Brachytherapy Tandem with Disposable Distal Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vaginal and intrauterine brachytherapy systems require frequent insertion and removal of equipment for multiple treatment sessions, which can lead to inconsistencies in radiation dose delivery and increased exposure to non-target tissues like the bladder and rectum.
Innovation Solution
A tandem and ovoid implantation system with a detachable distal section made of disposable material for single-patient use, allowing it to remain in place during multiple treatment sessions, while the proximal section, made of durable material, is removable for sterilization between patients, and includes features like balloons for shielding and radiation detection to minimize exposure to non-target tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the tandem is made of durable material for multiple-patient use, then it can be sterilized and reused, but it requires frequent insertion and removal between treatment sessions which can lead to inconsistencies in radiation dose delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The tandem is divided into two sections: a proximal section made of durable material that can be sterilized and reused, and a distal section made of disposable material that is inserted with the patient and left in place for multiple treatment sessions. This segmentation allows the distal section to maintain consistent intracavitary placement without requiring removal and reinsertion, thereby ensuring consistent radiation dose delivery while still allowing the proximal section to be reused after sterilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tandem is removed between treatment sessions, then it can be sterilized for multiple patient use, but exposure to non-target tissues like the bladder and rectum increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tandem into reusable proximal and disposable distal sections, the distal section can remain in place during non-treatment intervals, maintaining shielding position over the bladder and rectum to minimize radiation exposure to these non-target tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal section is made as a disposable component that is inserted with the patient and left in place for the duration of treatment. This disposable nature allows it to remain continuously in position without concern for sterilization, ensuring ongoing protection of non-target tissues from radiation exposure.
3Productivity
If frequent insertion and removal of equipment is performed, then multiple treatment sessions can be conducted, but inconsistencies in radiation dose delivery occur
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the tandem allows the distal section to remain permanently positioned during multiple treatment sessions, eliminating the variability introduced by repeated insertion and removal. This ensures precise and consistent radiation dose delivery to the target area across all treatment sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal section is inserted preliminarily with the patient and left in place for multiple treatment sessions. This preliminary placement ensures that the shielding and positioning are established before treatment begins and maintained consistently throughout all subsequent treatment sessions, preventing dose delivery inconsistencies.
Data Source
AI summary
Intracavitary brachytherapy tandem and ovoid oncology treatment systems and methods are provided. One such system and method employs a multi-part tandem having a detachable distal section suitable for retaining within a body cavity such as the uterus, both during radiation treatment and during recovery time between radiation treatments. This distal portion can be intended for single-patient use and be disposed of after completion of a radiation treatment session having multiple radiation dose treatment times. One or both of real time in vivo detection and monitoring and hypertherapy features can be included. One or more of the system tandem or ovoid colpostats feature bendability to tailor the system to the specific body and patient being treated. The method includes having a tandem distal section inserted into a body cavity such as a uterus and remaining within the body cavity in between treatment times. Other systems and methods incorporate balloon devices that assist in spacing radiation doses away from body sites at which radiation treatment is not intended. Balloon devices also can be provided for adjusting and maintaining separation spacing between two ovoid colpostats while intracavitary.