Positioning accuracy is achieved with two X-ray sources embedded in the floor of the treatment room and two X-ray detectors mounted on the ceiling opposite these sources.

With this X-ray system, images of the patient's internal anatomy can be taken mere seconds before the actual treatment starts. With these images, the position of the patient can be accurately adjusted and the internal location of the tumor can be precisely determined.

Sophisticated software then compares this live X-ray data with previously acquired 3D computer tomography (CT) patient data; this serves as the basis for the entire treatment plan.

Based on both sets of data, the software included on the Novalis system calculates the required treatment position of the patient's tumor within millimeters.

To determine the exact location of the tumor the software uses bony structures from the X-ray images as a reference. Implanted markers are an additional option and act as a reference point for heightened localization ability.

Based on the updated position of the tumor, a computer-guided treatment couch automatically brings the patient into a previously planned and highly precise treatment position and monitors the patient for subtle shifts in position throughout the procedure.

This revolutionary and automatic process does not take longer than two minutes. This X-ray based patient positioning system overcomes the positioning inaccuracy of conventional radiation systems and allows for the effective use of the most modern radiation concepts such as IMRS.

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