Patent ID: 6665555
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A method for delivery of a therapeutic dosage of radiation to a target site near the spine comprising the following steps:(i) immobilizing the area of the spine of a patient that includes a target site that is to be treated using stereotactic radiosurgery, wherein said immobilizing comprises placing one or more fasteners in a first anatomical structure in or adjacent to the spine, and placing one or more fasteners in a second anatomical structure in or adjacent to the spine; (ii) obtaining CT images of said area of the spine; (iii) using said images to identify a target volume and areas that are to be protected from irradiation; (iv) designing a stereotactic radiotherapeutic protocol based on the identified target volume and critical structure; and (v) precisely aligning said patient in a determined position suitable for effecting said radiotherapeutic protocol; and (vi) effecting said stereotactic radiosurgery protocol.