Adaptation of a medical imaging process of a patient's swallowing movement

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the adaptation of a medical imaging process to a swallowing movement of a patient. A method for CT imaging of an examination region affected by a swallowing movement of a patient (P) is described. In the method, CT raw data (RD) of the examination region are recorded. Furthermore, different movement phases of the swallowing movement are detected. Based on the detected movement phases, different raw data sets of the recorded CT raw data (RD) assigned to the detected different movement phases are detected. For each of the determined raw data sets, an individual CT image (ID) assigned to the individual movement phase is reconstructed. Furthermore, a method for radiation therapy planning is described. Furthermore, a CT image reconstruction device (60) is described. Furthermore, a medical imaging system (1) is described. Also a medical radiation therapy planning device (71) is described. Furthermore, a medical radiation therapy system (70) is described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for performing computed tomography (CT) imaging of an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements. The invention also relates to a method for radiation therapy planning. Furthermore, the invention relates to a CT image reconstruction apparatus. Additionally, the invention relates to a medical imaging system. Moreover, the invention relates to a medical radiation therapy planning apparatus. In addition, the invention relates to a medical radiation therapy system. Background Technology

[0002] In radiation therapy, it is crucial to consider the patient's movements and organ movements during treatment planning. These movements can be conscious, such as breathing or swallowing, or unconscious, such as organ movements.

[0003] For example, current breathing movements are taken into account during treatment planning. This results in higher accuracy and reduced dosage to organs at risk and healthy tissues.

[0004] For tumors in the head and neck region, the movements caused by swallowing are not currently compensated for in the same way as those caused by breathing. There are no available scan patterns or reconstruction algorithms that can resolve or correct swallowing movements.

[0005] Because the actions caused by swallowing are not negligible and currently cause significant errors in radiation therapy programs, they can lead to significant doses to at-risk organs or healthy tissues. Patients may swallow the therapeutic device, and there is currently no way to address this.

[0006] In current radiation therapy planning, swallowing is not directly considered, but the margins around the tumor are often simply enlarged to account for possible tumor movement due to swallowing. A drawback of this workaround is the potentially higher dose to organs at risk (e.g., the brain, salivary glands, or spinal cord in the case of the head and neck) or healthy tissue. A further disadvantage of the enlarged margin approach is that it is not adaptive: if swallowing actions differ during planning and treatment, for whatever reason, the margins cannot be adjusted, and even more healthy tissue may be irradiated or at least a portion of the tumor may be displaced from the treatment beam. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the planning of the radiation process so as to improve patient safety and treatment reliability.

[0008] The problem is solved by: methods for CT imaging of examination areas affected by a patient's swallowing movements, methods for radiation therapy planning, CT image reconstruction equipment, medical imaging systems, medical radiation therapy planning equipment, and medical radiation therapy systems.

[0009] According to a method for CT imaging of an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements, raw CT data is recorded from the patient's examination area. Furthermore, different phases of the patient's swallowing movements are detected. The detection of swallowing movements, and particularly the detection of different phases, can be achieved based on the acquired raw CT data, or it can be obtained using additional sensor data, preferably the patient's image data. Based on the detected motion phases, different raw datasets of the recorded raw CT data assigned to the different detected motion phases are detected. For each raw dataset in the determined raw datasets, an individual CT image assigned to the individual motion phase is reconstructed.

[0010] Advantageously, the quality of medical images can be improved, and the operational costs and time associated with wasteful scan processing can be reduced. Therefore, medical imaging resources can be used more efficiently. Furthermore, patient comfort is increased because the number of additional scan attempts and the time spent on these attempts can be reduced. Additionally, radiation exposure due to additional scan attempts can also be reduced. Moreover, images from different stages of swallowing can be used to define time-related treatment areas for radiation therapy planning. Because the treatment area is more precisely defined, radiation doses can be reduced, and organs and healthy tissues at risk during treatment can be better protected.

