Introduction Of Image Guidance Research Articles

Image guidance in spine tumor surgery.

Beginning with basic stereotactic operative methods in neurosurgery, intraoperative navigation and image guidance systems have since become the norm in that field. Following the introduction of image guidance into spinal surgery, there has been a dramatic increase in its utilization across disciplines and pathologies. Spine tumor surgery encompasses a wide range of complex surgical techniques and treatment strategies. Similarly to deformity correction and trauma surgery, spine navigation holds potential to improve outcomes and optimize surgical technique for spinal tumors. Recent data demonstrate the applicability of neuro-navigation in the field of spinal oncology, particularly for spinal stabilization, maximizing extent of resection and integration of minimally invasive therapies. The rapid introduction of new, less invasive, and ablative surgical techniques in spine oncology coupled with the rising incidence of spinal metastatic disease make it imperative for spine surgeons to be familiar with the indications for and limitations of imaging guidance. Herein, we provide a practical, current concepts narrative review on the use of spinal navigation in three areas of spinal oncology: (a) extent of tumor resection, (b) spinal column stabilization, and (c) focal ablation techniques.

The need for, and implementation of, image guidance in radiation therapy.

The introduction of image guidance in radiation therapy and its subsequent innovations have revolutionised the delivery of cancer treatment. Modern imaging systems can supplement and often replace the historical practice of relying on external landmarks and laser alignment systems. Rather than depending on markings on the patient's skin, image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), using techniques such as computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT, MV on-board imaging (OBI), and kV OBI, allows the patient to be positioned based on the internal anatomy. These advances in technology have enabled more accurate delivery of radiation doses to anatomically complex and temporally changing tumour volumes, while simultaneously sparing surrounding healthy tissues. While these imaging modalities provide excellent bony anatomy image quality, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surpasses them in soft tissue image contrast for better visualisation and tracking of soft tissue tumours with no additional radiation dose to the patient. However, the introduction of MRI into a radiotherapy facility has a number of complications, including the influence of the magnetic field on the dose deposition, as well as the effects it can have on dosimetry systems. The development and introduction of these new IGRT techniques will be reviewed, and the benefits and disadvantages of each will be described.

The effect of image-guided radiation therapy on rectal and urinary toxicity when radiating the prostatic fossa.

137 Background: The 2013 ASTRO/AUA consensus statement reports that most outcome data for patients with biochemical failure is based on the use of older treatment techniques. Studies reporting outcomes for patients treated with modern techniques are needed. Methods: Patients were treated using the EORTC guidelines for determining the prostate fossa volume and radiation dose was above 64 Gray. 3D conformal planning and 3D treatment techniques including IMRT and VMAT were used. Daily image guidance was introduced in 2008 using cone beam CT scan and KV/KV imaging using surgical clips as fiducial markers. Toxicity and side effects were recorded and compared to patients treated prior to introduction of image guidance. Results: The Table shows toxicity results prior to and after introduction of daily image guidance. χ2 analysis indicates significant differences for GI, GU and overall toxicity between pre-IGRT and post-IGRT patient groups. Conclusions: Our results are consistent with other reports showing that salvage radiation therapy to the prostatic fossa or prostatic fossa and pelvic lymph nodes is well tolerated with few significant acute or late complications. We noted a significant decrease in GI toxicity and in GU toxicity with the introduction of image guidance techniques. [Table: see text]