Urinary catheter for radiation detection

Abstract

Interstitial brachytherapy is a cancer treatment in which radioactive material is placed directly into target tissue at the affected site using a afterloading machine. The accuracy of this placement is monitored in real time using a catheter, which positions the radioactive material based on radiation levels measured by sensors embedded in the catheter wall. A scintillator embedded in the catheter wall produces light when irradiated with the radioactive material. This light is proportional to the radiation level at each location. The light produced by each scintillator is transmitted via optical fiber and then converted into an electrical signal proportional to the light and radiation levels at each location. The location of the radioactive material is determined based on multiple electrical signals. This location can be used as quality control feedback to the afterloading machine.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The limitations and disadvantages of these conventional methods for data storage will become apparent to those skilled in the art by comparing them with aspects of the present methods and systems set forth in the remainder of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A urinary catheter for detecting and tracking radiation dose during radiotherapy is provided, substantially as shown in at least one figure and / or described in conjunction with at least one figure, as set forth more fully in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Figure 1 An example of interstitial brachytherapy is shown using an afterloader for a tumor in a patient's prostate, according to several aspects of this disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2 Exemplary catheter placement according to several aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 3A An exemplary urinary catheter for measuring radiation is shown according to several aspects of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary urinary catheter for measuring radiation, according to several aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0007] Figure 4A Exemplary catheter placement according to several aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 4B Another placement of an exemplary urinary catheter according to several aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Brachytherapy is commonly used as an effective treatment for cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and skin cancer, and can also be used to treat tumors in many other parts of the body. Interstitial brachytherapy is a cancer treatment in which radioactive material is placed directly into the target tissue at the affected site, such as the prostate or breast.

[0010] The dose rate in brachytherapy refers to the level or intensity of radiation delivered to the surrounding medium, and can be expressed in glies per hour (Gy / h). In high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, the dose delivery rate typically exceeds 12 Gy / h. During HDR brachytherapy, the radiation source is placed for a set duration (usually several minutes or hours) before withdrawal. The specific treatment duration depends on many different factors, including the desired dose delivery rate and the type, size, and location of the cancer.

[0011] A range of imaging techniques, such as X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to visualize the shape and size of tumors and their relationship to surrounding tissues and organs. Data from many of these sources can be used to create 3D maps of the tumor and surrounding tissues. Using this information, an optimal distribution plan for the radiation source can be developed. This includes considering how the radiation should be placed and positioned. Incorrect or poor treatment setups can pose safety risks to the patient. Too little or too much radiation must be avoided during treatment, as this can lead to treatment failure and serious side effects.

[0012] Figure 1 An example of interstitial brachytherapy treatment of a tumor 101 in a patient's prostate 103 according to several aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. The size and location of the tumor 101 relative to the patient's urethra 105, bladder 107, and rectum 109 are shown for illustrative purposes. The tumor 101 can be of any size and located anywhere in the prostate 103.

[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, the afterloading machine 111 is a radiotherapy machine used for controlled HDR brachytherapy treatment of tumor 101. A delivery tube 115 connects from the afterloading machine 111 to a plastic or metal conduit 117. The delivery tube 115 is designed to carry a steel cable 113 carrying a radiation source 119 from the afterloading machine 111 to the conduit 117. The conduit 117 receives the radiation source 119, and the afterloading machine 111 controls the movement, positioning, and residence time of the radiation source 119 within the tumor 101 as specified in the physician's treatment plan.

[0014] Interstitial brachytherapy requires the precise placement of a short-range radiation source 119 (such as radioactive isotopes like cobalt-60, iodine-125, cesium-131, iridium-192, etc.) near the location of the cancerous tumor 101. Radiation therapy aims to kill cancerous tissue while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. The radiation source 119 can travel the length of a catheter 117 and stop at specific locations for predetermined time periods, thus providing isotropic irradiation to the tissue surrounding the tumor 101. However, if the brachytherapy unit is not properly calibrated, healthy (e.g., non-cancerous) tissue may be incorrectly irradiated.

[0015] Several aspects of this disclosure provide a urinary catheter operable to detect and locate radiation sources. Figure 2 Exemplary catheter placement according to several aspects of this disclosure is shown. The catheter 201 is located in the urethra. One end 201 of the catheter includes a urine collection port 203 for insertion into a bladder 107. This end of the catheter is secured in place at the neck of the bladder 107 by an inflatable balloon 205. The other end of the catheter 201 is connected to an external drainage bag.

