Our device utilises dual modality imaging to provide physicians with information on the radiation beam position and dose magnitude.
Dual Modality Imaging
Our prototype device is based upon a traditional ultrasound pulse-and-echo system. The transducer probe is used to collect and combine X-ray acoustic (XA) signals with the conventional ultrasound image. This allows physicians to see exactly where they are delivering the radiation to, verifying that the treatment is delivered to the correct place.
User Interface
The end result is an image with both the image of the prostate and information about the given radiation dose. The intuitative interface allows radiation oncology teams to make fast and informed decisions during treatment.
Scintilllator Addition
Our team is developing a scintillator system that will serve as a reference point for the XA signals. Each time the radiation beam is pulsed, the scintillator will output a trigger signal which marks when the XA signal is generated. With image reconstruction techniques, this information can be used to determine how far from the transducer probe the XA signal was generated, yielding an image of where the radiation was delivered.
True Lab and Future Research
To continue to test the prototype and advance the technology, the True Lab, ran by our mentor Dr. Shawn Xiang at UC Irvine, is working on new imaging technologies.
Team Advisor: Liangzhong (Shawn) Xiang, PhD | liangzhx@hs.uci.edu