Patient positioning using artificial intelligence neural networks, trained magnetic field sensors and magnetic implants.

• The purpose of this study was to evaluate the precision of a sensor and to ascertain the maximum distance between the sensor and the magnet, in a magnetic positioning system for external beam radiotherapy using a trained artificial intelligence neural network for position determination. Magnetic positioning for radiotherapy, previously described by Lennernäs and Nilsson, is a functional technique, but it is time consuming. The sensors are large and the distance between the sensor and the magnetic implant is limited to short distances. This paper presents a new technique for positioning, using an artificial intelligence neural network, which was trained to position the magnetic implant with at least 0.5 mm resolution in X and Y dimensions. The possibility of using the system for determination in the Z dimension, that is the distance between the magnet and the sensor, was also investigated. After training, this system positioned the magnet with a mean error of maximum 0.15 mm in all dimensions and up to 13 mm from the sensor. Of 400 test positions, 8 determinations had an error larger than 0.5 mm, maximum 0.55 mm. A position was determined in approximately 0.01 s.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Humans

Magnetics

Neoplasms

radiotherapy

Neural Networks (Computer)

Posture

Radiotherapy

instrumentation

methods

Technology

Radiologic

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)