CyberKnife's robotic arm is able to follow
a patient's movements during therapy
Synchrony™ is an imaging system designed for precise targeting of tumors on or around the lungs. Lung tumors are often very difficult to treat with external radiation, for the simple reason that breathing causes the tumor to move, which makes targeting difficult. While some tumors can be treated by gating the radiation delivered in IMRT, Synchrony makes it possible to treat almost any tumor on the lung.
Prior to treatment, tiny markers are surgically implanted in the tumor to make extremely accurate guides for the imaging equipment. The device uses the markers to measure the tumor's movement and make a accurate model of the patient's breathing.
During treatment, the markers are used to keep track of the patient's breathing while the radiation is being given. The mechanical arm of the CyberKnife - which moves to deliver radiation - mirrors the movement of the body; as the lungs inflate, the arm follows the tumor outwards. This makes it possible to give the tumor a full dose of radiation without damaging healthy tissue, allowing for the most effective treatment possible.
See also: CyberKnife
Images on this page were provided by Accuray