[0016] Figure 3A An exemplary urinary catheter 300 for measuring radiation is shown according to several aspects of this disclosure. Multiple radiation sensors are embedded in the wall of the catheter 201. Each radiation sensor includes reference markers 307, 317, 327, scintillators 309, 319, 329, and optical fibers 311, 321, 331. Each reference marker 307, 317, 327 may contain a gold tip that allows each radiation sensor to be positioned using an MRI scanner. Each reference marker 307, 317, 327 may be cylindrical and 1 mm or smaller. Multiple MRI markers can be positioned using an MRI machine after the catheter is placed in the patient and before radiation therapy.

[0017] Each scintillator 309, 319, 329 collects radiation and converts it into a luminous signal with an intensity proportional to the incident radiation level. The scintillator can be an inorganic or organic cylindrical or organic scintillating fiber, matching the cross-sectional shape and size of the fibers 311, 321, 331. For example, each scintillator 309, 319, 329 may contain a scintillating, multi-clad fiber (e.g., Saint-Gobain BCF-12) with a diameter of 0.5 mm. Reference markers 307, 317, 327 may have the same diameter as the fiber. Each fiber 311, 321, 331 allows light from the corresponding luminous signal to be transmitted to a photodetector unit (e.g., a photodetector, photodiode) of a plurality of photodetector units 313, 323, 335, which may be located outside the patient's body. Each photodetector unit 313, 323, 333 is configured to generate an electrical signal in the presence of light from one of the plurality of scintillators 309, 319, 329. The level of the electrical signal generated by each optical detection unit 313, 323, 333 is proportional to the light incident on each optical detection unit 313, 323, 333. Therefore, the level of the electrical signal generated by each optical detection unit 313, 323, 333 is proportional to the radiation level incident on each scintillator 309, 319, 329. Each of the plurality of optical detection units 313, 323, 333 can be positioned to be closely coupled to one of the plurality of scintillators 309, 319, 329 via an optical fiber.

[0018] The processor 337 is configured to calculate the position of the radiation source based on electrical signals from multiple optical detection units 313, 323, 333. The processor 337 can also be configured to calculate the position of the radiation source using triangulation based on the electrical signals from the multiple optical detection units 313, 323, 333. The processor can further be configured to calculate the velocity of the radiation source 119 based on the electrical signals from the multiple optical detection units.

[0019] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary urinary catheter for measuring radiation according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. In this cross-sectional view, optical fibers 311, 321, and 331 are shown as being equidistantly spaced around the urinary catheter 201.

[0020] Figure 4A Exemplary catheter placement according to several aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 4A In this process, tumor 101 is irradiated by a radiation source 119 placed within tumor 101 via a afterloading catheter 117. A urinary catheter may contain a second balloon 401, which can inflate the catheter tube to bring it closer to tumor 101. Scintillators 309, 319, 329 may be located around the balloon 401 and may also be repositioned. For example, multiple scintillators 309, 319, 329 and multiple optical fibers 311, 321, 331 may deploy when the balloon 401 inflates. The precise location of the scintillators 309, 319, 329 can be determined by mapping reference markers 307, 317, 327 via CT scan or MR prior to the start of radiation.

[0021] Figure 4B Another placement of an exemplary urinary catheter according to several aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4B In this process, a radiation source 119, placed within the urethra 105 via a afterloading catheter 117 inside a urinary catheter, irradiates the tumor 101. As the second balloon 401 inflates, the radiation can reach the tumor 101 without directly injecting the afterloading catheter 117 into the tumor 101. The afterloading catheter 117 can also be integrated into a catheter tube 201.

[0022] The electrical signals generated by an external photodetector can be processed to triangulate the position of the radiation source 119. Therefore, the catheter can be used for real-time tracking of the afterloading device. This position, determined by the catheter system, can be used as quality control feedback to the afterloading device. The catheter, with or without the afterloading catheter 117, can be disposable.