[0011] In the method for radiotherapy planning according to the invention, image data is recorded using the method according to the invention for CT imaging of an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements. The recorded image data is then evaluated to determine the expected dynamic location of the patient's treatment area, which is part of the examination area. Advantageously, the dynamic location of the treatment area can be pre-calculated, and radiation can be confined to the area at the dynamic location. If the method is used during treatment, i.e., to control radiation to the treatment area, radiation can also be stopped when swallowing movements are detected. Thus, radiation-free treatment is achieved, which is conducive to swallowing movements.

[0012] The CT image reconstruction apparatus according to the present invention includes a raw data interface for recording raw CT data of an examination area of ​​a patient. Furthermore, the CT image reconstruction apparatus includes a swallowing motion detection unit for detecting different motion phases of a patient's swallowing movements. A portion of the CT image reconstruction apparatus also includes an allocation unit and a reconstruction unit. The allocation unit is used to determine different raw datasets of the recorded raw CT data allocated to the different detected motion phases, and the reconstruction unit is used to reconstruct an individual CT image allocated to the individual motion phase for each of the determined raw datasets. The CT image reconstruction apparatus has the advantages of the method according to the present invention for CT imaging of an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements.

[0013] The medical imaging system includes a CT scanning unit for performing medical imaging on a patient and a CT image reconstruction device according to the invention. The medical imaging system has the advantages of the CT image reconstruction device according to the invention.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a medical radiation therapy planning device includes a CT image reconstruction device according to the invention. The CT image reconstruction device can be configured to record image data. For each raw dataset in the determined raw dataset, the recorded image data may include individual CT images assigned to the individual's motion phase.

[0015] Medical radiation therapy planning equipment may include a medical imaging system that records image data using CT imaging of the examination area affected by the patient's swallowing movements.

[0016] The medical radiation therapy planning device may further include a planning unit for evaluating recorded image data to determine the predictable dynamic location of the patient's radiation zone. The medical radiation therapy planning device has the advantages of CT image reconstruction devices.

[0017] The medical radiation therapy system includes a medical radiation therapy planning device according to the invention. Furthermore, the medical radiation therapy system includes a radiation therapy unit for radiating a radiation area of ​​the patient based on a determined, predictable dynamic position. As described above, the medical radiation therapy system advantageously takes into account the patient's swallowing movements during treatment, thereby protecting both at-risk organs and healthy tissues during treatment. This protection can be achieved by adapting the position of the treatment area to swallowing movements or by limiting the treatment interval to the time interval between swallowing movements.

[0018] The essential components of the CT image reconstruction apparatus according to the invention and the medical radiation therapy planning apparatus according to the invention can largely be designed as software components, and, if necessary, by adding further hardware as alternatives such as cameras, such as monitoring units. This is particularly applicable to swallowing motion detection units, allocation units, reconstruction units, and planning units, and also to the input interface portion. However, in principle, some of these components can also be implemented as software-supported hardware, such as FPGAs or the like, especially when particularly fast computations are involved. Similarly, the required interfaces, for example, if they are simply for transferring data from other software components, can be designed as software interfaces. However, they can also be designed as hardware-based interfaces controlled by appropriate software. Furthermore, some parts of the aforementioned components can be distributed and stored in a local or regional or global network or a combination of network and software, particularly in cloud systems.

[0019] The primary advantage of software-based implementation is that existing medical imaging or treatment systems can be easily improved through software updates to operate in accordance with the invention. In this regard, the objective is also achieved through a corresponding computer program product having a computer program, which can be directly loaded into a memory device, such as a control device for a medical imaging or treatment system having program segments, to perform all steps of the method according to the invention, if the program is executed in the medical imaging or treatment system, particularly in a control device. In addition to the computer program, such a computer program product may include additional components such as documentation and / or additional components such as hardware components for using the software (donles, etc.).

[0020] For transmission to and / or for storage on or within a CT image reconstruction device and / or medical radiation therapy planning system, a computer-readable medium (e.g., memory stick, hard disk, or some other transferable or permanently mounted data carrier) is used, on which program segments of a computer program that can be read and executed by the computer unit of the CT image reconstruction device and / or medical radiation therapy planning system are stored. The computer unit may include, for example, one or more cooperating microprocessors for this purpose, or similar devices.

