Modular Open Source Software Framework for Translational IGT Research and Commercial Use

6.23.2009

SPEAKER: Everette Clif Burdette, PhD, Acoustic MedSystems, Inc.

MODERATOR :Nobuhiko Hata, MS, PhD, BWH, HMS

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Forum Summary

In the field of image-guided therapy (IGT), as in many other fields, it is difficult to incorporate academic advances into clinically usable systems.  Commercially available systems for image acquisition and processing usually depend on proprietary software that cannot be modified by the user.  Systems used by researchers, on the other hand, while often easy to modify, cannot be used in many clinical settings because of challenges related to regulatory approval.  Obtaining regulatory approval for software changes is often as difficult as obtaining approval for a new system.  Because of these difficulties, algorithms developed by researchers are usually not introduced into clinical practice in a timely fashion. 

One solution to this problem, a solution that is not necessarily unique to IGT, is to create a modular platform designed to allow researchers to introduce new data processing algorithms into clinical practice with as little difficulty as possible.  Such a framework is being developed by Acoustic MedSystems, Inc.  Their platform is known as OpenIGTLink and contains blocks of code that can be modified by users.  The software for passing data between modules and for controlling the flow of information cannot be modified.  This design allows algorithms to be tested individually and then incorporated into the system without requiring that the entire system be re-tested. 

Acoustic MedSystems, Inc., is using its new framework to support real-time image-guided brachytherapy for treating prostate cancer.  Their application is known as RadVision, and it involves customizable data processing objects and a customizable user interface. 

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