A) TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to medical devices and particularly relates to a method for treating an affected tissue area using radiation based therapies. The present invention more particularly relates to a method and system for planning a treatment procedure by visualizing a lesion, and accurately delivering a modeled dose to the lesion by using an image guided virtual applicator.

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A Brachytherapy is a radiation based process for the treatment of an affected tissue area in a human body. The therapy is applied to various parts of the human body for the treatment of cervical, prostate, breast, skin, and vascular, areas affected from cancers and tumors. The radiation is delivered to the affected tissues/lesion area by placing the radiation sources very much adjacent/close or inside the lesion with the help of applicators.

[0003] According to the prior arts, the applicators are first inserted or placed in the body of the patient and then an image is taken through CT Scanners, C-arm, X-ray or Ultrasound or by any compatible imaging modality. Then the radiation physicist plans for the required radiation dosage based on the acquired image. Currently, the applicator is manually positioned on the affected target tissue by referring to the diagnostic images. The radiation dose is delivered through the applicator. Based on this manual positioning, the radiation dose delivered through the applicator results in a delivery of higher radiation dose to the surrounding tissues or lower radiation dose to the lesion. The surrounding organs are important and need to be saved from unwanted radiation exposure and an improper delivery of radiation dosage complicates the clinical condition by triggering several side effects. The side effects are due to a radiation exposure of a normal tissue and recurrence of tumor/ cancer due to a partial radiation exposure or radiation dose that is ineffective for the size of the lesion. Upon verification a study after a few days, the clinician decides whether the procedure is to be repeated thereby increasing the cost of healthcare for a patient.

[0004] Further, the manual mode of applicator insertion, manual planning of the target points and positioning method leads to an inaccurate positioning, additional trauma to the normal tissue. The prior arts deliver an insufficient radiation dosage to the target lesion and cause other systemic side effects, recurrence of tumor/ abnormal mass, increased cost of the procedure and healthcare, less productivity to the clinicians.

[0005] Hence, there is a need for an improved method and system for visualizing an affected tissue area and planning for an effective treatment procedure. Also, there is a need for a method and system for modeling an optimal radiation dosage based on an affected tissue area. Further, there is a need for an image based guiding method and a system for placing an applicator appropriately to a region near the affected tissue area.

[0006] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for radiation based treatment therapies for effectively planning a treatment procedure by visualizing an affected tissue/lesion area.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for estimating an optimal radiation dosage for destroying the lesion/tumor area.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for delivering an optimal radiation dose to the lesion area effectively and efficiently.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for visualizing and processing an image of the affected tissue and guiding a virtual applicator for an accurate positioning over the lesion.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for verifying the virtual applicator positioning and radiation dosage before actual placement of the applicator for irradiating the lesion.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for planning an accurate placement of an applicator in a patient's body. The system for providing an image guided brachytherapy comprises an actual applicator configured for delivering a pre-modeled radiation dosage to a lesion/tumor in a body of a patient, a virtual applicator configured for estimating a target location for placing the actual applicator in the body of the patient, a treatment planning system configured for constructing a treatment plan based on a diagnoses of the lesion/tumor, an imaging device configured for assisting a radiologist to visualize and plan an insertion of the actual applicator to the target location based on the treatment plan and a therapy unit configured for delivering a required radiation dose to the applicator.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises an imaging modality adopted to obtain a diagnostic image of the body of the patient. The diagnostic image complies with and satisfies the standards of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM). The imaging modality is selected from a group consisting of a Computed Tomography (CT), an X-ray scan, a C-arm, a Mammography, a Colonoscopy, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a Nuclear Imaging, etc., or a combination there of.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic image is segmented for determining and marking a location of the lesion/tumor. The region of lesion/tumor is analyzed to calculate a growth volume of the tumor/lesion.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the treatment planning system generates the treatment plan based on the analysis of the diagnostic image. The treatment plan comprises an applicator model, an amount of optimal radiation dosage, a delivery time of the radiation dose and a travel path projection model for the applicator.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator model is configured to identify the target location for placing the virtual applicator, a plurality of seed positions, and a shape and size of the applicator. The position of the virtual applicator is chosen in such a way that an optimal radiation dosage is delivered to the target location.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the travel path projection model is configured to determine a path for placing the virtual applicator from one or multiple entry points to the specific target location.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the virtual applicator is a rigid applicator or a flexible applicator. The rigid applicator has a definite shape and size which depend on a region of the applicability. The flexible applicator has an adaptable shape based on the region through which a plurality of seeds has to be passed.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device receives information on a plurality of co-ordinates relating to the virtual applicator location. The imaging device guides the radiologist for inserting the actual applicator into the body of the patient based on a plurality of position coordinates of the virtual applicator.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of position sensors is adopted to track the position of the actual applicator in the body of the patient during an insertion. The imaging device monitors the applicator position based on the tracking information received from the plurality of position sensors.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the therapy unit delivers the required radiation dosage to the target location by passing the plurality of seeds through the applicator.

