Experimental validation of Fastcat kV and MV cone beam CT (CBCT) simulator.

Purpose: To experimentally validate the Fastcat cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) simulator against kV and MV CBCT images acquired with a Varian Truebeam linac.

Methods: kV and MV CBCT images of a Catphan 504 phantom were acquired using a 100 kVp beam with the on-board imager (OBI) and a 6 MV treatment beam with the electronic portal imaging device (EPID), respectively. The kV Fastcat simulation was performed using detailed models of the x-ray source, bowtie filter, a high resolution voxelized virtual Catphan phantom, anti-scatter grid, and the CsI scintillating detector.

Kidney transplant wait list: Review and current trends.

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. Improved success of renal transplantation has led to a growing number of US patients waiting for a transplant and longer waits to obtain kidneys. This article discusses the process and challenges of getting on the wait list, kidney organ allocation, and areas being explored to increase available organs for renal transplantation.