• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.18 no.11
• /
• pp.374-380
• /
• 2017

In this study, we analyzed the situation of the 119 emergency medical service zone of H town, countryside of Y city from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2016 and then, on the basis of this analysis, we investigated the present condition of the patient-transportation service of the 119 emergency medical service to provide the basic data in order for patients to use the emergency medical service more efficiently. We analyzed the data with SPSS 21.0 using frequency analysis and, after positioning the virtual 119 emergency medical service, we analyzed the data of the transportation time and transportation distance by using GIS. The results of this study show that the use of the 119 emergency medical service for people over 65 years old represents approximately 57% of the total number of patients transported, The average distance and time of the real moving reaction are 6.41 km and 11.86 min, respectively. The distance and time from the pick-up location to the hospital are 18.24 km and 21.52 min, respectively. Given the present position of the 119 emergency medical service, the results of this analysis using GPS show that the (average) distance and time from the 119 emergency medical service to Jang * Ri town are 9.12 km and 12 min, and the (average) total distance and time to arrive at the hospital after the emergency medical service picks up the patient are 36.83 km and 62 min, respectively. In the case of the virtual emergency medical service, the total distance and time required to arrive at the hospital after the emergency medical service picks up the patient are 27.71km and 50min, respectively. The results of this study showed that the present position of the 119 emergency service does not provide the optimum distance and time from the patient's location to the hospital. Therefore, we consider that the repositioning of the 119 emergency medical center is necessary, in order to reduce the time required for the emergency medical service to move to the patient's location and then bring the patient to the hospital.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.360-366
• /
• 2010

To generate on-board digital tomosynthesis (DTS) for three-dimensionalimage-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) as an alternative to conventional portal imaging or on-board cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), two clinical cases (liver and bladder) were selected to illustrate the capabilities of on-board DTS for IGRT. DTS images were generated from subsets of CBCT projection data (45, 162 projections) using half-fan mode scanning with a Feldkamp-type reconstruction algorithm. Digital tomosynthesis slices appeared similar to coincident CBCT planes and yielded substantially more anatomic information. Improved bony and soft-tissue visibility in DTS images is likely to improve target localization compared with radiographic verification techniques and might allow for daily localization of a soft-tissue target. Digital tomosynthesis might allow targeting of the treatment volume on the basis of daily localization.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.81 no.1
• /
• pp.21-40
• /
• 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an essential modality for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal system defects because of its higher soft-tissue contrast and spatial resolution. With the recent development of MRI-related technology, faster imaging and various image plane reconstructions are possible, enabling better assessment of three-dimensional musculoskeletal anatomy and lesions. Furthermore, the image quality, diagnostic accuracy, and acquisition time depend on the MRI protocol used. Moreover, the protocol affects the efficiency of the MRI scanner. Therefore, it is important for a radiologist to optimize the MRI protocol. In this review, we will provide guidance on patient positioning; selection of the radiofrequency coil, pulse sequences, and imaging planes; and control of MRI parameters to help optimize the MRI protocol for the six major joints of the musculoskeletal system.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.337-343
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe the proton therapy system at Samsung Medical Center (SMC-PTS) including the proton beam generator, irradiation system, patient positioning system, patient position verification system, respiratory gating system, and operating and safety control system, and review the current status of the SMC-PTS. Materials and Methods: The SMC-PTS has a cyclotron (230 MeV) and two treatment rooms: one treatment room is equipped with a multi-purpose nozzle and the other treatment room is equipped with a dedicated pencil beam scanning nozzle. The proton beam generator including the cyclotron and the energy selection system can lower the energy of protons down to 70 MeV from the maximum 230 MeV. Results: The multi-purpose nozzle can deliver both wobbling proton beam and active scanning proton beam, and a multi-leaf collimator has been installed in the downstream of the nozzle. The dedicated scanning nozzle can deliver active scanning proton beam with a helium gas filled pipe minimizing unnecessary interactions with the air in the beam path. The equipment was provided by Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., RayStation from RaySearch Laboratories AB is the selected treatment planning system, and data management will be handled by the MOSAIQ system from Elekta AB. Conclusion: The SMC-PTS located in Seoul, Korea, is scheduled to begin treating cancer patients in 2015.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.90-98
• /
• 2003

