Sub-micron Coated Markers for Brachytherapy Trajectory Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marking arrangements for medical devices in HDR brachytherapy suffer from limited resolution and accuracy in reconstructing planned trajectories, due to imaging artefacts and the need for larger safety margins, which can result in suboptimal treatment delivery.
Innovation Solution
A marking arrangement comprising a plurality of markers aligned with the source trajectory, each made of a first material with a sub-micron coating of a second material, allowing for closer marker spacing and reduced imaging artefacts, thereby enhancing the resolution and accuracy of trajectory reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple markers are used to improve trajectory visualization, then measurement precision is improved, but imaging artefacts increase and detection difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The marking arrangement is divided into multiple discrete markers spaced along the source trajectory. Each marker is a separate detectable element that can be individually localized, allowing the system to reconstruct the complete trajectory by combining information from multiple segmented points rather than relying on a single complex marker.
Solution Approach 2:
Each marker is designed with specific local properties (size, material composition, spacing) optimized for its function. The markers have dimensions and spacing characteristics that balance visibility and detectability against artefact generation, with each marker's local quality contributing to the overall trajectory reconstruction while minimizing individual artefact impact.
2Measurement precision
If marker spacing is reduced to improve trajectory resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but imaging artefacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marker spacing is optimized to provide sufficient resolution for trajectory reconstruction without being so dense that artefacts from adjacent markers overlap and interfere with detection. The spacing represents a partial action approach - using just enough markers to achieve the required precision while avoiding the excessive action that would generate harmful artefacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker spacing parameter is carefully selected and optimized to balance two competing requirements: close enough spacing to provide high trajectory resolution, but not so close that the imaging artefacts from adjacent markers interfere with each other. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve the desired measurement precision while controlling artefact generation.
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 proposed marking arrangement enables improved visualization and reconstruction of planned trajectories with enhanced accuracy, allowing for reduced safety margins and improved treatment performance, including more precise dose distribution during brachytherapy.
Implementation Method 1
imaging artefacts, which adversely affects the definition of the 3-dimensional position of the visualized marker
Implementation Method 2
visibility in CT imaging and/or MRI
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a marking arrangement (10) for marking positions of a medical device along a source trajectory (200), comprising a plurality of markers arranged in series along the source trajectory. Each marker (100) is aligned with the source trajectory and made of a first material and comprises a coating (110), wherein the coating is made of a second material disposed on a surface of the marker. A thickness (T) of the coating is smaller than 1 micrometer, and an interdistance (S) between each marker is smaller than 3 millimeter. The invention further relates to a system for reconstructing a planned trajectory of a medical device, comprising a detection module arranged for detecting the marking arrangement (10) and a treatment calculation module arranged for determining trajectories and dwell times.