An Improved Real-time Navigation System for pleural PDT

Quantitative determination of light fluence distribution is critical for PDT. We have developed an improved real-time navigation system integrates fast 3D scanning, multi-site in-vivo dosimetry, real-time light dose calculation, and infrared tracking technologies to provide real-time guidance for uniform light delivery. An infrared navigation system is used to track the movement of light source during PDT treatment in real-time. An empirical algorithm is used to calculate light fluence rate at the treatment pleural surface to determine the light dose distribution. In 3D lung phantom experiment, we have demonstrated improved light fluence distribution utilizing real-time feedback of light fluence rate distribution. In patient population, we have shown max less than 10.4% agreement between calculation and measurements. We have developed a real-time navigation system to accurately map light fluence distribution for patient PDT treatment as well as the ability to improve light dose delivery uniformity.