Purpose : A new virtual simulation technique for craniospinal irradiation (CSI) that uses a CT-simulator was developed to improve the accuracy of field and shielding placement as well as patient positioning. Materials and Methods : A CT simulator (CT-SIM) and a 3-D conformal radiation treatment planning system (3D-CRT) were used to develop CSI. The head and neck were immobilized with a thermoplastic mask while the rest of the body was immobilized with a Vac-Loc. A volumetric image was then obtained with the CT simulator. In order to improve the reproducibility of the setup, datum lines and points were marked on the head and body. Virtual fluoroscopy was performed with the removal of visual obstacles, such as the treatment table or immobilization devices. After virtual simulation, the treatment isocenters of each field were marked on the body and on the immobilization devices at the conventional simulation room. Each treatment fields was confirmed by comparing the fluoroscopy images with the digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) and digitally composited radiography (DCR) images from virtual simulation. Port verification films from the first treatment were also compared with the DRR/DCR images for geometric verification. Results : We successfully performed virtual simulations on 11 CSI patients by CT-SIM. It took less than 20 minutes to affix the immobilization devices and to obtain the volumetric images of the entire body. In the absence of the patient, virtual simulation of all fields took 20 min. The DRRs were in agreement with simulation films to within 5 mm. This not only reducee inconveniences to the patients, but also eliminated position-shift variables attendant during the long conventional simulation process. In addition, by obtaining CT volumetric image, critical organs, such as the eyes and the spinal cord, were better defined, and the accuracy of the port designs and shielding was improved. Differences between the DRRs and the portal films were less than 3 m in the vertebral contour. Conclusion : Our analysis showed that CT simulation of craniospinal fields was accurate. In addition, CT simulation reduced the duration of the patient's immobility. During the planning process. This technique can improve accuracy in field placement and shielding by using three-dimensional CT-aided localization of critical and target structures. Overall, it has improved staff efficiency and resource utilization by standard protocol for craniospinal irradiation.

• Proceedings of the KSMRM Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.103-105
• /
• 2003

After fifteen years of development, Magnetic Resonance (MR) technology for human imaging and spectroscopy is reaching a refined state with FDA approved 3T clinical products from Siemens, GE, and Philips. Broker has cleared CE approval with a 4T system. Varian supports a 4T system platform as well. Shielded magnets are standard at 3T from GE, Oxford, Magnex, and IGC. A shielded 4T whole body magnet is available from Oxford. Stronger switched gradients and dynamic shim coils, desired at any field, areespecially useful at higher static magnetic fields B0. In addition to the higher currents required for higher resolution slice or volume selection afforded by higher SNR, whole body gradient coils will be driven at increasing slew rates to meet the needs of new cardiac applications and other requirements. For example 3T and 4T systems are now being equipped with 2kV, 500A gradient coils and amplifiers capable of generating 4G/cm in 200msec, over a 67+/-cm bore diameter. High field EPI applications require oscillation rates at 1 kHz and higher. To achieve a benchmark 0.2 ppm shim over a 30cm sphere in a high field magnet, at least four stages of shimming need to be considered. 1) A good high field magnet will be built to a homogeneity spec. falling in the range of 100 to 150 ppm over this 30cm spherical "sweet spot" 2) Most modern high field magnets will also have superconducting shim coils capable of finding 1.5 ppm by their adjustment during system installation. 3) Passive ferro-magnetic shimming combined with 4) active, high order room temperature shim coils (as many as five orders are now being recommended) will accomplish 0.2 ppm over the 30cm sphere, and 0.1 ppm over a human brain in even the highest field magnets for human studies. Safety concerns for strong, fast gradients at any B0 field include acoustic noise and peripheral nerve stimulation. One or more of the mechanical decoupling methods may lead to quieter gradients. Patient positioning relative to asymmetric or short gradient coils may limit peripheral nerve stimulation at higher slew rates. Gradient designs combining a short coil for local speed and strength with a longer coil for coverage are being developed for 3T systems. Local gradients give another approach to maximizing performance over a limited region while keeping within the physiologically imposed dB0/dt performance limits.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.53-64
• /
• 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of the $HexaPOD^{TM}$ evo RT system(6DoF couch) and the tendency of dose difference according to size of rotational direction error for volumetric rotational modulated radiotherapy(V-MAT) in patients with long target lengths. Therefore, it is suggested to recommend the need for rotational error correction. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with Esophagus cancer or Breast cancer including SCL treated with HexaPOD 6DoF(Six-Degree of Freedom) couch were included in this study. 6DoF couch was used to measure the difference in dose according to the rotation error in the directions of Rx(pitch), Ry(roll), and Rz(yaw). Each rotation error was applied. Positioning variation on x, y and z axis was verified and random variations were made by 6DoF couch with positioning variation. Modified DQA is conducted and point dose and gamma value are analyzed and compared. In addition, after applying the rotation error every $1^{\circ}$ to treatment plans of each target with a diameter of 3 cm, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm respectively, gamma passing rate is being monitored by its aspect of change according to types and sizes of the target length and rotation error. Results: Mean error of the point dose and Gamma passing rate when the position variation was applied were $2.50{\pm}1.11%$ and $84.1{\pm}7.39%$ in the Rx direction, $2.36{\pm}1.16%$, and $81.0{\pm}8.49%$ in the Ry, $2.35{\pm}1.10%$ and $84.4{\pm}6.99%$ in the Rz direction, respectively. As a result of analysis on gamma passing rate according to types and sizes of the target length and rotation error, the gamma passing rate tended to decrease with increasing rotation error in the Rx and Rz directions except Ry direction. In particular, the lowest gamma passing rate (74.2 %) was in the case of $2.5^{\circ}$ rotation error in Rz direction of the target of 10 cm. Conclusion: The correction of the rotational error is needed for volumetric modulated radiotherapy of the treatment area with a long target length, and the use of 6DoF couch will improve the reproducibility of the patient position and the quality of the treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.37-43
• /
• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate dosimetry results of three different techniques for whole breast irradiation after conservative surgery of large pendulous breast patient. Materials and Methods: Planning computed tomography (CT) scans for three techniques were performed on a GE Hi-speed advantage CT scanner in the supine (SP), supine with breast supporting Device (SD) and prone position on a custom prone mattress (PP). Computed tomography images were acquired at 5 mm thickness. The clinical target volumes (CTV), ipsilateral lung and heart were delineated to evaluate the dose statistic, and all techniques were planned with the tangential photon beams (Pinnacle$^3$, Philips Medical System, USA). The prescribed dose was 50 Gy delivered in 25 fractions. To evaluate the dose coverage for CTV, we analysed percent volume of CTV receiving minimum of 95%, 100%, 105%, and 110% of prescription dose ($V_{95}$, $V_{100}$, $V_{105}$, and $V_{110}$) and minimal dose covering 95% ($D_{95}$) of CTV. The dosimetric comparison for heart and ipsilateral lung was analysed using the minimal dose covering 5% of each organs ($D_5$) and the volume that received >18 Gy for the heart and >20 Gy for the ipsilateral lung. Results: Target volume coverage ($V_{95}$ and $V_{100}$) was not significantly different for all technique. The V105 was lower for PP (1.2% vs. 4.4% for SP, 11.1% for SD). Minimal dose covering 95% ($D_{95}$) of target was 47.5 Gy, 47.7 Gy and 48 Gy for SP, SD and PP. The volume of ipsilateral lung received >20 Gy was 21.7%, 11.6% and 4.9% for SP, SD and PP. The volume of heart received >18 Gy was 17.0%, 16.1% and 9.8% for SP, SD and PP. Conclusion: Prone positioning of patient for large pendulous breast irradiation enables improving dose uniformity with minimal heart and lung doses.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.89-96
• /
• 2006