[0023] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for planning an accurate placement of an applicator in a body of a patient and delivering an optimal radiation dose to a tumor location using image guided brachytherapy. The method comprises the steps of acquiring a diagnostic image of a target area using a plurality of imaging modalities. The diagnostic image is examined by an oncologist for locating the lesion/tumor in the body of the patient. The amount of growth of the lesion/tumor is estimated in the body of the patient. A radiation based therapy is prescribed by a radiologist depending on the estimated growth amount of the lesion/tumor. A type of a virtual applicator is selected based on a region of applicability. Further a target location is selected for positioning the virtual applicator, based on the location of the lesion/tumor. The location of the virtual applicator is adjusted after positioning, based on an optimal radiation to be delivered to the lesion/tumor location. The co-ordinates of the virtual applicator position is transmitted to the imaging device, for marking a location of the applicator. The actual applicator is guided to the estimated target position with a help of the imaging device. The position of the actual applicator is tracked during installation. The position of the applicator is verified using the image processing and visualization techniques. A required dosage that needs to be delivered through the applicator for treating the diagnosed lesion/tumor is estimated. Finally the required dosage is delivered to the target place through the applicator.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of segmentation techniques is performed on the diagnostic image to locate the tumor/lesion. An organ segmentation is performed for locating a specific affected organ. A tissue segmentation is performed, when the region of interest is not any specific organ.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the segmentation techniques are configured to explore the diagnostic image for different layers of the organs/tissues. The segmentation process assists the oncologist in accurately diagnosing the affected tissue to determine a growth level of the tumor/lesion.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of physical applicators is scanned to generate the plurality of virtual applicators in a 3-D digital format. The plurality of virtual applicators is stored in a system memory of the treatment planning system.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the position of the actual applicator is decided by superimposing the virtual applicator on the diagnostic image. The virtual applicator is mapped based on the travel path projection planned from the one or multiple entry points to the specific target location.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiologist performs the positional and rotational changes in the shape of the virtual applicator while being overlaid onto the diagnostic image. The changes in the virtual applicator are made by the radiologist according to the geometry of the target area.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiologist inserts the actual applicator depending on the co-ordinates of the virtual applicator position. The radiologist tracks a position of the actual applicator on the imaging device, using the plurality of position sensors.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiologist verifies the position of the applicator placed in the human body by mapping the images obtained prior to the applicator placement and the images obtained after the placement of applicators.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the required radiation dose to be delivered to the lesion is estimated or decided based on a type of tumor tissue, an area of spread, a location of the lesion with respect to other organs and vessels, age and health of a patient, and a plurality of parameters.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the estimated radiation dosage is delivered to the target location by a therapy unit. A time period for which the plurality of seeds has to remain in the target location is calculated based on the radiation dose required to destroy the tumor in one sitting or on multiple sittings.

[0033] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of an illustration and not of a limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system for planning the accurate placement of the applicator and delivering the optimal radiation dosage to affected area in patient's body using Image Guided Brachytherapy, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart explaining the steps involved in a method for modeling radiation dosage to be delivered to a lesion through an image guided virtual applicator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system for visualizing a lesion, planning a treatment procedure and delivering the treatment to a patient, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4A illustrates an axial view of the target region captured after placement of the actual applicator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4B illustrates a longitudinal view of the target region captured after placement of the actual applicator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method for planning the accurate placement of the applicator and delivering the optimal radiation dosage to affected area in patient's body using Image Guided Brachytherapy, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention. F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0043] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for planning an accurate placement of an applicator in a patient's body. The system is further provided for delivering an optimal radiation dose to an affected area using Image Guided Brachytherapy. The system enables a radiologist to visual the affected area and to prepare a treatment plan for irradiating the affected area. The treatment plan facilitates the radiologist to select the area for placement of the applicator adjacent or close to or inside the affected area. The affected area is cancer and tumor affected organ or tissues in cervical, prostate, breast, vascular, skin parts, gastro-intestinal tracts, oral, rectal and other regions. The treatment plan is prepared prior to a commencement of the actual placement procedure. The treatment plan further analyzes the affected area to estimate the optimal radiation required to destroy the tumor/lesion tissues. The treatment plan calculates the radiation dosage in such a manner that the calculated radiation dose is neither a high dose such that the radiation affects the tissues surrounding the affected area, nor a low dose such that the tumor remains unaffected by the radiation. The system adopts a plurality of algorithms for visualizing and processing the lesion/tumor affected area. The system assists in guiding and positioning the virtual applicator at the lesion/tumor, planning the radiation exposure and visualizing the pattern of exposure over the target tissue/region. The method for planning an accurate placement of an applicator in a patient body and delivering the optimal radiation dosage comprises a plurality of stages which include an organ segmentation, a target visualization, a virtual applicator selection, a dose plan preview for selected virtual applicator, storage of applicator coordinates, transfer of applicator coordinate information to imaging device, guiding applicator placement with an image guidance system, applicator tracking from the acquired diagnostic images for planning a dose delivery based on actual placement and a verification procedure.

