Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, developed a new radiotherapy planning tool that automates and accelerates the treatment planning process. The smart segmentation knowledge-based contouring tool works with the company’s earlier released Eclipse planning software.The Eclipse treatment planning system includes contouring and field set up, with the added benefit of 4D visualization throughout the process. Eclipse displays the motion of targets and critical structures using specially designed 4D tools. With Smart Segmentation Knowledge Based Contouring, two techniques are combined to make the contouring process as quick and accurate as possible. The ‘Smart Segmentation’ will automatically identify and visually outline organs and other anatomical structures. ‘Knowledge Based Contouring’ will accelerate the process by matching pre-contoured images from a database with those of the patient. 
The Knowledge Based Contouring tool contains an anatomy atlas that covers all of the areas of the body most commonly treated with radiotherapy.
Jefferson Amacker, director, clinical solutions commented:
In order to create a customized treatment plan, a clinician must take the patient’s anatomical images and identify and outline the tumor and nearby organs in a process called contouring. This is critical when specifying what is to be irradiated or protected during radiotherapy treatments. Traditionally, contouring has been a time-consuming process. Remodeling is generally faster because you have something to work from. Both of these tools give clinicians a head start, so that the contouring task can be more easily and quickly completed.
Press release: Varian Medical Systems Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for Software that Speeds Up Radiotherapy Treatment Planning …
Product page: Varian IKOE knowledge-based Segmentation …