Purpose: To study effectiveness of heterogeneity correction of internal-body inhomogeneities and patient positioning immobilizers in dose calculation, using images obtained from CT-Simulator. Materials and Methods: A water phantom($250{\times}250{\times}250mm^3$) was fabricated and, to simulate various inhomogeneity, 1) bone 2) metal 3) contrast media 4) immobilization devices(Head holder/pillow/Vac-lok) were inserted in it. And then, CT scans were peformed. The CT-images were input to Radiation Treatment Planning System(RTPS) and the MUs, to give 100 cGy at 10 cm depth with isocentric standard setup(Field Size=$10{\times}10cm^2$, SAD=100 cm), were calculated for various energies(4, 6, 10 MV X-ray). The calculated MUs based on various CT-images of inhomogeneities were compared and analyzed. Results: Heterogeneity correction factors were compared for different materials. The correction factors were $2.7{\sim}5.3%$ for bone, $2.7{\sim}3.8%$ for metal materials, $0.9{\sim}2.3%$ for contrast media, $0.9{\sim}2.3%$ for Head-holder, $3.5{\sim}6.9%$ for Head holder+pillow, and $0.9{\sim}1.5%$ for Vac-lok. Conclusion: It is revealed that the heterogeneity correction factor calculated from internal-body inhomogeneities have various values and have no consistency. and with increasing number of beam ports, the differences can be reduced to under 1%, so, it can be disregarded. On the other hand, heterogeneity correction from immobilizers must be regarded enough to minimize inaccuracy of dose calculation.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2009

For HDR intracavitary brachytherapy with ovoids and a tandem, we compared the dose discrepancy of treatment plans using two different Ir-192 sources (microSelectron, Varian) and generated on two different treatment planning systems (PLATO, BrachyVision). The treatment plans of ten patient treated from Oct. 2007 to Jan. 2008 were selected for these comparisons. For the comparison of dose calculation using different sources, the average discrepancies were $-0.91{\pm}0.09%$, $-0.27{\pm}0.07%$, $0.22{\pm}0.39%$, and $0.88{\pm}0.37%$ in total treatment time and at B-point and ICRU bladder and rectum reference point, respectively. Comparing the two systems, the average dose discrepancies between treatment planning programs were $-0.22{\pm}0.42%$, $-0.25{\pm}0.29%$, $-0.23{\pm}0.63%$, and $-0.17{\pm}0.76%$, and the average dose discrepancies between positioning methods (PLATO with film and BrachyVision with digitial image) were $-0.61{\pm}0.59%$, $-0.77{\pm}0.45%$, $-0.72{\pm}1.70%$, and $0.35{\pm}2.82%$ at A-point, B-point, and ICRU bladder and rectum reference points, respectively. The rectal dose discrepancies between two systems were reached 5.87%. The difference in the dwell position expected by each TPS are mainly affected by the differences in the positioning method in TPSs and have an effect on dose calculations of rectal and bladder located in AP direction.