[0021] The dependent claims and the following description each contain particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention. In particular, a claim of one claim class may be further developed in a manner similar to a dependent claim of another claim class. Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, different exemplary embodiments and various features of the claims may be combined to form new exemplary embodiments.

[0022] Swallowing movements are detected based on swallowing substitutes. Swallowing must be understood as a physiological process that can be detected using sensor technology and is correlated with the actual physiological process to be monitored. Therefore, the actual physiological process of interest is indirectly monitored in the present case due to the movement of the examination or treatment area caused by the patient's swallowing behavior.

[0023] Swallowing substitutes can be directly measured using external devices (such as cameras or surface tracking devices) or indirectly determined using image-based methods. In the case of direct measurement using external devices, imaging of the swallowing action can be accomplished in a manner similar to 4D phase-related reconstruction for respiratory actions.

[0024] In a further variation of the method according to the invention, a swallowing substitute is monitored during the acquisition of raw CT data. Preferably, an optical 3D camera is used to monitor the swallowing substitute. In this variation, an additional monitoring unit is additionally used in conjunction with the CT acquisition unit. Monitoring swallowing movements can be used to determine the time intervals of swallowing movements and to allocate raw CT data to the patient's movement and rest phases.

[0025] In a further variant of the method according to the invention, the movement of the swallowing substitute is detected based on reconstructed provisional CT image data. In this variant, swallowing movement can be detected directly based on raw CT data. Advantageously, an additional monitoring unit for monitoring swallowing movement can be omitted.

[0026] In a further variation of the method according to the invention, different motion phases of swallowing are detected based on artifacts in reconstructed temporary CT image data. Since swallowing causes artifacts in the reconstructed temporary CT image data, the timing of the motion phase of swallowing can be determined based on the acquisition time of the corresponding reconstructed temporary CT image representing the motion phase of swallowing within the reconstructed temporary CT image sequence, the reconstructed temporary CT image data comprising a sequence of reconstructed temporary CT images.

[0027] In a further variation of the method according to the invention, a specific image metric sensitive to swallowing motion is defined, different motion phases are assigned different values ​​to the image metric, and the original dataset is determined based on the different values ​​of the image metric and assigned to different motion phases. A common metric used for motion detection is, for example, image entropy. The use of entropy as a metric for motion is described in "Motion correction for routine X-ray lung CT imaging" by Doil Kim, Jiyoung Choi, Duhgoon Lee, Hyesun Kim, Jiyoung Jung, Minkook Cho & Kyoung-Yong Lee, Nature Scientific Reports 11 (3695), 2021.

[0028] For recording swallowing movements, continuous data acquisition is performed over several swallowing cycles. In the first step, motion metrics can be used to detect the time frame where swallowing occurs. For this purpose, the image is reconstructed without making any assumptions about the swallowing action. Therefore, the image is reconstructed in each 360° angular segment of the acquisition, with acquisition performed continuously over several swallowing cycles. Based on the acquired data, motion metrics are evaluated in the reconstructed image to detect the image or time frame where the action occurs. Different action phases can be distinguished depending on the scanning parameters. For example, larger values ​​of the metric are assigned to strong actions, lower values ​​to weak actions, and the minimum value to no-action phases. Once the time frames for different action phases have been determined, the data range used to reconstruct individual images for swallowing cycles assigned to different metrics and action phases can be optimized. Data for each phase is combined from the data range distributed across the entire acquisition (i.e., over several swallowing cycles) to minimize the motion metrics in the final reconstructed phase image.

[0029] To ensure the complete "swallowing" cycle is acquired for each z-position, a dedicated scanning mode can be defined. A "swallowing" command, similar to a breathing command, can be used to synchronize acquisition with the swallowing command and swallowing motion. Depending on the system's collimation and the z-range to be scanned, the swallowing command needs to be executed multiple times to acquire the complete swallowing cycle for each z-position. Acquisition can be achieved using low-dose techniques. Therefore, the swallowing motion is divided into different swallowing phases, and sufficient raw CT data is acquired for each z-position to enable image reconstruction at each z-position for each swallowing phase. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be explained again with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the various drawings, the same components have the same reference numerals.

