Brachytherapy Applicator Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brachytherapy applicators for gynecological cancer treatment are cumbersome, difficult to assemble and maneuver, and have complex parts that complicate sterilization and reuse, leading to inefficiencies in user experience and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A brachytherapy applicator system featuring two ovoid tubes with a central applicator tube, a vaginal cap, and tool-free connections, along with a one-piece template for securing interstitial needles, which simplifies assembly, reduces the number of parts, and facilitates efficient sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional applicators include many complex and small parts to achieve specific radiation patterns, then radiation treatment precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into integrated assemblies. The ovoid tubes are pre-assembled with embedding tubes and radiation sources, the vaginal cap integrates multiple functions in a single piece, and the central applicator tube combines cervical and uterine functions. This reduces the number of discrete parts from many small components to fewer integrated units, simplifying assembly while maintaining radiation pattern precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The vaginal cap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the ovoid tubes, provides a barrier between applicator and patient, and includes integrated securing mechanisms. The ovoid tubes themselves are multi-functional, providing both structural support and radiation delivery pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional applicators include many small parts to provide specific radiation patterns, then radiation delivery accuracy is improved, but ease of sterilization and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple small parts into fewer integrated sterilizable units (ovoid tubes with embedded components, vaginal cap as single piece), the patent enables more efficient sterilization processes. Fewer separate parts mean fewer sterilization cycles and less complexity in maintaining sterilization protocols, while the integrated design maintains precise radiation delivery pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes embodiments where the applicator or components can be disposed of after a single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes. This disposable approach is particularly applicable to the integrated ovoid tubes and vaginal cap assemblies, where the cost of disposal is offset by eliminating sterilization infrastructure and labor requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional applicators use many small parts to achieve precise anatomical fit, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but user experience and assembly efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly steps into pre-integrated units. The ovoid tubes arrive pre-assembled with their embedding tubes and radiation sources, the vaginal cap is a single pre-formed piece, and the central applicator tube is a unified component. This reduces the number of assembly operations required at the point of use, improving productivity while maintaining precise anatomical fit through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator components are pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing with precise anatomical dimensions and radiation source positions. This preliminary action transfers the complexity from the clinical setting to the manufacturing process, where precision can be more easily achieved and controlled, while clinicians receive ready-to-use integrated units.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for an advanced gynecological applicator. In accordance with some embodiments, a brachytherapy applicator head and assembly is provided. The assembly may include two ovoid tubes configured to receive radiation sources, the two ovoid tubes combining to form a rounded applicator having a middle opening and comprising a plurality of needle holes to guide interstitial needles. The assembly may also include a central applicator tube configured to receive a radiation source that is located within the middle opening. Additionally, the assembly may include a vaginal cap that includes a tool-free connection to the two ovoid tubes and includes needle guides that align with the needle holes of the two ovoid tubes. The assembly may include a one-piece template for securing interstitial needles. The assembly may further include a tool- free connector to secure the two ovoid tubes to the central applicator tube.