[0044] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for planning an accurate placement of an applicator in a patient's body. The system for providing an image guided brachytherapy comprises an actual applicator configured for delivering a pre-modeled radiation dosage to a lesion/tumor in a body of a patient, a virtual applicator configured for estimating a target location for placing the actual applicator in the body of the patient, a treatment planning system configured for constructing a treatment plan based on a diagnoses of the lesion/tumor, an imaging device configured for assisting a radiologist to visualize and plan an insertion of the actual applicator to the target location based on the treatment plan and a therapy unit configured for delivering a required radiation dose to the applicator.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises an imaging modality adopted to obtain a diagnostic image of the body of the patient. The diagnostic image complies with and satisfies the standards of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM). The imaging modality is selected from a group consisting of a Computed Tomography (CT), an X-ray scan, a C-arm, a Mammography, a Colonoscopy, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a Nuclear Imaging, etc., or a combination there of.
[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic image is segmented for determining and marking a location of the lesion/tumor. The region of lesion/tumor is analyzed to calculate a growth volume of the tumor/lesion.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the treatment planning system generates the treatment plan based on the analysis of the diagnostic image. The treatment plan comprises an applicator model, an amount of optimal radiation dosage, a delivery time of the radiation dose and a travel path projection model for the applicator.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator model is configured to identify the target location for placing the virtual applicator, a plurality of seed positions, and a shape and size of the applicator. The position of the virtual applicator is chosen in such a way that an optimal radiation dosage is delivered to the target location.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the travel path projection model is configured to determine a path for placing the virtual applicator from one or multiple entry points to the specific target location.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the virtual applicator is a rigid applicator or a flexible applicator. The rigid applicator has a definite shape and size which depend on a region of the applicability. The flexible applicator has an adaptable shape based on the region through which a plurality of seeds has to be passed.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device receives information on a plurality of co-ordinates relating to the virtual applicator location. The imaging device guides the radiologist for inserting the actual applicator into the body of the patient based on a plurality of position coordinates of the virtual applicator.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of position sensors is adopted to track the position of the actual applicator in the body of the patient during an insertion. The imaging device monitors the applicator position based on the tracking information received from the plurality of position sensors.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the therapy unit delivers the required radiation dosage to the target location by passing the plurality of seeds through the applicator.

