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UI uses ultrasound technology in
complex surgeries
Radiology News: Week of April
9, 2001 -
Radiation oncology specialists with University
of Iowa Health Care recently performed the world's
first ultrasound-guided extracranial
radiosurgery.
Typically, computed tomography (CT) images are
used to target tumors that are treated with
radiation. The 3D images are transferred from the
CT scanner to the radiosurgery device using
reference marks on the patient. During the time
between the CT scan and the actual treatment
session, the patient will almost certainly be in a
different position or the tumor itself may move as
the internal anatomy shifts as a result of
breathing and moving.
Using the ultrasound technology in the treatment
room provides cancer specialists revised,
up-to-date information about the precise location
of the tumor inside the patient.
"The treatment plan from CT images guides the
direction and the focus of the radiation beams and
is meticulously outlined on the CT image in the
hours or days before the radiosurgery procedure,"
said John Buatti, M.D., professor and director of
radiation oncology. "We can more accurately
transfer the treatment plan into the treatment
delivery room by using the ultrasound image to
match the CT images used for the planning."
Even though the tumor may shift only slightly,
perhaps only 5 to 10 millimeters, the precision and
accuracy of the state-of-the-art radiosurgery
technology is enhanced by the addition of the
ultrasound information. The extremely precise Linac
scalpel directs radiation to within .2 millimeters
for targets in the brain, and the ultrasound-guided
technology should provide real-time targeting so
that radiosurgery can be applied to lesions
elsewhere in the body.
"This is an outstanding example of an innovative
enhancement that combines the use of highly
advanced imaging technology with the most advanced
radiosurgery technology," said John Haller, Ph.D.,
adjunct assistant professor in the UI Department of
Radiology. "We've been able to make radiosurgery
available for lesions outside of the brain."
The Food and Drug Administration has approved
this prototype ultrasound-guided radiosurgery
system, which is being developed jointly by
scientists and clinicians at the UI, including
radiation oncologists, radiologists,
otolaryngologists, and by neurosurgeons, physicians
and scientists at the University of Florida and
Zmed, Inc., based in San Diego, California.
For more information visit the Radiation
Oncology website.
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