[0023] Although the system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and equivalents can be made without departing from the scope of the system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the method and / or system be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather that the system encompass all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware (“code”) that can configure, be executed by, and / or otherwise associate with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may be included in a first “circuit” when executing the first one or more lines of code and may be included in a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines of code. As used herein, “and / or” means any one or more items in a list joined by “and / or”. For example, “x and / or y” means any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y and / or z” means any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x,z), (y,z), (x,y,z)}. In other words, “x, y and / or z” means “one or more of x, y and z”. As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms "e.g." and "for example" list one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, the circuit is "operable" to execute the function, provided that the circuit contains the hardware and code (if necessary) required to execute the function, regardless of whether the execution of the function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by user-configurable settings, factory tuning, etc.).

Claims

1. A urinary catheter for detecting radiation generated by a radiation source controlled by an afterloading device, the urinary catheter comprising: Multiple scintillators embedded in the wall of the catheter; and Multiple optical fibers embedded in the wall of the catheter in: Each scintillator is configured to produce light in the presence of radiation from the radiation source. The level of light produced by each scintillator is proportional to the level of radiation incident on each scintillator; Each of the plurality of optical fibers is operatively coupled to one of the plurality of scintillators. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is operatively coupled to an optical detection unit in a plurality of optical detection units. Each light detection unit is configured to generate an electrical signal in the presence of light from one of the plurality of scintillators. The level of the electrical signal generated by each optical detection unit is proportional to the light incident on each optical detection unit; and The location of the radiation source is determined based on electrical signals from the plurality of optical detection units; Furthermore, the speed at which the radiation source is generated is based on electrical signals from multiple optical detection units.

2. The urinary catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The system includes the urinary catheter, the plurality of optical detection units, and a processor operable to determine the location of the radiation source.

3. The urinary catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to calculate the location of the radiation source by triangulation based on electrical signals from the plurality of optical detection units.

4. The urinary catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of optical detection units are photodetectors.

5. The urinary catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The catheter includes multiple reference markers embedded in the wall of the catheter and close to the multiple scintillators.

6. The urinary catheter according to claim 5, wherein, After the urinary catheter is placed in the patient and before radiation therapy, the multiple reference markers are located using an MRI machine.

7. The urinary catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of scintillators are three scintillators and the plurality of optical fibers are three optical fibers.

8. The urinary catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The catheter includes a balloon for holding one end of the catheter in the patient's bladder.

9. The urinary catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The catheter includes a balloon for expanding the catheter near the tumor site.

10. The urinary catheter according to claim 9, wherein, The plurality of scintillators and the plurality of optical fibers deploy as the balloon inflates.

11. A urinary catheter, the urinary catheter comprising: Operable duct for transporting radiation sources; Multiple scintillators embedded in the wall of the catheter; and Multiple optical fibers embedded in the wall of the catheter in: Each scintillator is configured to produce light in the presence of radiation from the radiation source. The level of light produced by each scintillator is proportional to the level of radiation incident on each scintillator; Each of the plurality of optical fibers is operatively coupled to one of the plurality of scintillators. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is operatively coupled to an optical detection unit in a plurality of optical detection units. Each light detection unit is configured to generate an electrical signal in the presence of light from one of the plurality of scintillators. The level of the electrical signal generated by each optical detection unit is proportional to the light incident on each optical detection unit; and The location of the radiation source is determined based on electrical signals from the plurality of optical detection units; Furthermore, the speed at which the radiation source is generated is based on electrical signals from multiple optical detection units.

12. The urinary catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The system includes the urinary catheter, the plurality of optical detection units, and a processor operable to determine the location of the radiation source, wherein the location of the radiation source is input to a refrigeration unit, which controls the radiation source.

13. The urinary catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The processor is configured to calculate the location of the radiation source by triangulation based on electrical signals from the plurality of optical detection units.

14. The urinary catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of optical detection units are photodetectors.

15. The urinary catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The catheter includes multiple reference markers embedded in the wall of the catheter and close to the multiple scintillators.

16. The urinary catheter according to claim 15, wherein, After the catheter is placed in the patient's body and before radiation therapy, the location of each of the plurality of reference markers is determined by an MRI machine.

17. The urinary catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of scintillators are three scintillators, and the plurality of optical fibers are three optical fibers.

18. The urinary catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The catheter includes a balloon for holding one end of the catheter in the patient's bladder.

19. The urinary catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The catheter includes a balloon for expanding the catheter near the tumor site.

20. The urinary catheter according to claim 19, wherein, The plurality of scintillators and the plurality of optical fibers deploy as the balloon inflates.

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