VirtualDose Software for Diagnostic CT Doses to Adults and Children

描述（由申请人提供）：本项目旨在开发一种商业软件产品VirtualDoseTM，用于计算和分析X射线计算机断层扫描（CT）检查中的患者辐射剂量。尽管CT在放射学中发挥着重要作用，但它负责将美国人口的集体医疗辐射剂量提高到与当今致癌效应的可测量和可预测风险相关的水平。患者器官剂量的准确知识和记录现在已经成为成功和可持续使用这种成像模式的关键。人们认识到，现有软件不足以满足现代MDCT扫描仪的当前和未来需求。基于独特的“虚拟病人”技术和广泛的蒙特卡罗建模能力和现代软件工程，该拟议的软件系统预计将提高CT剂量估计的准确性和功能。该项目的具体目标是：（1）采用一个具有解剖学现实性的幻影家庭，包括成年男性/女性、孕妇和具有调整身体大小和形状能力的男性/女性儿童。(2)开发一种基于蒙特卡罗的计算方法，用于建模各种CT扫描仪和临床协议。(3)利用蒙特卡罗CT扫描机模型和ICRP算法建立一个全面的器官剂量数据库。(4)使用3D面向对象编程开发和改进软件图形用户界面。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project aims to develop a commercial software product, VirtualDoseTM, for calculating and analyzing patient radiation doses from x-ray computed tomography (CT) examinations. Despite its essential role in radiology, CT is responsible for raising the collective medical radiation dose to the American population to a level that is associated with measurable and predictable risk for carcinogenic effect today. Accurate knowledge and record of patient organ doses have now become critical in the successful and sustainable use of this imaging modality. It is recognized that existing software are insufficient in meeting the current and future needs involving modern MDCT scanners. Based on unique "virtual patient" technologies and extensive Monte Carlo modeling capabilities and modern software engineering, this proposed software system is expected to improve upon the accuracy and functionality in CT dose estimates. Specific aims of the project are: (1) To adopt a family of anatomically realistic phantoms including the adult male/female, pregnant female, and male/female children with the capability to adjust the body size and shape. (2) To develop a Monte Carlo based computational method for modeling various CT scanners and clinical protocols. (3) To establish a comprehensive organ dose database by using the Monte Carlo CT scanner models and ICRP algorithms. (4) To develop and refine the software graphical user interfaces by using 3D object- oriented programming.