Purpose: To investigate the displacement forces and image artifacts associated with passive medical implants for recently-developed low-field (<100 mT) MRI systems, and to compare these with... Show morePurpose: To investigate the displacement forces and image artifacts associated with passive medical implants for recently-developed low-field (<100 mT) MRI systems, and to compare these with values from higher field strengths used for clinical diagnosis.Methods: Setups were constructed to measure displacement forces in a permanent magnet-based Halbach array used for in vivo MRI at 50 mT, and results compared with measurements at 7 T. Image artifacts were assessed using turbo (fast) spin echo imaging sequences for four different passive medical implants: a septal occluder, iliac stent, pedicle screw and (ferromagnetic) endoscopic clip. Comparisons were made with artifacts produced at 1.5, 3 and 7 T. Finally, specific absorption rate (SAR) simulations were performed to determine under what operating conditions the limits might be approached at low-field.Results: Displacement forces at 50 mT on all but the ferromagnetic implant were between 1 and 10 mN. Image artifacts at 50 mT were much less than at clinical field strengths for all passive devices, and with the exception of the ferromagnetic clip. SAR simulations show that very long echo train (>128) turbo spin echo sequences can be run with short inter-pulse times (5-10 ms) within SAR limits.Conclusions: This work presents the first evaluation of the effects of passive implants at field strengths less than 100 mT in terms of displacement forces, image artifacts and SAR. The results support previous claims that such systems can be used safely and usefully in challenging enviroments such as the intensive care unit. Show less
Zanca, F.; Hernandez-Giron, I.; Avanzo, M.; Guidi, G.; Crijns, W.; Diaz, O.; ... ; Kortesniemi, M. 2021
Purpose: To provide a guideline curriculum related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), for the education and training of European Medical Physicists (MPs).Materials and methods: The proposed... Show morePurpose: To provide a guideline curriculum related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), for the education and training of European Medical Physicists (MPs).Materials and methods: The proposed curriculum consists of two levels: Basic (introducing MPs to the pillars of knowledge, development and applications of AI, in the context of medical imaging and radiation therapy) and Advanced. Both are common to the subspecialties (diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology). The learning outcomes of the training are presented as knowledge, skills and competences (KSC approach).Results: For the Basic section, KSCs were stratified in four subsections: (1) Medical imaging analysis and AI Basics; (2) Implementation of AI applications in clinical practice; (3) Big data and enterprise imaging, and (4) Quality, Regulatory and Ethical Issues of AI processes. For the Advanced section instead, a common block was proposed to be further elaborated by each subspecialty core curriculum. The learning outcomes were also translated into a syllabus of a more traditional format, including practical applications.Conclusions: This AI curriculum is the first attempt to create a guideline expanding the current educational framework for Medical Physicists in Europe. It should be considered as a document to top the sub-specialties' curriculums and adapted by national training and regulatory bodies. The proposed educational program can be implemented via the European School of Medical Physics Expert (ESMPE) course modules and - to some extent - also by the national competent EFOMP organizations, to reach widely the medical physicist community in Europe. Show less
Zanca, F.; Avanzo, M.; Colgan, N.; Crijns, W.; Guidi, G.; Hernandez-Giron, I.; ... ; Kortesniemi, M. 2021
Purpose: To assess current perceptions, practices and education needs pertaining to artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical physics field.Methods: A web-based survey was distributed to the... Show morePurpose: To assess current perceptions, practices and education needs pertaining to artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical physics field.Methods: A web-based survey was distributed to the European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) through social media and email membership list. The survey included questions about education, personal knowledge, needs, research and professionalism around AI in medical physics. Demographics information were also collected. Responses were stratified and analysed by gender, type of institution and years of experience in medical physics. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was assessed using paired t-test.Results: 219 people from 31 countries took part in the survey. 81% (n = 177) of participants agreed that AI will improve the daily work of Medical Physics Experts (MPEs) and 88% (n = 193) of respondents expressed the need for MPEs of specific training on AI. The average level of AI knowledge among participants was 2.3 +/- 1.0 (mean +/- standard deviation) in a 1-to-5 scale and 96% (n = 210) of participants showed interest in improving their AI skills. A significantly lower AI knowledge was observed for female participants (2.0 +/- 1.0), compared to male responders (2.4 +/- 1.0). 64% of participants indicated that they are not involved in AI projects. The percentage of female leading AI projects was significantly lower than the male counterparts (3% vs 19%).Conclusions: AI was perceived as a positive resource to support MPEs in their daily tasks. Participants demonstrated a strong interest in improving their current AI-related skills, enhancing the need for dedicated training for MPEs. Show less
Background and purpose: To study the impact of coronal and sagittal views (CSV) on the gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation on CT and matched PET/CT scans in non-small cell lung cancer.Material and... Show moreBackground and purpose: To study the impact of coronal and sagittal views (CSV) on the gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation on CT and matched PET/CT scans in non-small cell lung cancer.Material and methods: GTV delineations were performed by 11 experienced radiation oncologists on CT and PET/CT in 22 patients. Two tumor groups were defined: Group I: Primary tumors surrounded by lung or visceral pleura, without venous invasion, and without large extensions to the chest wall or the mediastinum. Group II: Tumors invading the hilar region, heart, large vessels, pericardium, and the mediastinum and/or associated with atelectasis. Tumor volumes and inter-observers variations (SD) were calculated and compared according to the use of axial view only (AW), axial/coronal/sagittal views (ACSW) and ACSW/PET (ACSWP).Results: CSV were not frequently used (57.4% out of 242 delineations on CT). For group I, ACSW didn't improve significantly mean GTVs. SDs were small on CT and on PET (SD = 0.3 cm). For group II, ACSW had 27-46% smaller observer variation (mean SD = 0.7 cm) than AW (mean SD = 1.1 cm). The smaller observer variation of ACSW users was associated with, on average, a 40% smaller delineated volume (p = 0.038). Mean GTV of ACSWP was 21% larger than mean GTV of ACSW on CT.Conclusions: For smaller lung tumors surrounded by healthy lung tissue the effect of multiple axis delineation is limited. However, application of coronal and sagittal windows is highly beneficial for delineation of more complex tumors, with atelectasis and/or pathological lymph nodes even if PET is used. (C) 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
Geleijns, J.; Joemai, R.M.S.; Cros, M.; Hernandez-Giron, I.; Calzado, A.; Dewey, M.; Salvado, M. 2015
