Spiral Bioabsorbable Tissue Markers for Precise Radiation Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) face challenges in accurately targeting the tissue region surrounding a tumor resection cavity due to inaccuracies in defining the target volume, particularly in breast cancer treatment, leading to uncertainties in radiation delivery and potential damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Innovation Solution
Implantable bioabsorbable fiducial markers, such as spiral-shaped devices with integrated visualization markers, are placed during surgery to provide a 3-dimensional target for radiation therapy, conforming to the tissue and allowing precise delineation of the treatment area without requiring a second procedure for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external beam radiation therapy is delivered to the tumor site, then the tumor target volume receives the prescribed radiation dose, but the accuracy of target volume definition is insufficient leading to potential damage to surrounding healthy tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fiducial marker system that acts as a mediator between the radiation delivery system and the soft tissue target. The markers are implanted in the soft tissue and serve as reference points that can be visualized by imaging equipment, enabling accurate definition of the target volume without directly exposing the soft tissue to imaging artifacts or requiring direct visualization of the tissue boundaries themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers are implanted in the soft tissue during the surgical procedure before radiation therapy is delivered. This preliminary action establishes accurate reference points in advance, allowing for precise target volume definition during subsequent radiation planning and delivery, thereby preventing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
2Loss of time
If traditional radiation therapy delivery methods are used, then treatment can be provided, but the treatment timeframe is extended over multiple fractions causing prolonged patient exposure and potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an imaging-based fiducial marker system. Instead of relying on manual anatomical landmark identification and physical alignment devices, the system uses radiopaque or radiofrequency-visible markers that can be precisely located using imaging equipment, enabling more accurate and efficient treatment planning that supports accelerated radiation regimens.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.