick Daily Check for Medical Electron LINAC / 中国医疗器械杂志

This study presents an electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) based on daily check tool for Linac that is usable for different cancer centers.Several images of open rectangle fields were acquired with EPID and the key items of daily Linac check were derived from the obtained images using an in-house developed automatic analysis software.The experiment results showed that each parameter calculated by this tool is as reliable as the corresponding result measured by the commercial quality assurance devices and its measuring efficiency is much higher.

Development of an Offline Based Internal Organ Motion Verification System during Treatment Using Sequential Cine EPID Images / 의학물리

Verification of internal organ motion during treatment and its feedback is essential to accurate dose delivery to the moving target. We developed an offline based internal organ motion verification system (IMVS) using cine EPID images and evaluated its accuracy and availability through phantom study. For verification of organ motion using live cine EPID images, a pattern matching algorithm using an internal surrogate, which is very distinguishable and represents organ motion in the treatment field, like diaphragm, was employed in the self-developed analysis software. For the system performance test, we developed a linear motion phantom, which consists of a human body shaped phantom with a fake tumor in the lung, linear motion cart, and control software. The phantom was operated with a motion of 2 cm at 4 sec per cycle and cine EPID images were obtained at a rate of 3.3 and 6.6 frames per sec (2 MU/frame) with 1,024x768 pixel counts in a linear accelerator (10 MVX). Organ motion of the target was tracked using self-developed analysis software. Results were compared with planned data of the motion phantom and data from the video image based tracking system (RPM, Varian, USA) using an external surrogate in order to evaluate its accuracy. For quantitative analysis, we analyzed correlation between two data sets in terms of average cycle (peak to peak), amplitude, and pattern (RMS, root mean square) of motion. Averages for the cycle of motion from IMVS and RPM system were 3.98+/-0.11 (IMVS 3.3 fps), 4.005+/-0.001 (IMVS 6.6 fps), and 3.95+/-0.02 (RPM), respectively, and showed good agreement on real value (4 sec/cycle). Average of the amplitude of motion tracked by our system showed 1.85+/-0.02 cm (3.3 fps) and 1.94+/-0.02 cm (6.6 fps) as showed a slightly different value, 0.15 (7.5% error) and 0.06 (3% error) cm, respectively, compared with the actual value (2 cm), due to time resolution for image acquisition. In analysis of pattern of motion, the value of the RMS from the cine EPID image in 3.3 fps (0.1044) grew slightly compared with data from 6.6 fps (0.0480). The organ motion verification system using sequential cine EPID images with an internal surrogate showed good representation of its motion within 3% error in a preliminary phantom study. The system can be implemented for clinical purposes, which include organ motion verification during treatment, compared with 4D treatment planning data, and its feedback for accurate dose delivery to the moving target.

Comparison of the Efficacy of 2D Dosimetry Systems in the Pre-treatment Verification of IMRT / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy and efficacy of EDR2 film, a 2D ionization chamber array (MatriXX) and an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device (EPID) in the pre-treatment QA of IMRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluence patterns, shaped as a wedge with 10 steps (segments) by a multi-leaf collimator (MLC), of reference and test IMRT fields were measured using EDR2 film, the MatriXX, and EPID. Test fields were designed to simulate leaf positioning errors. The absolute dose at a point in each step of the reference fields was measured in a water phantom with an ionization chamber and was compared to the dose obtained with the use of EDR2 film, the MatriXX and EPID. For qualitative analysis, all measured fluence patterns of both reference and test fields were compared with calculated dose maps from a radiation treatment planning system (Pinnacle, Philips, USA) using profiles and gamma evaluation with 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria. By measurement of the time to perform QA, we compared the workload of EDR2 film, the MatriXX and EPID. RESULTS: The percent absolute dose difference between the measured and ionization chamber dose was within 1% for the EPID, 2% for the MatriXX and 3% for EDR2 film. The percentage of pixels with gamma%>1 for the 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria was within 2% for use of both EDR2 film and the EPID. However, differences for the use of the MatriXX were seen with a maximum difference as great as 5.94% with the 2%/2 mm criteria. For the test fields, EDR2 film and EPID could detect leaf-positioning errors on the order of -3 mm and -2 mm, respectively. However it was difficult to differentiate leaf-positioning errors with the MatriXX due to its poor resolution. The approximate time to perform QA was 110 minutes for the use of EDR2 film, 80 minutes for the use of the MatriXX and approximately 55 minutes for the use of the EPID. CONCLUSION: This study has evaluated the accuracy and efficacy of EDR2 film, the MatriXX and EPID in the pre-treatment verification of IMRT. EDR2 film and the EPID showed better performance for accuracy, while the use of the MatriXX significantly reduced measurement and analysis times. We propose practical and useful methods to establish an effective QA system in a clinical environment.

