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Development and initial evaluation of a novel 3D volumetric outlining system

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 September 2015

Pete Bridge ,
Andrew Fielding ,
Andrew Pullar  and
Pamela Rowntree
Pete Bridge*
Affiliation:
Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Andrew Fielding
Affiliation:
Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Andrew Pullar
Affiliation:
Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Pamela Rowntree
Affiliation:
Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
*
Correspondence to: Pete Bridge, Directorate of Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside L693BX, UK. Tel: 44 794 424 4626. E-mail: pete.bridge@liverpool.ac.uk
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Abstract

Aim

The novel three-dimensional (3D) radiotherapy interactive outlining tool allows volumes to be created from a handful of points within axial, sagittal and coronal planes. 3D volumetric visualisation allows users to directly manipulate the resulting volume using innovative-sculpting tools. This paper discusses the development and initial evaluation of the software ahead of formal clinical testing.

Materials and methods

User feedback was collated as part of the software development phase to ensure clinical suitability, define user training strategies and identify best practice. A loosely structured format was adopted with leading descriptive questions aiming to generate suggestions for improvements and initiate further discussion.

Results

The four participants reported great satisfaction and value in being able to use all three planes for outlining, although orientation in 3D was evidently a problem. All participants felt that the software was capable of producing acceptable outlines rapidly and that the multi-planar capability allowed for improved outlining of the prostate apex.

Findings

Mesh generation from a small number of points placed on a range of planes is a rapid and effective means of target delineation. Multi-slice volume sculpting and 3D orientation is challenging and may indicate a need for a paradigm shift in anatomy and computed tomography training.

Keywords

imagingprostatequalitative evaluationradiotherapy planningthree dimensional
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 15 , Issue 1 , March 2016 , pp. 38 - 44
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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