Modular Brachytherapy Applicator with Segmented Ovoids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brachytherapy applicators are often cumbersome and unsuitable for patients with anatomical deviations, causing discomfort and less-effective treatment, particularly in gynecological applications, and require complex assembly with separate screws and tooling.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular brachytherapy applicators with an interstitial tube and ovoid tubes that can be easily assembled and disassembled, featuring a central conduit for needle or catheter insertion and a rectal retractor for patient comfort, allowing for customizable and precise delivery of radioactive sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional brachytherapy applicators are used, then treatment can be delivered, but they are cumbersome and cause patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separate modular components including an interstitial tube, ovoid tubes, and connectors that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the applicator to be customized to fit different patient anatomies while reducing the complexity of any single component, thereby improving patient comfort and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates flexible and adjustable elements that allow it to adapt to different patient anatomies. The modular design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the applicator components to suit individual patient needs, making the device more versatile and comfortable for various applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional applicators are used for patients with anatomical deviations, then treatment can be provided, but accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows each component to be independently selected and positioned to match the patient's specific anatomy. This enables precise customization of the applicator configuration to achieve accurate dose distribution while maintaining adaptability to various anatomical deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different components of the applicator can be selectively configured to match local anatomical requirements. The modular design allows specific regions of the applicator to be optimized for particular anatomical features, ensuring accurate dose delivery while adapting to individual patient variations.
3Productivity
If conventional modular applicators are assembled, then treatment can be delivered, but assembly is time-consuming requiring separate screws and tooling
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into integrated connector designs that eliminate the need for separate screws and tooling. The connectors incorporate built-in fastening mechanisms that combine alignment and securing functions in a single component, dramatically reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that enable the applicator components to assemble themselves without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures. This self-service capability significantly improves assembly speed and reduces the skill level required for preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure may be drawn to brachytherapy applicators. Exemplary applicators may include an interstitial tube having a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a central conduit extending from the distal end of the body, wherein the central conduit includes a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a channel extending from the proximal opening to the distal opening, and wherein the proximal opening is offset from an axis of the body. The proximal opening may be configured to fluidly connect to a brachytherapy guide tube, and the channel of the central conduit may be dimensioned to receive at least one of a needle or a catheter therethrough.