[0054] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for planning an accurate placement of an applicator in a body of a patient and delivering an optimal radiation dose to a tumor location using image guided brachytherapy. The method comprises the steps of acquiring a diagnostic image of a target area using a plurality of imaging modalities. The diagnostic image is examined by an oncologist for locating the lesion/tumor in the body of the patient. The amount of growth of the lesion/tumor is estimated in the body of the patient. A radiation based therapy is prescribed by a radiologist depending on the estimated growth amount of the lesion/tumor. A type of a virtual applicator is selected based on a region of applicability. Further a target location is selected for positioning the virtual applicator, based on the location of the lesion/tumor. The location of the virtual applicator is adjusted after positioning, based on an optimal radiation to be delivered to the lesion/tumor location. The co-ordinates of the virtual applicator position is transmitted to the imaging device, for marking a location of the applicator. The actual applicator is guided to the estimated target position with a help of the imaging device. The position of the actual applicator is tracked during installation. The position of the applicator is verified using the image processing and visualization techniques. A required dosage that needs to be delivered through the applicator for treating the diagnosed lesion/tumor is estimated. Finally the required dosage is delivered to the target place through the applicator.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of segmentation techniques is performed on the diagnostic image to locate the tumor/lesion. An organ segmentation is performed for locating a specific affected organ. A tissue segmentation is performed, when the region of interest is not any specific organ.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the segmentation techniques are configured to explore the diagnostic image for different layers of the organs/tissues. The segmentation process assists the oncologist in accurately diagnosing the affected tissue to determine a growth level of the tumor/lesion.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of physical applicators is scanned to generate the plurality of virtual applicators in a 3-D digital format. The plurality of virtual applicators is stored in a system memory of the treatment planning system.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the position of the actual applicator is decided by superimposing the virtual applicator on the diagnostic image. The virtual applicator is mapped based on the travel path projection planned from the one or multiple entry points to the specific target location.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiologist performs the positional and rotational changes in the shape of the virtual applicator while being overlaid onto the diagnostic image. The changes in the virtual applicator are made by the radiologist according to the geometry of the target area.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiologist inserts the actual applicator depending on the co-ordinates of the virtual applicator position. The radiologist tracks a position of the actual applicator on the imaging device, using the plurality of position sensors.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiologist verifies the position of the applicator placed in the human body by mapping the images obtained prior to the applicator placement and the images obtained after the placement of applicators.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the required radiation dose to be delivered to the lesion is estimated or decided based on a type of tumor tissue, an area of spread, a location of the lesion with respect to other organs and vessels, age and health of a patient, and a plurality of parameters.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the estimated radiation dosage is delivered to the target location by a therapy unit. A time period for which the plurality of seeds has to remain in the target location is calculated based on the radiation dose required to destroy the tumor in one sitting or on multiple sittings.

[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system for planning the accurate placement of the applicator and delivering the optimal radiation dosage to affected area in patient's body using Image Guided Brachytherapy, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises an actual applicator, a virtual applicator 103, a treatment planning unit 102, an imaging device 104 and a therapy unit 106. The actual applicator is configured to deliver a pre-modeled radiation dosage to the lesion/tumor affected area in the patient's body. The virtual applicator 103 is configured to determine the accurate placement for installing the actual applicator in the patient's body. The treatment planning unit 102 is configured to construct the treatment plan based on diagnosis of the lesion/tumor affected area. The imaging device 104 is configured to assist a radiologist for visualizing the insertion of the actual applicator to the appropriate position based the treatment plan. The therapy unit 106 is configured to produce the required radiation dosage and transmit the dosage to the applicator.

[0065] The patient's body is scanned using an imaging modality 101 and a diagnostic image of the lesion/tumor affected area is captured by the imaging modality 101. The imaging modality 101 is any one of a Computed Tomography (CT), an X-ray scan, a C-arm, a Mammography, a Colonoscopy, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a Nuclear Imaging, etc., or a combination there of. The diagnostic image complies with and satisfies the standards of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM). The tumor/lesion affected area, which is considered as a target, is determined clinically by the radiologist and the target area is confirmed by a surgeon. Once the lesion/tumor affected area is known, the radiation physicist marks the affected area as a target area for delivering the radiation dosage. The diagnostic image is segmented at the imaging modality to determine and mark the location of the lesion/tumor. The target lesion is visualized, segmented and mapped with reference to the acquired images and the treatment plan is prepared and charted out.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic image undergoes organ segmentation process and/or tissue segmentation process. The organ segmentation is performed for a specific affected organ. The tissue segmentation is performed, when the region of interest is not a specific organ. The organ/tissue segmentation is performed to extract the images for different layers of the organ/tissue and assists the doctors in accurately diagnosing the affected tissue. The segmentation of organs/tissue is performed with the help of body landmarks such as bone. The position of the landmark and relative distance between the landmark and the organ is used for segmenting the affected area. A plurality of reference markers is fixed on the diagnostic image to trace the affected organ or tissue area. The organ/tissue is also identified by the doctor using CT number/ultrasound imaging. The boundaries on the diagnostic images are drawn to specify the region and space occupied by the organ/tissue. The diagnostic image is further studied and analyzed by the radiologist and specialist doctors. The region of lesion/tumor is further analyzed to calculate growth volume of the tumor/lesion.

