Brachytherapy Applicator Tracking for Positioning Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, the applicator can shift relative to the treated tissue, necessitating frequent and laborious CT scans to ensure accurate positioning and radiation delivery, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A brachytherapy system with an applicator having hollow channels and a tracking device that moves through these channels to determine their position, allowing for the generation of a radiation dose plan based on precise channel positioning, utilizing a tracking signal generator and processor to ensure accurate seed placement and radiation delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If CT scans are conducted prior to each brachytherapy session to verify applicator positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but treatment time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator positioning accuracyVSAvoidtreatment session time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device is moved through the channels during the planning phase to establish baseline positions, so that when the treatment is delivered, the positions are already known and verified without requiring additional scanning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of repeatedly scanning the actual applicator position with CT, the system creates a digital copy/tracking record of the channel positions during planning, which is then used to verify treatment delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If CT scans are conducted prior to each brachytherapy session to verify applicator positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the process becomes more laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator positioning accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device automatically records the positions of the channels as it is moved through them during planning, eliminating the need for manual segmentation and measurement operations during treatment verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual process of CT scanning and segmentation is replaced with an automated tracking system that electronically records channel positions, reducing labor-intensive operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If frequent CT scans are performed to monitor applicator position, then treatment accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment delivery accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device establishes the channel positions during the planning phase before treatment delivery, eliminating the need for additional diagnostic radiation exposure during treatment sessions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a digital tracking copy of the channel positions rather than repeated CT imaging, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9101395B2Method and system for brachytherapy

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A brachytherapy system for a target region includes an applicator having a plurality of channels that are hollow, where the applicator is implanted in the target region. The system further includes a tracking device, a tracking signal generator to generate a signal received by the tracking device, and a processor. The tracking device has a size and shape to be advanced and retracted through at least a portion of the plurality of channels. The processor can determine a position of one or more of the plurality of channels based on a movement of the tracking device. The processor can further determine the location of the plurality of channels in the images based on the position measurements from the tracking device.