Octree indexing of DICOM images for voxel number reduction and improvement of Monte Carlo simulation computing efficiency.

The purpose of the present study is to introduce a compression algorithm for the CT (computed tomography) data used in Monte Carlo simulations. Performing simulations on the CT data implies large computational costs as well as large memory requirements since the number of voxels in such data reaches typically into hundreds of millions voxels. CT data, however, contain homogeneous regions which could be regrouped to form larger voxels without affecting the simulation's accuracy.

Sliding slice: a novel approach for high accuracy and automatic 3D localization of seeds from CT scans.

We present a conceptually novel principle for 3D reconstruction of prostate seed implants. Unlike existing methods for implant reconstruction, the proposed algorithm uses raw CT data (sinograms) instead of reconstructed CT slices. Using raw CT data solves several inevitable problems related to the reconstruction from CT slices.

Idealized line source configuration for permanent 125I prostate implants.

Background And Purpose: To validate the use of idealized seed orientations in conjunction with the line source formalism for post-implant dosimetry of permanent 125I prostate implants.

Patients And Methods: Post-implant, a CT scan and three fluoroscopic images were obtained for 32 patients having undergone permanent implants. From these images, the seed positions and orientations (phi,theta) were determined (1625 individual seeds).

Automatic post-implant needle reconstruction algorithm to characterize and improve implant robustness analyses.

Post-implant analysis in permanent implant brachytherapy is an important process that provides a feedback on treatment quality. Random seed movements, edema, and needle related factors contribute to deteriorate dose coverage. For a complete study of these movements, it is important to reconstruct the post-implant seeds clusters but, up to now, this task was only possible via a long and difficult manual process.