Expandable Helical Brachytherapy Apparatus for 3D Radiation Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LDR brachytherapy techniques face challenges such as seed migration, complex dose distribution calculations, and the need for individual seed manipulation, which can be time-consuming and require careful seed mapping, while also being limited to linear delivery methods.
Innovation Solution
An expandable brachytherapy apparatus with helical members that can be collapsed for insertion and expanded to secure radiation sources within the target tissue, allowing for three-dimensional radiation delivery and easy removal, facilitating both HDR and LDR treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If LDR seeds are left indwelling and free floating within the target tissue, then radiation delivery is simplified, but seed migration occurs and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from a static free-floating seed approach to a dynamic system where seeds can be delivered, positioned, and secured within the tissue. The expandable frame provides a stable structure that allows seeds to be held in precise positions while maintaining the ability to adjust positioning if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame acts as an intermediary structure between the radiation seeds and the target tissue. Instead of seeds floating freely in tissue, they are mounted on the frame which provides stable positioning while still allowing radiation delivery to the intended target area.
2Device complexity
If conventional delivery needles deliver seeds linearly along a straight line, then delivery mechanism is simple, but achieving desired therapy profile requires numerous implants (50-100 seeds)
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from linear one-dimensional seed delivery along a straight needle path to three-dimensional delivery using an expandable frame structure. This allows seeds to be distributed throughout a volumetric space, achieving the same therapeutic effect with far fewer seeds by utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently positioned and loaded with seeds. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of seeds in three-dimensional space, optimizing radiation distribution while reducing the total number of seeds needed compared to linear delivery.
3Manufacturing precision
If numerous implants (50-100 seeds) are performed to achieve desired therapy profile, then radiation distribution is adequate, but treatment time and number of visits increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seed delivery functions are merged into a single apparatus. The expandable frame allows numerous seeds to be delivered and positioned simultaneously during one implantation procedure, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate needle insertions into a single treatment session.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables continuous seed delivery throughout the treatment volume as the frame is deployed and seeded. Rather than delivering seeds in discrete, separate linear passes that require repositioning, the expandable frame allows continuous positioning and delivery of seeds across the entire target volume in one continuous process.
4Measurement precision
If individual seed manipulation is performed at the time of implantation, then precise positioning is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Seeds can be pre-positioned or pre-loaded onto the frame structure before implantation, or the frame structure itself is pre-configured with mounting positions. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment during surgery without requiring time-consuming individual seed manipulation and positioning during the implantation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure provides self-aligning features or pre-defined mounting positions that guide seed placement automatically. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual manipulation and positioning by the surgeon, allowing faster implantation while maintaining positioning accuracy through the frame's inherent structural guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
Brachytherapy treatment apparatus are provided that include an elongate body including a core member and an outer member surrounding and movable relative to the core member. One or more helical catheters are provided on a distal portion of the elongate body, e.g., including distal ends coupled to the core member and proximal ends coupled to the outer member. The outer member is movable relative to the core member, e.g., axially and/or rotationally, to direct the helical catheters between a collapsed configuration for introduction through a tissue tract to a target location, e.g., a lumpectomy cavity, and an expanded configuration. Each helical catheter includes a lumen, and, after expansion to the expanded configuration, a source of radiation may be introduced along the helical catheters and/or a lumen of the core member for delivering radiation to the target location. Optionally, the apparatus may include a balloon surrounding or within the helical members.