[0031] The accompanying diagrams are usually not to scale.

[0032] Figure 1 A CT system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for CT imaging of an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method for performing CT imaging on an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a further alternative embodiment of a method for performing CT imaging of an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for radiation therapy planning according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a CT image reconstruction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a medical radiation therapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a computed tomography (CT) system 1 is shown, which includes, as will be discussed later... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The following is a detailed discussion of a CT image reconstruction apparatus 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement includes a gantry, also referred to as a scanning unit 2, having a stationary portion 3 and a portion 4. The stationary portion 3 is also referred to as a gantry frame, and the portion 4 is rotatable about a system axis, also referred to as a rotor or drum. The rotating portion 4 has an imaging system (X-ray system) 4a, which includes an X-ray source 6 and an X-ray detector 7, arranged opposite to each other on the rotating portion 4. The X-ray source 6 and the X-ray detector 7 form the imaging system 4a. When the computed tomography system 1 is operating, the X-ray source 6 emits X-rays 8 in the direction of the X-ray detector 7, penetrating the object being measured, P, such as a patient P, and is transmitted by the X-ray detector 7 in the form of recorded measurement data or measurement signals.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the image, a patient table 9 for positioning patient P can also be seen. The patient table 9 includes a bed base 10 on which a patient support plate 11 is arranged, the patient support plate 11 being used for actual positioning of patient P. The patient support plate 11 can be adjusted relative to the bed base 10 in the direction of the system axis z (i.e., in the z-direction) so that it enters the opening 12, allowing patient P to be introduced into the opening 12 of the scanning unit 2 for recording X-ray projections from patient P. The computational processing of the X-ray projections recorded using the imaging system 4a, or the reconstruction of cross-sectional images, 3D images, or 3D datasets based on measurement data or signals from the X-ray projections, is performed in the image computer 13 of the computed tomography system 1. The cross-sectional images or 3D images can be displayed on a display device 14. The image computer 13 also includes a CT image reconstruction device 60 according to an embodiment of the invention. The image computer 13 can also be designed as a control unit for controlling the imaging process, which controls the scanning unit 2 and, in particular, the imaging system 4a of the scanning unit 2. Figure 1 The image also shows a sensor device used as a substitute monitoring unit RS. The substitute monitoring unit RS emits radar waves towards the area to be scanned (in... Figure 1 (Indicated by dashed lines), this area is the neck of patient P.

[0041] Figure 2 Flowchart 200 is shown, illustrating a method for performing CT imaging on an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements.

[0042] In step 2.I, the raw CT data RD of the examination area (i.e., the patient's neck) is acquired.

[0043] In step 2.II, different phases of the swallowing motion are detected. For this purpose, a provisional reconstruction based on the acquired raw data RD is performed. Provisional image data PID is reconstructed without making any assumptions about the swallowing motion. For example, an image is reconstructed segment by segment in each 360° angle of the raw data acquisition. Therefore, acquisition is performed continuously over several swallowing cycles.

[0044] Then, the image metric IM, which is sensitive to and specific to swallowing actions, is detected in the reconstructed temporary image data PID. A common image metric used for action detection is, for example, image entropy. The action metric is then used to detect the image or time frame where the swallowing action occurred.

[0045] Based on the values ​​of the scanning parameters, different motion phases can be distinguished, such as strong motion = large metric value, weak motion = low metric value, and no motion = minimum metric value.

[0046] After the time frames for different motion phases have been determined, in step 2.III, the data range DR for individual images of different phases is determined. In other words, for each motion phase, the raw data RD from several swallowing cycles is assigned to each other for reconstruction in step 2.1V, so that the motion metric of the finally reconstructed phase image is minimized.

[0047] In step 2.1V, the image data ID is reconstructed, where the data portion DP of the original data RD assigned to the individual action stage is used for reconstruction for each different action stage.

[0048] exist Figure 3 In the figure, flowchart 300 is depicted, which illustrates a method for performing CT imaging on an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In step 3.1, raw CT data (RD) of the examination area (i.e., the patient's neck) are acquired. Simultaneously, swallowing substitutes are directly measured using a 3D camera.

