Quick search Find article
Quick search
Find article

Algorithms for optimal sequencing of dynamic multileaf collimators

Srijit Kamath1, Sartaj Sahni1, Jatinder Palta2 and Sanjay Ranka1

Show affiliations


Dynamic multileaf collimator (DMLC) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is used to deliver intensity modulated beams using a multileaf collimator (MLC), with the leaves in motion. DMLC-IMRT requires the conversion of a radiation intensity map into a leaf sequence file that controls the movement of the MLC while the beam is on. It is imperative that the intensity map delivered using the leaf sequence file be as close as possible to the intensity map generated by the dose optimization algorithm, while satisfying hardware constraints of the delivery system. Optimization of the leaf-sequencing algorithm has been the subject of several recent investigations. In this work, we present a systematic study of the optimization of leaf-sequencing algorithms for dynamic multileaf collimator beam delivery and provide rigorous mathematical proofs of optimized leaf sequence settings in terms of monitor unit (MU) efficiency under the most common leaf movement constraints that include leaf interdigitation constraint. Our analytical analysis shows that leaf sequencing based on unidirectional movement of the MLC leaves is as MU efficient as bi-directional movement of the MLC leaves.


PACS

87.56.ng Wedges and compensators

87.56.-v Radiation therapy equipment

87.56.J- Collimation

87.55.-x Treatment strategy

Subjects

Medical physics

Dates

Issue 1 (7 January 2004)

Received 31 May 2003, in final form 10 November 2003

Published 15 December 2003



Related review articles

What's this?
View review articles related to this research to gain an insight into the key trends in this subject area. Related review articles are selected based on PACS/MSC codes, and are no more than three years old.

  1. The concept and challenges of TomoTherapy accelerators

View by subject




Export








Please login to access our web services, or create an account if you don't yet have one.

You must have cookies enabled in your web browser to be able to login.

Username
Password

Forgotten your password? Get a new one here.