An interactive computer ultrasound system for radiation treatment planning

Abstract

A diagnostic ultrasound system generates an echogram of patient contour, tumour volume and other organs. A special attachment to the scanner arm and a split table allows one to draw the complete contours. The echogram is transmitted into one of two storage scan converters and is also displayed on the video screen for immediate visual verification. The echogram is analysed by an on-line dedicated computer and the contour, tumour volume and neighbouring artifacts are identified, digitized and stored in the second scan converter, and are also displayed on a video monitor superimposed on the echogram. Radiation parameters are chosen and the resulting dose distribution is computed by a truncated external-beam program. The isodose curves are stored in the second scan converter and displayed on the video monitor superimposed on the echogram.