IMSure QA Software - Frequently Asked Questions

The IMSure QA 3-source model for IMRT calculations is more accurate than the modified Clarkson method used by all of the other solutions
The IMSure QA user interface is designed so all of the information you need to make a decision about your plan is presented on a single screen. There is no need to click on different tabs or arrow keys to see information about each beam or the composite.
Only IMSure QA imports fluence maps from your treatment planning system and then compares them to an independently calculated map for a comprehensive evaluation of the entire patient plan using 5 different comparisons.

Q. What is the 3-source model?

The 3-source model was developed at Stanford University as an improved method for performing secondary dose calculations of complex IMRT cases. The model can accurately calculate the contribution to dose from the head scatter no matter the field size, shape or the point of calculation in the field. It does this by modeling three different sources of scatter that contribute to the S_c value: the scatter from the main photon source, the scatter created by the flattening filter, and the scatter created by the main collimators.

Q. Are there any papers written about IMSure QA Software?

Yes. There are several papers that describe in detail the 3-source model calculations that are used in IMSure QA. They can be found by clicking on the Publications tab.

Q. Can I check a patient plan instead of a phantom plan?

Yes. IMSure QA can calculate either a phantom plan or a true patient plan. For patient plans there are fields for the input of both projected source to surface distances to account for patient contours and for effective depth to account for heterogeneities.

Q. Can IMSure QA calculate dynamic IMRT plans?

Yes. IMSure QA can accurately calculate both step-and-shoot plans and dynamic IMRT plans.

Q. Can I set up my own data for IMSure QA?

Yes. If you are familiar with Microsoft® Excel, setting up the data is a fairly straightforward process. There are sample files included in the installation that can be used as a template for your setup. This process is described in a data guide that steps you through setup and takes about 45 minutes for each machine.

Q. Will you set up my data for me and if yes, what should I send you?

Yes, your purchase includes setting up data for up to 3 machines (if you have matched machines those are considered as one machine). You will need to provide us with either PDD or TMR information, Profile information, output factors and collimator scatter factors for each open beam and the same information minus collimator scatter factors for each wedged beam. You can provide data in Microsoft® Excel format or in ASCII formatted data from your water scanning system.

Q. Can I get a demonstration of IMSure QA Software?

Yes. You can participate in a web-based demonstration with your sales representative and/or we can send you a demonstration copy of the program that can be used for 60 days. The demonstration version is exactly like the release version except the printouts contain text saying that the product is a demo and is not for clinical use.

Q. What is the DICOM Router used for?

Use the DICOM Router when a direct export of the treatment plan to an accessible folder is not possible from the treatment planning system. It is most often used with a TPS that is non-Microsoft® Windows® based such as Pinnacle3 or CMS Xio which are both Linux based.

Q. On how many computers can I install IMSure QA?

Each IMSure QA purchase includes 5 license keys for installation on 5 stations. Extra license keys can be purchased for a nominal fee.

Q. What if I have more than one location such as a satellite?

IMSure QA can be purchased at a discount for satellite locations.

Q. Can IMSure QA Software run on a network?

IMSure QA must be installed on each machine that it will be used on. However, the physics data, usernames and passwords, and the plan folder can be centrally stored on the network and then accessed by each installation which prevents the possibility of different installations using different data.

Q. Do you have reference sites?

Yes. Contact your sales representative for a list.

Q. Do you offer support other than physics setup?

Yes. Unlimited support is available by phone or e-mail.

Q. What treatment machines do you support?

At this time, IMSure QA will work with Varian, Elekta®, and Siemens treatment machines.

Q. What type of computer is needed to run IMSure QA?

IMSure QA will run on any computer that is at least an Intel® Pentium® III, 600 MHz or higher with either Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP operating system. 256 MB of memory or greater is recommended.

Q. Is IMSure QA Software FDA cleared?

Yes. IMSure QA received 510(k) clearance from the FDA in August of 2003. This is a link to the documentation on the FDA website, http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/510k/sumaug03.html

Q. Is IMSure QA Software cleared for use in Canada?

Yes. IMSure QA is cleared by Health Canada, license number 67976, and is also CE marked.

Q. Will IMSure QA Software work in a paperless environment?

Yes. All reports can easily be exported in and saved PDF format for inclusion in the electronic patient record.

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IMSure QA Software Frequently Asked Questions