Feasibility of volumetric-modulated arc therapy gating for cardiac radioablation using real-time ECG signal acquisition and a dynamic phantom.

Background: Stereotactic arrythmia radioablation (STAR) is a noninvasive technique to treat ventricular tachycardia (VT). Management of cardiorespiratory motion plays an essential role in VT-STAR treatments to improve treatment outcomes by reducing positional uncertainties and increasing dose conformality. Use of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, acquired in real-time, as a surrogate to gate the beam has the potential to fulfil that intent.

Evaluation of a Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm for Image Reconstruction on a Novel CBCT Platform.

Purpose: The presence of metal implants can produce artifacts and distort Hounsfield units (HU) in patient computed tomography (CT) images. The purpose of this work was to characterize a novel metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm for reconstruction of CBCT images obtained by the HyperSight imaging system.

Methods: Three tissue-equivalent phantoms were fitted with materials commonly used in medical applications.

Treatment plan quality for stereotactic treatment of multiple cranial metastases: Comparison of C-arm and O-ring treatment platforms.

C-arm linacs have been used widely to treat multiple cranial metastases using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). A new generation of O-ring linacs offer several workflow advantages when compared to C-arm platforms. However, O-ring linacs are not able to employ couch rotations for noncoplanar beams used in SRS treatments.

Investigation of a novel 2.5 MV sintered diamond target beam for intracranial linac-based stereotactic treatments.

. This work investigates the small-field dosimetric characteristics of a 2.5 MV sintered diamond target beam and its feasibility for use in linac-based intracranial stereotactic treatments.

Credentialing of stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy programs for quality and safety: The Novalis Certified Program.

The expectation of quality and safety is a fundamental tenet in all areas of healthcare, and a cornerstone of best practice is a process of continuous learning and continuous improvement. Independent audits and peer review of radiotherapy programs are an important mechanism for identifying process or technology gaps, for highlighting areas for improvement, and for incorporating within continuous improvement processes. In the field of radiotherapy, independent certification programs exist within various national and/or professional spheres, yet few focus specifically on specialty procedures such as radiosurgery or brachytherapy, despite several recommendations for such programs.