[0050] In step 3.II, different motion phases of the swallowing motion are detected based on the camera image CI. For this purpose, for each frame of the raw data, an image metric IM is detected based on the camera image CI, which is sensitive to and specific to the swallowing action. A typical image metric IM used for action detection is, for example, image entropy. The action metric is then used to detect the image or time frame where the swallowing action occurred.

[0051] Therefore, based on the values ​​of the scanning parameters, it is possible to distinguish between different action phases, such as strong action = large metric value, weak action = low metric value, and no action = minimum value for the metric.

[0052] After the time frames for different action phases have been determined, in step 3.III, the data range DR for individual images of different phases is determined. In other words, for each action phase, the raw data RD from several swallowing cycles is assigned to each other for reconstruction in step 3.IV, so that the motion metric of the final reconstructed phase image is minimized.

[0053] In step 3.1V, the image data ID is reconstructed, where the data portion DP of the original data RD assigned to the individual action stage is used for reconstruction for each different action stage.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the figure, flowchart 400 is shown to provide a further alternative embodiment of a method for performing CT imaging on an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements.

[0055] In step 4, raw CT data RD of the examination area (i.e., the patient's neck) is acquired. During acquisition, swallowing commands SC are given for each z-position to synchronize the acquisition with the patient's swallowing events. This is because it is essential to ensure that raw data for the complete "swallowing" cycle is acquired for each z-position. These swallowing commands SC need to be executed several times depending on the system's collimation and the z-position to be scanned, thereby acquiring raw data RD for the complete swallowing cycle with the aforementioned movement phases for each z-position.

[0056] Steps 4.II to 4.IV then proceed with the relevant steps. Figure 2 The same as in the first embodiment.

[0057] exist Figure 5 In the figure, flowchart 500 is depicted, which illustrates a method for radiation therapy planning according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] In step 5.I, using according to Figures 2 to 4 One embodiment of the illustrated method for CT imaging of an examination area affected by a patient's swallowing movements records image data ID.

[0059] Then, in step 5.II, the motion and dynamic position (DPO) of the target region (e.g., an organ in the neck) is determined based on the recorded image data ID.

[0060] Based on the knowledge obtained in step 5.II, the region RF to be irradiated is determined in step 5.III based on the dynamic position DP of the target region.

[0061] exist Figure 6 The image schematically illustrates a CT image reconstruction apparatus 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The CT image reconstruction apparatus 60 includes a raw data interface 61 for recording raw CT data RD of the patient's examination area. Furthermore, the CT image reconstruction apparatus 60 includes a swallowing motion detection unit 62 for detecting different phases of the patient's swallowing motion. The swallowing motion detection unit 62 reconstructs temporary image data PID without making any assumptions about the swallowing action. For example, an image is reconstructed in every 360° angular segment of the raw data acquisition. Therefore, acquisition is performed continuously over several swallowing cycles. Then, an image metric IM, which is sensitive to and specific to the swallowing action, is detected in the reconstructed temporary image data PID. As mentioned above, a typical image metric used for motion detection is, for example, image entropy. The motion metric is then used to detect the image or time frame at the location where the swallowing action occurs.

[0062] Furthermore, the CT image reconstruction device 60 includes an allocation unit 63 for determining different raw datasets of recorded raw CT data to be allocated to different detected motion phases based on the detected motion phase. In the allocation unit 63, the data range (DR) for individual images of different phases is determined. In other words, for each motion phase, raw data from several swallowing cycles is used for reconstruction, minimizing the motion metric of the final reconstructed phase image.

[0063] The CT image reconstruction apparatus 60 also includes a reconstruction unit 64 for reconstructing individual CT image IDs assigned to individual motion phases for each raw dataset in the determined raw dataset.

[0064] exist Figure 7 The image schematically illustrates a medical radiation therapy system 70. The medical radiation therapy system 70 includes a CT system 1 for recording raw CT data (RD), which is used as the basis for radiation therapy planning for a patient. Furthermore, the medical radiation therapy system 70 includes, as shown in the image... Figure 6 The CT image reconstruction device 60 shown is used to reconstruct image data ID based on the raw data RD acquired by the CT system 1.