[0067] With respect to FIG. 1, the treatment planning system 102 generates the treatment plan based on the analysis of the diagnostic image. The treatment plan is configured to comprise information on the amount of optimal radiation required to destroy the encountered lesion/tumor. The treatment plan further calculates a time period required for delivering the estimated radiation dose to the affected area. The necessary and optimal radiation dosage is calculated by the radiologists based on visualized lesion/tumor affected area. The required radiation dosage is estimated based on the type and pattern of applicators used, type of target tissues, area of tumor spread, location of the lesion with respect to other organs and vessels, age and health of the patient and the other parameters. Depending on optimum radiation dosage to be delivered, an applicator model is designed. The applicator model is configured to identify the target location for placing the virtual applicator 103, a plurality of seed positions, and a shape and size of the applicator 103. The position of the virtual applicator 103 is chosen in such a way that an optimal radiation dosage is delivered to the target location without affecting the surrounding organs and tissues. The plurality of physical applicators is scanned to generate the plurality of virtual applicators in a 3-D digital format. The plurality of virtual applicators is stored in a system memory of the treatment planning system. Based on the analysis of the patient with respect to the plurality of parameters, an appropriate virtual applicator 103 is selected. The plurality of parameters for selecting the virtual applicator 103 comprises the optimal radiation dosage, area covered by the lesion/tumor and location of the lesion/tumor. The virtual applicator 103 is also selected based on the region of the applicability. The virtual applicator is categorized in two groups, namely a rigid applicator and a flexible applicator. The rigid applicator has a definite shape and size which depend on a region of the applicability. The rigid applicator comprises a hollow space through which a radioactive isotope is moved to the target location. . The rigid applicators are used for irradiating the cervical cancer or uterine cancer treatment and prostate, in which a natural orifice with a pre¬determined shape exists. The flexible applicator has an adaptable shape based on the region through which the applicator has to be passed. The flexible applicators are used when there is a need to bend and/or coil the applicators to reach a targeted lesion such as breast, oesophagus, etc. The inside of the flexible applicator is hollow through which the radioactive isotope is moved.

[0068] The treatment plan further designs a travel path projection model, which is configured to determine a path for placing the virtual applicator 103 from one or multiple entry points on the patient's body to the specific target location. The virtual applicator 103 is placed adjacent or close to the target area to deliver the required radiation dose.

[0069] The position of the actual applicator 104 is decided by superimposing the virtual applicator 103 on the diagnostic image. The virtual applicator 103 is mapped based on the travel path projection planned from one or multiple entry points to the specific target location. The radiologist performs positional and rotational changes in shape of the virtual applicator depending on the travel path projection, while the virtual applicator 103 is being overlaid onto the diagnostic image. The changes in the virtual applicator 103 are made by the radiologist according to the geometry of the target area. The radiologist verifies the placement of the virtual applicator 103 to be accurate, by comparing the images obtained prior to the virtual applicator placement with the images obtained after the placement of the virtual applicator. Depending on the comparison result, the radiologist accordingly adjusts the position of the virtual applicator 103 so that the applicator is placed closer to the target region and the optimal radiation is delivered to the expected region. On verification, the plurality of co-ordinates on location of the virtual applicator is transmitted to the imaging device. Both the patient image and the overlaid applicator image are stored in the system memory. The stored image serves as a reference image for actual applicator placement.

[0070] With respect to FIG. 1, the imaging device 104 receives a treatment plan from the treatment planning system 102. The imaging device 104 uses the plurality of co-ordinates as the reference for guiding the radiologist, during the insertion of the actual applicator. The system adopts a plurality of position sensors 105 placed on the patient's body, to track the position of the actual applicator during an insertion into the patient's body. The plurality of position sensors is extraneous to body or sutured to the body, with respect to the organ/tissue of interest. The imaging device 104 in communication with the plurality of position sensors 105 receives the tracking information and accordingly monitors the position of the actual applicator. The radiologist refers the imaging device 104 during the insertion of the actual applicator. The radiologist verifies the position of the actual applicator placed in the human body by mapping the reference image containing the virtual applicator onto the image obtained after the insertion of the actual applicator. On verification of accurate placing of the actual applicator, the radiologist uses the therapy unit 106 to deliver the estimated radiation dosage to the target location. The therapy unit 106 transmits a plurality of seeds through the applicator to the target location. The actual applicator such as a Fletcher comprises a hollow space through which a seed is moved. The seed is a radioactive isotope that gives out the radiation. The movement of the plurality of seeds moving through the actual applicator to different locations on the human body is calculated by the treatment planning system based on the radiation dose that is required to kill the tumor either in one sitting or on multiple sittings. Further, a time period for which the plurality of seeds has to remain in the target location is calculated based on the radiation dose required to destroy the tumor in one sitting or on multiple sittings.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiation dosage is calculated in terms of an absorbed dose and a dose rate. The absorbed dose is the amount of energy that ionizing radiation imparts to a given mass of matter. In other words, the absorbed dose is the amount of radiation absorbed by and object. The SI unit for absorbed dose is the gray (Gy), but "RAD" (Radiation Absorbed Dose) is commonly used. 1 rad is equivalent to 0.01 Gy. Different materials that receive the same exposure may not absorb the same amount of radiation. In human tissue, one Roentgen of gamma radiation exposure results in about one rad of absorbed dose. The dose equivalent relates the absorbed dose to the biological effect of that dose. The absorbed dose of specific types of radiation is multiplied by a "quality factor" to arrive at the dose equivalent. The SI unit is Sievert (SV), but REM is commonly used. REM is an acronym for "Roentgen Equivalent In Man." One REM is equivalent to 0.01 SV. When exposed to X- or Gamma radiation, the quality factor is 1. The dose rate is a measure of how fast a radiation dose is being received. Dose rate is usually presented in terms of R/hour, mR/hour, REM/hour, mREM/hour, etc.

