Automatic image registration of magnetic resonance imaging scans for localization, 3-dimensional treatment planning, and radiation treatment of abnormal lesions

• US 5,800,353 A
• Filed: 06/10/1997
• Issued: 09/01/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert L. Mclaurin Jr
• Original Assignee: Robert L. Mclaurin Jr
• Inventors: McLaurin, Robert L. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lateef, Marvin M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHAW, SHAWNA JEANNINE
• Application Number:
  US08/872,103
• Time in Patent Office: 448 Days
• Field of Search: 600/407, 600/414, 600/417, 600/421, 600/436, 600/410, 128/920, 606/130, 378/205, 378/206, 378/64, 378/65
• US Class Current: 600/407
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/055 involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/702 Posture restraints
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/17 for soft tissue, e.g. breast-holding devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/18 Retaining sheets, e.g. immobilising masks made from a thermoplastic material
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/105 using a laser alignment system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1097 Means for immobilizing the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1049 for verifying the position of the patient with respect to the radiation beam

Abstract

This invention is a method of using the Magnet Center of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, commonly referred to as MRI, as the common reference point to accurately film image an area of concern for parallel axial, sagittal and coronal parallel slices. The perpendicular axis of each of the parallel slices of film images from all three of the mutually perpendicular slices passes through Magnet Center of the MRI. Upon determination of the number of film image slices in each stack, the position of the first slice with respect to Magnet Center, and the thickness of each slice has been determined, this data is entered into a computer capable of producing three-dimensional images. Using the entered data and positioning lasers, the original position during scanning can be accurately reproduced in the simulator suite or room as well as in the Treatment room.

Claims

1. A method of automatic image registration of standard axial, coronal, and sagittal magnetic resonance images obtained by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner capable of generating a magnetic field, said magnetic field having a center point defining a magnetic center which functions as the origin of a three dimensional coordinate system for locating anatomical targets in a patient for radiation treatment, said method comprising the steps of:

positioning said patient within said scanner such that an anatomical target to be visualized is located as close as possible to said magnet center;

obtaining a series of standard axial, coronal, and sagittal magnetic resonance images of said target, each of said images within said series representing a parallel image slice through said target at a predetermined interval from said magnet center, each of said image slices having a perpendicular axis extending through said magnet center; and

entering digital data corresponding to said images into a computerized Treatment Planning System in a specific format including the number of image slices in each of said series, the position of a first image slice in each of said series relative to said magnet center, the thickness of each of said image slices, and the exact position of said axes extending through said magnet center such that each of said series of axial, coronal and sagittal images are aligned with respect to said magnet center and to each other enabling said series of images to be automatically registered within said three dimensional coordinate system for subsequent treatment planning and radiation therapy.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of positioning is carried out by laser beam means.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of positioning further includes the step of immobilizing said patient by use of an immobilization means.

4. The method claim 1 wherein the step of entering further includes the step of reproducing said coordinate system in a simulation apparatus to simulate treatment of said patient prior to actual radiation therapy.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein step of reproducing is carried by a laser beam means integrated with said simulation apparatus.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of reproducing further includes the step of resetting said coordinate system in a radiation therapy apparatus in order to accurately administer a dosage of radiation to said anatomical target.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of resetting is carried out by a laser beam means integrated with said radiation therapy apparatus.