Radioactive Seed Localization in Prostate Brachytherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for prostate brachytherapy lack real-time evaluation of radioactive seed placement, leading to potential deviations in dose delivery and increased trauma to the prostate gland, with existing quality control assessments being time-consuming and often performed post-procedure, resulting in suboptimal treatment outcomes and regulatory challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time automatic localization and modification of radioactive seeds using combined ultrasound and cone beam computed tomography imaging, allowing for immediate adjustment of seed placement and radiation therapy treatment plans during the procedure, enabling precise dose delivery and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual needle localization is performed on each US image section, then reliability of seed placement determination is improved, but procedure time increases to up to 20 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical localization of needles on ultrasound images with an automated image processing system. The system automatically detects needle positions, tracks them across multiple ultrasound slices, and generates a three-dimensional representation of seed placement, eliminating the need for manual review of each image section while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing detected needle positions against the planned implantation pattern and generating real-time feedback on seed placement accuracy. The automated algorithm independently validates each needle location without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself in real-time during the procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time seed location evaluation is implemented, then manufacturing precision of radiation dose delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the ultrasound imaging system simultaneously performs anatomical visualization, needle detection, seed tracking, and real-time dosimetry calculation. The cone beam CT system integrates imaging with automated seed localization and verification. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system embeds multiple processing levels within each other: the automated needle detection algorithm operates within the ultrasound imaging framework, which itself is integrated with the cone beam CT system. The three-dimensional seed representation is nested within the anatomical model, allowing sequential processing and verification at different levels of complexity.
3Reliability
If post-procedure quality control evaluation is performed, then reliability of dose delivery assessment is improved, but loss of time increases with evaluation delayed by hours to 30 days
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all quality control evaluations in real-time during the implantation procedure itself, rather than waiting for post-procedure assessment. The automated system continuously monitors seed placement accuracy and dose delivery parameters throughout the procedure, providing immediate feedback and allowing for real-time corrections before the procedure concludes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the system automatically compares actual seed positions against planned locations, calculates real-time dosimetry parameters, and provides immediate verification of treatment plan compliance. This feedback loop operates throughout the procedure, enabling dynamic adjustment and ensuring reliability without time delay.
4Measurement precision
If multiple needles are manipulated to discriminate locations, then measurement precision of needle position is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to increased trauma to prostate gland
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual manipulation and discrimination of needle positions with automated image processing and computer-assisted localization. The system automatically detects and tracks needle positions across multiple ultrasound slices, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of needles to determine their locations, thereby reducing mechanical trauma to the prostate gland while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
This approach enables real-time verification and adjustment of seed placement, improving the accuracy of radiation delivery, reducing procedural time, and enhancing the quality of brachytherapy treatments, thereby minimizing complications and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
a three-dimensional image of the prostate and implanted radioactive seeds is acquired using a cone beam CT scanner
Implementation Method 2
automatic localization and labeling of prostate brachytherapy needles under imaging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium for determining a location a radioactive seed(s) within a body, can include, for example receiving first imaging information of the radioactive seed(s) within the body based on a first imaging modality, receiving second imaging information of the radioactive seed(s) within the body based on a second imaging modality, and determining the location of the radioactive seed(s) within the body based on the first and second imaging information. The first imaging modality can be computed tomography, and the second imaging modality can be an ultrasound, which can be a transrectal ultrasound. Third information related to a seed implantation plan for a patient(s) can be received.