Brachytherapy Catheter Shape-Sensing via Fiber Bragg Grating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HDR brachytherapy methods rely on cumbersome and costly verification processes for seed source location, leading to potential mislocation due to organ motion, swelling, and catheter shift, which can result in unintended exposure of healthy tissues to high radiation doses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) optical fibers for real-time shape-sensing and localization of catheters and radiation sources, allowing for accurate tracking and adaptation of treatment plans to ensure precise delivery of radiation therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If x-ray and ultrasound imaging verification is used prior to every fraction, then catheter location can be verified, but the process becomes cumbersome, tedious, lengthy and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter location verification accuracyVSAvoidverification process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based verification system (x-ray and ultrasound imaging) with an optical sensing system. Fiber optic sensors embedded in the catheter use optical principles to measure catheter position and shape in real-time, eliminating the need for repeated imaging procedures and reducing verification complexity while maintaining or improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of catheter position using embedded optical sensors throughout the entire treatment period. This continuous tracking eliminates the need for discrete verification steps before each fraction, making the verification process ongoing rather than intermittent, thus reducing overall time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If conventional source tracking methods are used, then HDR brachytherapy can be performed, but catheter movement due to organ motion, swelling, and catheter shift results in mislocation of the seed source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrachytherapy treatment deliveryVSAvoidseed source location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates real-time feedback from optical sensors that continuously monitor catheter position and shape. This feedback is processed to detect catheter movement caused by organ motion, swelling, or catheter shift, allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain accurate seed source location throughout the treatment, thereby improving reliability without affecting productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static pre-planned treatment positions to dynamic real-time tracking of catheter position using optical sensing. The system adapts to changing anatomical conditions during treatment, allowing the seed source delivery to follow the actual catheter position dynamically, thus maintaining accuracy despite organ motion or swelling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If real-time shape-sensing via Fiber Bragg Grating optical fibers is implemented, then accurate tracking of catheters and radiation sources is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter and radiation source location accuracyVSAvoidoptical sensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optical fiber serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the catheter and a sensing element for position and shape measurement. The Fiber Bragg Grating optical fiber simultaneously provides mechanical support and real-time monitoring capabilities, reducing the need for separate systems and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides enhanced accuracy and reduced radiation exposure to healthy tissues by enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of radiation source positions, ensuring that therapy is delivered according to plan and minimizing side effects.

Implementation Method 1

tracking the position includes measuring, via shape-sensing, a location and shape of the at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape-sensing:

Implementation Method 2

measuring, via shape-sensing, a location and shape of the at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiber Bragg Grating sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10456594B2Method and apparatus for brachytherapy featuring tracking via shape-sensing

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A brachytherapy method and apparatus include implanting an applicator having at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel (62) into soft tissue adjacent a target region (40) to be irradiated. A high resolution planning image (64) of the target region including the applicator is generated, wherein the high resolution planning image is used for determining a three-dimensional treatment plan (66). A position of the applicator is tracked relative to the target region (40) and the treatment plan (66). Tracking the position includes measuring, via shape-sensing, a location and shape of the at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel (62).