[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart explaining a method for visualizing a lesion, planning a treatment procedure and delivering the treatment to a patient, according to an embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG.2, a patient requiring a radiation therapy for cancer or tumor related treatment visits a clinic. The therapy is applied for various parts of the human body for the treatment of cervical, prostate, breast, skin, vascular cancers and tumors etc. The doctor refers the patient to a radiation oncologist (201). The patient then registers with the hospital information system (HIS) (202). The patient visits the radiation oncologist and gets consultation (203). Based on the check-up, the radiation oncologist consults and refers or prescribes the patient for radiation based therapy (204). The radiation based therapy is either an external beam therapy or a Brachytherapy. In the external beam therapy, the recommended dosage is delivered by using a linear accelerator (LINAC) or a Telecobalt. In the Brachytherapy, the recommended dosage is delivered through a rigid or flexible virtual applicator (205). The radiation treatment planning system is then used to visualize and plan the treatment procedure. The different stages for the treatment procedure includes an organ segmentation, a target visualization, a virtual applicator selection, a dose plan preview for selected virtual applicator, storage of applicator coordinates, transfer of applicator coordinate information to imaging device, guiding applicator placement with an image guidance system, applicator tracking from the acquired diagnostic images for planning a dose delivery based on actual placement and a verification procedure. In an organ segmentation process, various types of the organs such as cervical, prostate, breast, skin, vascular, etc with a lesion are identified and the respective images are obtained. The target segmentation is performed to identify the specific affected tissue with reference to one or more diagnostic images and one or more volumetric reports are formed comprising 3D reconstruction from Sagittal, Coronal, Axial views, etc. Then, the selection and planning for virtual applicator is performed. The selection and planning for virtual applicator comprises travel path projection and modeling from one or multiple entry points to the specific target points. The positioning of the virtual applicator is also tracked by any position sensor and receiving mechanisms. The planning and visualization is performed based on the type and pattern of fletchers used, type of target tissue, size and location. Further, the positioning of virtual applicator positioned near to the body of a patient is verified by comparing the image taken at planning stage with the image taken with the applicators positioned in the target lesion before radiation exposure. This enables an operator to correct the procedure for better outcome (206). The treatment is performed on the affected tissue and medication is advised by the doctor (207). Then, the doctor or the patient communicate or follow up with each other for further treatments and results (208).

