Brachytherapy Marker Composite Ring for Multi-Modality Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brachytherapy markers are not accurately positioned across multiple imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI, leading to potential misplacement of radioactive sources during treatment, which can harm healthy tissues and leave cancerous cells untreated.
Innovation Solution
Designing brachytherapy markers with an inner ring of copper, brass, gold, or titanium and an outer coating of nickel or iron oxide, allowing for accurate visualization in both CT and MRI scans, enabling precise positioning of radioactive sources through the creation of artifacts in images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional markers are used for CT imaging, then CT visualization is achieved, but MRI compatibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The marker employs a composite structure with an inner ferromagnetic ring (iron, nickel, or cobalt) for MRI artifact generation and an outer non-ferromagnetic coating (titanium, stainless steel, or plastic) for CT visibility. This composite design enables the single marker to function reliably across both MRI and CT imaging modalities without compromising positioning accuracy in either system.
2Illumination intensity
If large markers are used for visualization, then visibility in images is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marker generates distinct imaging artifacts through its ferromagnetic inner ring that create high-contrast visual signals in MRI images, while the outer coating ensures visibility in CT images. This artifact-based visualization approach allows the marker to maintain small dimensions for precise positioning while still providing sufficient visual contrast for accurate localization in both imaging modalities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If markers are made visible in multiple imaging modalities, then versatility is improved, but artifact interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker design localizes the artifact-generating property to the inner ferromagnetic ring, which is confined to a small central region. The outer non-ferromagnetic coating surrounds this core, providing CT visibility without generating MRI artifacts. This spatial separation of functions concentrates the harmful artifact effect to the minimal necessary area while maintaining multi-modality compatibility.
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
The markers provide improved accuracy in positioning brachytherapy instruments, allowing for more precise delivery of radiation to target areas while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues, with enhanced compatibility across imaging modalities.
Implementation Method 1
The marker may include an inner ring consisting of one or more of copper, brass, gold, silver, or titanium; an outer coating consisting of one or more of nickel or iron oxide, wherein the inner ring and the outer coating of the marker may be configured to create an artifact in the image
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure may be drawn to brachytherapy markers. Exemplary markers may include an inner ring consisting of one or more of copper, brass, gold, silver, or titanium; an outer coating consisting of one or more of nickel or iron oxide, wherein a thickness of the outer coating may be about 1 μm to about 30 μm; and a central opening, wherein a diameter of the central opening may be about 0.50 mm to about 3.00 mm.