Brachytherapy Applicator with Segmented Lumens for Combined Radiation and Agent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brachytherapy applicators are not effectively used for delivering additional therapeutic agents to cancerous tissue alongside radiation, limiting the comprehensive treatment of cancerous tissue.
Innovation Solution
Development of applicators with elongate portions and strategically positioned openings to deliver both radiation and therapeutic agents directly to cancerous tissue, allowing for sequential administration of radiation and additional therapeutic agents without contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional brachytherapy applicators are used for radiation delivery, then radiation can be precisely delivered to cancerous tissue, but additional therapeutic agents cannot be effectively delivered to the same tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both a radiation delivery device (with radiation source and shielding) and a therapeutic agent delivery device (with lumens and openings). This multi-functionality allows a single device to accomplish both radiation therapy and chemical/immunotherapy delivery to the same cancerous tissue, directly resolving the contradiction by improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a radiation source component, a shielding component, a lumen system for therapeutic agent delivery, and opening structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration, enabling multiple therapeutic approaches through a coordinated system
2Adaptability or versatility
If therapeutic agents are delivered alongside radiation sources in the same applicator, then comprehensive treatment can be achieved, but contamination between radiation source and therapeutic agents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is extracted from the therapeutic agent delivery pathway by placing it in a separate, shielded compartment. The lumen system for therapeutic agent delivery is completely separate from the radiation source storage. This extraction prevents any potential contamination between the radiation source and therapeutic agents while allowing both to be delivered to the same tumor site
Solution Approach 2:
A shielding structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the radiation source and the therapeutic agent delivery lumens. This shielding component physically separates the two functional zones, preventing contamination while maintaining the integrated applicator design that allows combined therapy delivery
3Productivity
If multiple openings are positioned close to the distal end for direct tissue contact, then therapeutic agent delivery efficiency is improved, but the risk of tissue damage or contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator features localized quality variations: the distal end has a rounded tip for safe tissue penetration, while multiple openings are strategically positioned at specific locations along the shaft. This local quality differentiation allows direct tissue contact at the tip for insertion safety while maintaining controlled agent delivery through positioned openings, balancing efficiency with safety
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to applicators and methods for administering therapeutic agents to cancerous tissue. The applicators can be used to deliver radiation and additional therapeutic agents to cancerous tissue located in a subject.