Fluidized Brachytherapy Delivery Through Small-Diameter Lumens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brachytherapy systems are limited by the size of radioactive seeds, which are too bulky to access small diameter lumens, and require precise placement to avoid collateral radiation damage, necessitating improvements for deep-seated tumor treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using fluid-phase radioisotopes encapsulated in a reversibly deformable carrier substrate, such as nitinol wires, with optional shielding, allowing miniaturized delivery and positioning through small lumens, and providing homogeneous radiation distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solid radioactive seeds are used for brachytherapy, then the therapeutic dose can be delivered, but the seeds are too bulky to access small diameter lumens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the radioactive material from solid seeds to liquid phase, which fundamentally alters the volume and accessibility characteristics. Liquid radioisotopes can be delivered through catheters with much smaller inner diameters compared to solid seeds, enabling access to small diameter lumens while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamics principles by employing liquid radioisotopes that can be pumped and delivered through catheters. The liquid phase allows for hydraulic delivery systems that can navigate and position radioactive material in small diameter lumens that cannot accommodate solid seeds
2Reliability
If higher doses are delivered to achieve cancerocidal dose, then tumor eradication is improved, but collateral radiation damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using liquid radioisotopes that can be precisely distributed and positioned at the tumor site through catheter delivery. This allows for localized high-dose radiation delivery to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, as the liquid can be contained and positioned with precision compared to solid seeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delivery parameter from discrete solid seeds to continuous liquid phase, enabling more uniform and controllable dose distribution. This parameter change allows for optimized dose delivery that achieves cancerocidal levels at the tumor while reducing hot spots and collateral damage through improved dose homogeneity
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid isotopes are used, then dose homogeneity is improved, but the vehicle size must be minimized for access to small lumens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using liquid radioisotopes that can be delivered through catheters with small inner diameters. The liquid phase allows for minimal vehicle size while maintaining the ability to deliver homogeneous doses, as the liquid can be pumped through narrow passages and distributed uniformly at the target site
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
Enables the delivery of radioisotopes to previously inaccessible sites with reduced collateral radiation exposure, achieving homogeneous dose distribution and minimizing hot spots.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises a liquid radioisotope in a catheter. The catheter has a tip in a vertebral body cavity. The liquid radioisotope may be delivered to a treatment site.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a method for sequestering free flowing radio-isotope into a semi rigid isotope carrier substrate; and then encapsulating the substrate with a balloon; and positioning the balloon in the body. Also provided is a system for delivering and positioning radio-isotopes into a body, the system comprising a free-flowing radio-isotope encapsulated in an elongated unpartitioned container itself positioned within a leak proof balloon such that no fluid transport occurs between the substrate and the exterior surface of the balloon.