Third party EPID with IGRT capability retrofitted onto an existing medical linear accelerator

Radiation therapy requires precision to avoid unintended irradiation of normal organs. Electronic Portal Imaging Devices (EPIDs), can help with precise patient positioning for accurate treatment. EPIDs are now bundled with new linear accelerators, or they can be purchased from the Linac manufacturer for retrofit. Retrofitting a third party EPID to a linear accelerator can pose challenges. The authors describe a relatively inexpensive third party CCD camera-based EPID manufactured by TheraView (Cablon Medical B.V.), installed onto a Siemens Primus linear accelerator, and integrated with a Lantis record and verify system, an Oldelft simulator with Digital Therapy Imaging (DTI) unit, and a Philips ADAC Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS). This system integrates well with existing equipment and its software can process DICOM images from other sources. The system provides a complete imaging system that eliminates the need for separate software for portal image viewing, interpretation, analysis, archiving, image guided radiation therapy and other image management applications. It can also be accessed remotely via safe VPN tunnels. TheraView EPID retrofit therefore presents an example of a less expensive alternative to linear accelerator manufacturers’ proprietary EPIDs suitable for implementation in third world countries radiation therapy departments which are often faced with limited financial resources.

Cone-beam Reconstruction using Limited EPID Projections for Seeds Localization / 의학물리

In this study, we describe the preliminary application for the delineation of a metal object using cone-beam reconstruction (CBR) based on limited electronic portal imaging device (EPID) projections. A typical Feldkamp, Davis and Kress (FDK) reconstruction algorithm accompanying the edge preserving smoothing filter was used as only a few projections are acquired for reconstruction. In a correlation study of the projection numbers, we found that the size of the seeds and their location depicted by these CBR images were almost identical. Limited views were used for CBR, and our method is inexpensive and competitive for use in clinical applications.

Advances in research on clinical use of electronic portal imaging device(EPID) / 中国癌症杂志

Electronic portal imaging device(EPID) is now been used widely.EPID was initially used for the purpose of checking set-up error.There are two ways to verify set-up errors-on-line and off-line.With advanced knowledge about the dosimetry characteristics of EPID,the use of EPID for dosimetry verification was adapted from the research study to the clinic.EPID plays an important role in quality assurance of radiotherapy accessories including multileaf collimator(MLC)that has been most studied in the past couple of years.This article briefly reviews the clinical use of EPID.

