Patent ID: 8295906
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: A61N,G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for guiding radiation therapy of a patient comprising: providing a treatment support for receiving and supporting the patient during treatment; providing a radiation therapy treatment system for applying radiation therapy to the patient; locating the treatment support and the radiation therapy treatment system in a radiation bunker arranged to prevent escape of the radiation; providing a door on an opening into the bunker; providing an MRI system for imaging the patient including a cylindrical magnet; moving the radiation therapy treatment system in the bunker to a location spaced from the treatment support; locating a patient on the treatment support in the bunker, the patient having a lesion requiring radiation therapy; preparing the patient for radiation therapy on the treatment support; with the radiation therapy treatment system moved to the spaced location, moving the cylindrical magnet from a position outside the bunker through the opening with the door open into a position surrounding the treatment support for obtaining images of the patient while on the treatment support; the bunker, the door and the opening being shaped and arranged to allow the magnet to move into the bunker; while the patient is on the treatment support, using the MRI system to obtain a series of images of a location of the lesion within the patient; moving the magnet of the MRI system away from the treatment support and out of the bunker through the opening, and closing the door so as to allow the radiation therapy; and during the radiation therapy, using the images of the patient to guide the radiation therapy.