Treatment Simulation
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The word "simulation" is used to describe the process of preparing for radiation therapy. Simulation is a historical term, in that such preparations were traditionally done with a fluoroscope that bore the same geometric characteristics as the linear accelerator (the machine used to deliver radiotherapy). At present, simulation is a much more precise process than its historic roots. Today, simulation is typically a multi-step process beginning with a CT scan of the region affected. This scan is done on a CT scanner specially calibrated to assist us in predicting how therapeutic radiation beams will penetrate the patient's body. |
Our Philips “Big Bore” CT Simulator is among the most advanced radiotherapy aiming systems in the industry. The simulator allows us to map-out tumors and patients’ normal tissues so that we can deliver some of the most precise and safe treatment anywhere. Advanced features of our simulator include “4D” capability that helps us understand how tumors move when a patient breathes as well as laser targeting using Sun Nuclear lasers. The opening (or “bore”) is among the largest in the industry, which makes for greater patient comfort and flexibility in positioning for treatment. Once the simulation is complete, we go to work behind the scenes designing a specific radiotherapy plan.
Fusion of CT scans with MRI and PET are made possible by Mim Maestro. Fusions can be checked using special quality assurance tools within the software to ensure accurate representations every time, for every patient. This results in improved accuracy of treatment, and ultimately to better long-term outcomes. (Images are provided courtesy of Mim Software.)
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Generations Radiotherapy & Oncology uses the highest quality methods available for delineating both tumor and normal structures. Our system, known as Mim Maestro not only helps us identify these areas, it can also incorporate images from outside scans that may have been done prior to the patient being seen in our facility. These scans are fused with our treatment planning scan in a process known as deformable registration. To ensure the efficacy of the most challenging deformable registrations,
MIM Software has introduced Reg Reveal™, the first and only environment
for patient specific deformable registration quality assurance and
reporting. Virtually any pair of images can be registered to one another, and because of Mim Maestro, we have confidence in the accuracy of the results – for every patient. Beyond fusion of scan data, Mim Maestro allows us to create composite assessments of patient treatments, even if the patient has been treated previously with radiotherapy in another center. We are proud of the capabilities this exceptional software brings to our practice.
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