LINAC-Compatible Robotic Ultrasound Manipulator for Radiotherapy Guidance

Stanford researchers have developed a patented imaging probe manipulator that consistently maintains probe-to-patient contact pressure and compensates for patient respiratory motion and anatomy shifts during External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT). The non-invasive, marker-less, real time image guidance system delivers precise radiation doses to internal moving targets while sparing surrounding healthy structures. The system is lower cost than conventional x-ray based guided systems, can be integrated with any existing radiation delivery system and as an image guidance tool for biopsies, surgeries, and other procedures.

Figure 1 - Robotic ultrasound image guidance system in radiation therapy
(Image courtesy the Hristov Lab and Salisbury Robotics Lab)

Stage of Development - Prototype
Researchers demonstrated real-time, volumetric soft-tissue guidance during live radiotherapy delivery, with clinical viability confirmed through treatment planning analysis and seamless LINAC integration. Sub-3mm displacement detection aligns with clinical action thresholds in prostate radiotherapy, suggesting strong translational potential.