We are using a commercial vendor of video processor boards (NVidia) which are both substantially less expensive than the previous generation of custom volume rendering boards as well as having a greater potential for growth in performance. The commercial vendor also provides software (CUDA) for utilizing the boards for Monte Carlo calculations, which further supports our research objectives. We have transitioned from 3-dimensional image fusion to exploring 4-dimensional radiotherapy imaging. Our research has established a fundamental relationship between the temporal motion of the 3-dimensional external torso volume and those of internal organs, especially the lungs. Our research has developed a volumetric methodology for image tracking using external torso volume change for which a patent has been applied for. The Electron-Gamma Shower (EGS-4)-based Monte Carlo Dose Calculation Engine (DCE) has been fully implemented in both a LINUX and Windows environment. In the Windows environment, the DCE has been integrated into a full featured treatment planning system. Work is now centered on the development of phase-space source models. Currently, this system is used to investigate small field stereotactic radiosurgery. Due to the reduced field size, edge effects become important and the size of detectors used to access the radiation output affect the measurement results. Monte Carlo simulation of these output measurements greatly assisted in the selection of the detector system that is most suitable for these measurements. The Monte Carlo algorithm provided good agreement with experimental measurements down to applicators as small as 4mm. In a related project, we have adapted both algebraic and Monte Carlo DCEs to predict organ doses received from diagnostic CT scans. The characterization of the x-ray beam from a GE CT Scanner used for clinical scanning at Children's National Medical Center is complete. We have also completed absolute dosimetry measurements linking the standard diagnostic measurement of Computer Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) to actual absorbed dose. We have expanded our research to include a direct comparison of traditional CT dosimetry methodology versus the new CTDS to highlight the advantages of individualized dosimetry and demonstrate organ-specific dose descriptions. Our next goal is to undertake the commissioning of a helical fan-beam CT scanner using a small point-dosimeter, as opposed to the traditional measurement of CTDI employed in Diagnostic Radiology It is hoped that this system will provide the framework for a more complete dose assessment of patient populations for epidemiological dose-response studies. Following the death of our senior programmer/image scientist, ROB is also focused on recruiting a successor that will be able to continue and expand these efforts.
| Zhuge, Ying; Ciesielski, Krzysztof C; Udupa, Jayaram K et al. (2013) GPU-based relative fuzzy connectedness image segmentation. Med Phys 40:011903 |
| Li, Guang; Xie, Huchen; Ning, Holly et al. (2011) Correction of motion-induced misalignment in co-registered PET/CT and MRI (T1/T2/FLAIR) head images for stereotactic radiosurgery. J Appl Clin Med Phys 12:3306 |
| Zhuge, Ying; Cao, Yong; Miller, Robert W (2009) GPU accelerated fuzzy connected image segmentation by using CUDA. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2009:6341-4 |
| Li, Guang; Xie, Huchen; Ning, Holly et al. (2009) A novel analytical approach to the prediction of respiratory diaphragm motion based on external torso volume change. Phys Med Biol 54:4113-30 |
| Li, Guang; Arora, Naveen C; Xie, Huchen et al. (2009) Quantitative prediction of respiratory tidal volume based on the external torso volume change: a potential volumetric surrogate. Phys Med Biol 54:1963-78 |