[0073] FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system for modeling radiation dosage to be delivered to a lesion through an image guided virtual applicator, according to an embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 3, a patient 301 requiring a radiation therapy for cancer or tumor related treatment visits a clinic. The radiation therapy is performed for various parts of the human body such as cervical, prostate, breast, skin, vascular, etc for the treatment of affected tissues. A group of doctors conduct and study 302the diagnostic analysis of the patient. The studies of the diagnostic analysis comprise taking a radio therapy (RT) image 305 of the affected tissue area. The image 305 is also referred from the earlier images taken from the patient's treatment record 309. Based on the acquired image 310, an optimal radiation dosage 306 is determined. Based on the radiation dose, a plan 308 is prepared for the treatment of the affected tissue area by determining an optimal recommended radiation dose 306. Also, a structure set 307 is formed for handling the virtual applicators. The preparation of the structure set 307 also involves referring the determined dose 306 and plan 308 for the treatment. Also, the plan 308 is prepared by referring the estimated radiation dose 306 and the treatment record of the patient 302. The structure set is provided as input to the imaging device 304. The imaging device 304 assists an operator to position the virtual applicators accurately on or inside the lesion. A series 303 of actions are performed for placing the virtual applicators accurately over the affected tissue area, and treatment is delivered.
[0074] FIG. 4 A illustrates an axial view of the target region captured after placement of the actual applicator, according to an embodiment of the present invention, while FIG. 4B illustrates a longitudinal view of the target region captured after placement of the actual applicator, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The purpose of the position sensor is to determine the exact position of the applicator within the body at any point of time. The position sensors act as reference markers and are usually at a fixed position (can be on the human body /skin or on a nearby patient table) and the position of the applicator is constantly monitored against it. There can be position sensors on the applicator itself which could be monitored by an external device that provides position of the applicator at any given point of time in a given space. At the region of radiation application 401, the plurality of seeds 405 is transmitted to the target site through the actual applicator 404. The plurality of isotopes 405 is kept in a plurality of seed positions in the applicator (as shown in FIG. 4B) so that the region 402 gets enough radiation as desired by the medical practitioner. The applicator 404 is of known diameter and length with appropriate openings. When the isotope 405 reaches the applicator openings, the radiation produced affects the different parts of region 403. The applicator 404 and the plurality of seeds 405 are placed in such a way that the radiation generated does not affect the surrounding region 402.

[0075] For example, to achieve a dose of value Z at the region X, the seed is placed at position 4 for xl seconds, position 3 for x2 seconds, position 2 for x3 seconds. The cumulative dose at each position is the total dose delivered to region X. The same dose can also be achieved by keeping the seed at position 3 for xl+x2 seconds and position for x3 seconds or a combination that will ensure dose of value Z is delivered to region X.

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart explaining a method for planning the accurate placement of the applicator and delivering the optimal radiation dosage to affected area in patient's body using Image Guided Brachytherapy, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of acquiring a diagnostic image of a target area using a plurality of imaging modalities (501). The diagnostic image is examined by an oncologist for locating the lesion/tumor in the body of the patient (502). The amount of growth of the lesion/tumor is estimated in the body of the patient (503). A radiation based therapy is prescribed by a radiologist depending on the estimated growth amount of the lesion/tumor (504). A type of a virtual applicator is selected based on a region of applicability (505). Further a target location is selected for positioning the virtual applicator, based on the location of the lesion/tumor (506). The location of the virtual applicator is adjusted after positioning, based on an optimal radiation to be delivered to the lesion/tumor location (507). The co-ordinates of the virtual applicator position is transmitted to the imaging device, for marking a location of the applicator (508). The actual applicator is guided to the estimated target position with a help of the imaging device (509). The position of the actual applicator is tracked during installation (510). The position of the applicator is verified using image processing and visualization techniques (511). A required dosage that needs to be delivered through the applicator for treating the diagnosed lesion/tumor is estimated (512). Finally the required dosage is delivered to the target place through the applicator (513).

[0077] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications.

[0078] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications.

F) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0079] The system for planning the accurate placement of the applicator and reduces the time taken by a doctor to accurately position the actual applicator adjacent or inside the lesion. The doctor selects the radiation based treatment therapies by visualizing an affected tissue/lesion area. The doctor is able to protect the areas which are viable and essential for radiation exposure. The system for delivering the optimal radiation dosage to affected area in patient's body using Image Guided Brachytherapy, also reduces an overall treatment time and trauma to the patient. The visualizing and preplanning of the treatment procedure for the lesion provides an effective Brachytherapy procedure thereby supporting a better healthcare service and reducing the overall cost of treatment.

[0080] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications.

[0081] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications.

CLAIMS

What is claimed is:
1. A system for providing an image guided brachytherapy comprising: an actual applicator configured for delivering a pre-modeled radiation dosage to a lesion/tumor in a body of a patient; a virtual applicator configured for estimating an target location for placing the actual applicator in the body of the patient; a treatment planning system configured to construct a treatment plan based on a diagnoses of the lesion/tumor; an imaging device configured for assisting a radiologist to visualize and plan an insertion of the actual applicator to the target location based the treatment plan; and a therapy unit configured for delivering a required radiation dose to the applicator.