Measurements of Setup Error and Physiological Movement of Liver by Using Electronic Portal Imaging Device in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to improve the accuracy of three-dimensional conformal radio therapy (3-D CRT) by measuring the treatment setup error and physiological movement of liver based on the analysis of images which were obtained by electronic portal imaging device (EPID). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 10 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 4-7 portal images were obtained by using EPID during the radiotherapy from each patient daily. We analyzed the setup error and physiological movement of liver based on the verification data. We also determined the safety margin of the tumor in 3-D CRT through the analysis of physiological movement. RESULTS: The setup errors were measured as 3 mm with standard deviation 1.70 mm in x direction and 3.7 mm with standard deviation 1.88 mm in y direction respectively. Hence, deviation were smaller than 5 mm from the center of each axis. The measured range of liver movement due to the physiological motion was 8.63 mm on the average. Considering the motion of liver and setup error, the safety margin of tumor was at least 15 mm. CONCLUSION: EPID is a very useful device for the determination of the optimal margin of the tumor, and thus enhance the accuracy and stability of the 3-D CRT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effect of Continuous Epidural Block on the Duration of Intensive Care after Cardiac Surgery / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Continuous epidural block after surgery has been able to get better postoperative analgesic effect than intermittent intravenous (IV) opioids and to decrease the duration of mechanical ventilatory support, endotracheal intubation and ICU stay. The purpose of this study is to observe these effects of continuous epidural block after cardiac surgery. METHODS: 30 patients, undergoing cardiac surgery, were divided into 2 groups. Postoperative analgesia were performed by intermittent IV meperidine 25 mg in group 1 and by continuous epidural block with 1% mepivacaine 100 ml and morphine 4 mg in group 2. Both groups were supplemented, at the patient's request, by IV meperidine 25 mg as needed. Quality of pain relief, total number of IV meperidine and duration of consciousness return, mechanical ventilatory support, endotracheal intubation, ICU stay were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: Quality of pain relief and total number of IV meperidine were significantly lower in group 2 than group 1, each time interval. Duration of consciousness return, mechanical ventilatory support, endotracheal intubation, ICU stay and time interval between consciousness return & mechanical ventilatory support were significantly shorter in group 2 than group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous epidural block, with 1% mepivacaine 100 ml and morphine 4 mg, for postoperative analgesia decreases the duration of intensive care compaered with intermittent IV meperidine 25 mg, after cardiac surgery.

Basic Dose Response of Fluorescent Screen-based Potal Imaging Device / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate fundamental aspects of the dose response of fluorescent screen-based electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We acquired scanned signal across portal planes as we varied the radiation that entered the EPID by changing the thickness and anatomy of the phantom as well as the air gap between the phantom and the EPID. In addition, we simulated the relative contribution of the scintillation light signal in the EPID system RESULTS: We have shown that the dose profile across portal planes is a function of the air gap and phantom thickness. We have also found that depending on the density change within the phantom geometry, errors associated with dose response based on the EPID scan can be as high as 7%. We also found that scintillation light scattering within the EPID system is an important source of error. CONCLUSION: This study revealed and demonstrated fundamental characteristics of dose response of EPID, as relative to that of ion chambers. This study showed that EPID based on fluorescent screen cannot be an accurate dosimetry system

Evaluation of Usefulness of Portal Image Using Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID) in the Patients Who Received Pelvic Radiation Therapy / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of electronic portal imaging device through objective compare of the images acquired using an EPID and a conventional port film. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From Apr. to Oct. 1997, a total of 150 sets of images from 20 patients who received radiation therapy in the pelvis area were evaluated in the Inha University Hospital and Severance Hospital. A dual image recording technique was devised to obtain both electronic portal images and port film images simultaneously with one treatment course. We did not perform double exposure. Five to ten images were acquired from each patient. All images were acquired from posteroanterior (PA) view except images from two patients. A dose rate of 100-300 MU/min and a 10- MV X-ray beam were used and 2-10 MUs were required to produce a verification image during treatment. Kodak diagnostic film with metal/film imaging cassette which was located on the top of the EPID detector was used for the port film. The source to detector distance was 140 cm. Eight anatomical landmarks (pelvic brim, sacrum, acetabulum, iliopectineal line, symphysis, ischium, obturator foramen, sacroiliac joint) were assessed. Four radiation oncologist joined to evaluate each image. The individual landmarks in the port film or in the EPID were rated - very clear (1), clear (2), visible (3), not clear (4), not visible (5). RESULTS: Using an video camera based EPID system, there was no difference of image quality between no enhanced EPID images and port film images. However, when we provided some change with window level for the portal image, the visibility of the sacrum and obturator foramen was improved in the portal images than in the port film images. All anatomical landmarks were more visible in the portal images than in the port film when we applied the CLAHE mode enhancement. The images acquired using an matrix ion chamber type EPID were also improved image quality after window level adjustment. CONCLUSION: The quality of image acquired using an electronic portal imaging device was comparable to that of the port film. When we used the enhance mode or window level adjustment, the image quality of the EPID was superior to that of the port film. EPID may replace the port film.