[0065] In addition, the medical radiation therapy system 70 includes a medical radiation therapy planning unit 71 for evaluating the recorded image data ID to determine the predictable dynamic location DPO of the patient's radiation zone.

[0066] The medical radiation therapy system 70 also includes a radiation therapy unit 72 for radiating the patient’s radiation area based on a determined, predictable dynamic location.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0068] Furthermore, the use of the unqualified article "a" or "one" does not preclude the possibility that the mentioned feature may exist several times. Similarly, the terms "unit" or "device" do not preclude that it consists of several components, which may also be spatially distributed.

Claims

1. A method for performing CT imaging on an examination area affected by a patient's (P) swallowing movements, comprising the following steps: Record the raw CT data (RD) of the examined area. Different motion phases of the swallowing movement are detected, wherein an image metric (IM) is defined, the image metric (IM) being sensitive to and specific to the swallowing movement, and the different motion phases are assigned different values ​​to the image metric (IM). Different raw datasets of the recorded raw CT data (RD) are determined based on the detected motion phases, and these different raw datasets are assigned to different detected motion phases, wherein the raw datasets (RD) are determined and assigned to different motion phases based on different values ​​of the image metric (IM). For each of the determined original datasets, reconstruct individual CT images assigned to the individual motion phase.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the swallowing motion is detected based on a swallowing substitute.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the swallowing substitute is monitored during the acquisition of the raw CT data (RD).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the swallowing substitute is monitored using an optical camera.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the movement of the swallowing substitute is detected based on reconstructed provisional CT image data (PID).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the different motion phases of the swallowing motion are detected based on artifacts in the reconstructed provisional CT image data (PID).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the swallowing motion is divided into different swallowing stages, and for each z-position, sufficient raw CT data (RD) is acquired so that an image can be reconstructed at each z-position for each swallowing stage.

8. A method for radiation therapy planning, comprising: Image data (ID) is recorded using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The recorded image data (ID) is evaluated to determine the expected dynamic location (DPO) of the radiated area of ​​the patient (P).

9. A CT image reconstruction device (60), comprising: A raw data interface (61) for recording raw CT data (RD) of the patient's (P) examination area. A swallowing motion detection unit (62) is provided for detecting different motion phases of swallowing motion in the patient (P), wherein an image metric (IM) is defined, the image metric (IM) being sensitive to and specific to the swallowing motion, and the different motion phases are assigned different values ​​to the image metric (IM). An allocation unit (63) is configured to determine different raw datasets of the recorded raw CT data (RD) based on the detected motion phase, the different raw datasets being allocated to different detected motion phases, wherein the raw datasets (RD) are determined and allocated to different motion phases based on different values ​​of the image metric (IM). A reconstruction unit (64) is used to reconstruct individual CT images assigned to individual motion phases for each of the determined original datasets.

10. A medical imaging system (1), comprising: A CT scanning unit (2) for performing medical imaging on a patient (P), A CT image reconstruction device (60) according to claim 9.

11. A medical radiation therapy planning device (71), comprising: A CT image reconstruction device (60) according to claim 9, the CT image reconstruction device being used to record image data (ID). A planning unit (71) is used to evaluate the recorded image data (ID) to determine the expected dynamic location (DPO) of the radiated area of ​​the patient (P).

12. A medical radiation therapy system (70), comprising: A medical radiation therapy planning device (71) according to claim 11. A radiation therapy unit (72) for radiating a patient (P)’s radiation area based on the determined predictable dynamic position (DPO).

13. A computer program product having a computer program that, when executed in a medical imaging system (1) or a medical radiation therapy planning device (71), can be directly loaded into a memory device of the medical imaging system (1) or the medical radiation therapy planning device (71), the computer program having program segments for performing all steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A computer-readable medium storing a program segment that can be read into and executed by a computer unit, such that, when the program segment is executed by the computer unit, all steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 are performed.

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