2. The system according to claim 1 further comprises a plurality of imaging modalities adopted to obtain a diagnostic image of the body of the patient, and wherein the diagnostic image complies with and satisfies the standards of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), and wherein the plurality of imaging modalities is selected from a group consisiting of a Computed Tomography (CT), an X-ray scan, a C-arm, a Mammography, a Colonoscopy, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a Nuclear Imaging, etc., or a combination there of.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic image is segmented for determining and marking a location of the lesion/tumor, and wherein the region of lesion/tumor is analyzed to calculate a growth volume of the tumor/lesion.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the treatment planning system generates the treatment plan based on the analysis of the diagnostic image, and wherein the treatment plan comprises an applicator model, an amount of optimal radiation dosage, a delivery time of the radiation dose and a travel path projection model for the applicator.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the applicator model is configured to identify the target location for placing the virtual applicator, a plurality of seed positions, and a shape and size of the applicator, wherein the position of the virtual applicator is chosen in such a way that an optimal radiation dosage is delivered to the target location.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the travel path projection model is configured to determine a path for placing the virtual applicator from one or multiple entry points to the specific target location.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual applicator is a rigid applicator or a flexible applicator, and wherein the rigid applicator has a definite shape and size which depend on a region of the applicability, anD wherein the flexible applicator has an adaptable shape based on the region through which a plurality of seeds has to be passed.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device receives information on a plurality of co-ordinates relating to the virtual applicator location, wherein the imaging device guides the radiologist for inserting the actual applicator into the body of the patient based on a plurality of position coordinates of the virtual applicator.

9. The system according to claim 1, further a plurality of position sensors is adopted to track the position of the actual applicator in the body of the patient during an insertion, wherein the imaging device monitors the applicator position based on tracking information received from the plurality of position sensors.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the therapy unit delivers the required radiation dosage to the target location by passing the plurality of seeds through the applicator.

11. A method for planning accurate placement of an applicator in a body of a patient and delivering an optimal radiation dose to a tumor location using image guided brachytherapy, the method comprises: acquiring a diagnostic image of a target area using a plurality of imaging modalities; examining a diagnostic image by an oncologist for locating the lesion/tumor in the body of the patient; estimating a growth amount of the lesion/tumor in the body of the patient; prescribing a radiation based therapy depending on the estimated growth amount of the lesion/tumor; selecting type of a virtual applicator based on a region of applicability; selecting a target location for positioning the virtual applicator, based on the location of the lesion/tumor; adjusting the location of the virtual applicator after positioning, based on an optimal radiation to be delivered to the lesion/tumor location; transmitting co-ordinates of the virtual applicator position to the imaging device, for marking a location of the applicator; guiding the actual applicator to the estimated target position with a help of the imaging device; tracking the position of the actual applicator during installation; verifying the position of the applicator by adopting image processing and visualization techniques; estimating a required dosage to be delivered through the applicator for treating the diagnosed lesion/tumor;and delivering the required dosage to the target place through the applicator.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of segmentation techniques are perfonned on the diagnostic image to locate the tumor/lesion and wherein a organ segmentation is performed for locating a specific affected organ, and wherein a tissue segmentation is performed, when the region of interest is not any specific organ.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the segmentation techniques are configured to explore the diagnostic image for different layers of the organ/tissue, and wherein the segmentation process assists the oncologist in accurately diagnosing the affected tissue to determine the growth level of the tumor/lesion.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of physical applicators are scanned to generate the plurality of virtual applicators in a 3D digital format, and wherein the plurality of virtual applicators are stored in a system memory of the treatment planning system.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the position of the actual applicator is decided by superimposing the virtual applicator on the diagnostic image, and wherein the virtual applicator is mapped based on the travel path projection planned from one or multiple entry points to the specific target location.

16. The method according the claim 11, wherein the radiologist performs positional and rotational changes in shape of the virtual applicator while being overlaid onto the diagnostic image, and wherein the changes in the virtual applicator are made by the radiologist according to the geometry of the target area.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the radiologist inserts the actual applicator depending on the co-ordinates of the virtual applicator position, and wherein the radiologist tracks a position of the actual applicator on the imaging device, using the plurality of position sensors.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the radiologist verifies the position of the applicator placed in the human body by mapping the images obtained prior to the applicator placement and the images obtained after the placement of applicators.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the required radiation dose to be delivered to the lesion is estimated or decided based on a type of tumor tissue, an area of spread, a location of the lesion with respect to other organs and vessels, age and health of a patient, and a plurality of parameters.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the estimated radiation dosage is delivered to the target location by a therapy unit, and wherein a time period for which the plurality of seeds has to remain in the target location is calculated based on the radiation dose required to destroy the tumor in one sitting or on multiple sittings.