Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed an innovative, noninvasive medical device designed to effectively eliminate patient head motion during radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging procedures such as CT, MRI, and PET. This device utilizes real-time optical tracking to adjust for any head movement, thereby enhancing the precision of radiotherapy and improving image clarity and resolution in diagnostic radiology. The device offers a significant advancement in maximizing radiation to targeted lesions while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Description
A noninvasive "smart" medical device is disclosed for effectively eliminating head motion during radiation therapy and diagnostic radiology examinations such as CT, MRI, and PET. This patented medical device will provide real-time optical tracking of the patient's head and adjusting in real-time for any movement during ultra-precise radiotherapy for brain tumors and other intracranial lesions. Its use will result in maximizing the radiation to the lesion while sparing the normal tissue and reducing any potential side effects to the patient. In diagnostic radiology procedures the images would have higher contrast and resolution.This medical device includes a system for tracking the head, a microprocessor and memory for receiving and processing signals from the tracking device and for issuing corrective signals to 6 motors coupled to a headholder to reposition the patient's head in 6 degrees of freedom in real time. A particular contemplated use is for Intensity Modulated Stereotaxic Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy (ISRS or IMRT) using radiation therapy machines such as the Linac in common use worldwide.
Applications
• Training clinicians in patient-centered communication
• Enhancing communication skills for various clinical contexts
• Providing scalable, evidence-based education for healthcare professionals
Advantages
Communication Catalyst addresses the need for large-scale, evidence-based communication skills training for clinicians, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The platform's comprehensive and interactive approach ensures that clinicians can learn, practice, and receive feedback on their communication skills, making it possible to achieve a scope and scale of training previously unattainable. This innovation supports improved patient outcomes by enhancing clinician-patient interactions.
Invention Readiness
The platform has been developed and validated through prototype performance. It includes various media and interactive exercises, such as writing exercises, video recordings, and quizzes. The platform has distinct user interfaces for learners, course administrators, and course coaches, facilitating progress tracking and personalized feedback.
IP Status
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