Miniature HDR Cervical Applicator With T-Shaped Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brachytherapy applicators for cervical cancer are painful, require surgical expertise, and are not suitable for high dose rate treatments, limiting patient mobility and comfort during imaging and treatment planning.
Innovation Solution
A miniature HDR applicator system with T-shaped wings that can be inserted bedside, allowing for MRI imaging and 3D planning without anesthesia, and a vaginal ring with integrated HDR channels for flexible positioning and treatment delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional brachytherapy applicators are used, then radiation delivery to the cervix is effective, but patient pain and discomfort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separate modular components including an intrauterine device with T-shaped wings for uterine anchoring, a cervical ring for cervical positioning, and an inflatable balloon for vaginal canal anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both therapeutic effectiveness and patient comfort, reducing overall discomfort while maintaining radiation delivery capability.
2Reliability
If surgical dilatation and traditional applicator insertion are performed, then radiation treatment can be delivered, but the procedure requires general anesthesia and surgical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator components are pre-assembled in a compact configuration within an inserter device, allowing bedside insertion without surgical preparation. The T-shaped wings and cervical ring are pre-positioned to engage anatomical landmarks during insertion, eliminating the need for surgical dilatation and reducing the procedure to a non-surgical intervention that does not require general anesthesia.
3Reliability
If current applicators are used for imaging and treatment, then radiation therapy can be administered, but patient mobility is restricted and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical ring is constructed from flexible material that can accommodate patient movement while maintaining positional stability. The inflatable balloon provides gentle anchoring pressure that secures the applicator without restricting patient mobility, allowing patients to stand and walk during treatment while the applicator remains in place.
4Reliability
If traditional applicators are used, then radiation delivery is effective, but the applicator structure is complex and difficult to insert and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is segmented into distinct functional modules (intrauterine device with T-shaped wings, cervical ring, inflatable balloon) that can be independently inserted and positioned. This modular design simplifies the insertion process compared to traditional single-piece applicators while maintaining the complex radiation delivery geometry needed for effective treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable balloon provides dynamic anchoring that adapts to patient anatomy and movement. The balloon can be inflated or deflated to facilitate insertion and removal, transforming a static complex structure into a dynamic system that simplifies procedural operations while maintaining positioning stability during treatment.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary applicator(s), devices, systems and methods can be provided for delivering high dose rate radiation therapy, e.g., to patients with cervical cancer. For example, an intrauterine channel can be provided for or with such applicator(s), system(s), device(s) and methods. Further, at least a part of the device should be fixable within the uterus, and be configured and sized to be able to easily inserted and/or removed from the uterus, while be able to easily affix the exemplary device, applicator, etc. in the cavity of the uterus, and hold the channel anchored to the uterus, as it is larger from the cervical canal.