Intraoperative Radiotherapy Applicator Porous Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoperative radiotherapy applicators used for low-energy X-ray radiation have a limited number of uses due to invasive contact with body tissue, requiring frequent sterilization and eventual disposal.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with a solid porous structure on its outer surface, forming a continuous air-permeable channel system, allows for precise radiation dose delivery and uses an elastic sterile sleeve to maintain a sterile barrier, reducing direct contact and extending the applicator's usage without the need for frequent sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the applicator is made with a solid porous structure on its outer surface, then the number of uses can be increased by reducing direct contact with tissue, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is equipped with a solid porous structure on its outer surface, which forms a continuous air-permeable channel structure. This porous structure allows air to pass through from the tissue contact surface to the exterior, creating a barrier that reduces direct contact between the applicator and body tissue, thereby enabling repeated use without frequent sterilization.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a sterile sleeve is used to cover the applicator, then the sterilization frequency can be reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile sleeve made of elastic material is placed over the applicator. The sleeve acts as a removable sterile barrier that can be easily donned and doffed, protecting the applicator from contamination during use. The elastic material allows the sleeve to conform to the applicator shape while maintaining sterility, reducing the need for frequent sterilization of the applicator itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If the applicator maintains precise irradiation geometry, then the radiation dose accuracy is improved, but the ease of sterilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system is divided into separate components: the rigid applicator body with precise irradiation geometry and the removable sterile sleeve. The applicator body maintains its precise geometric structure for accurate radiation delivery, while the sterile sleeve handles the sterilization requirements. This segmentation allows the precision-critical components to remain unchanged while the sterile barrier is easily replaced or sterilized.
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 porous structure enables multiple uses of the applicator by minimizing direct contact with tissue, reducing sterilization demands, and maintaining precise radiation delivery, while the elastic sleeve ensures a secure, bubble-free fit, allowing for repeated use without compromising irradiation geometry.
Implementation Method 1
The applicator has a solid porous structure on its outer surface, wherein the solid porous structure forms a continuous air-permeable channel structure which is connected in an air-conducting manner to the proximal end of the applicator
Implementation Method 2
An elastic sterile sleeve, which is pulled on over the applicator
Implementation Method 3
The vacuum pump is controlled in a vacuum mode, such that air is aspirated through the outer surface of the applicator from the sterile sleeve, such that the sterile sleeve bears firmly on the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for intraoperative radiotherapy with low-energy X-ray radiation includes an applicator body, an air-permeable outer surface with a circumferential outer face and with a distal end, a receiving device which is arranged at a proximal end and with which the applicator can be secured to an X-ray irradiation device, and an inner recess which has an opening at the proximal end and into which an X-ray radiation source is insertable. The applicator has a solid porous structure on its outer surface which provides the air-permeable outer surface with a rigid shape. The solid porous structure forms a continuous air-permeable channel structure which is connected in an air-conducting manner to the proximal end of the applicator.