Transurethral Fiducial Marker Anchoring for Prostate Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implanting fiducial markers in prostate cancer treatment, such as transrectal and transperineal approaches, carry risks of infection, bleeding, and complications like pain and urinary issues, and require additional procedures, complicating the accurate delivery of radiation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A transurethral system for delivering fiducial markers using an anchor assembly with anchoring components and a connector, incorporating radiopaque materials for visualization and targeting during radiation therapy, minimizing procedural risks and complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transrectal or transperineal approaches are used to implant fiducial markers, then fiducial markers can be implanted in the prostate gland, but risks of infection, bleeding, and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anchor assembly as an intermediary device that is delivered through the urethra (a natural, low-risk pathway) rather than through rectal or perineal approaches. The anchor assembly includes anchoring components that secure the fiducial marker to the prostate gland wall, enabling reliable implantation without the harmful effects of traditional approaches. This intermediary delivery system eliminates direct contact with infected or bleeding-prone areas while still achieving the goal of fiducial marker placement.
2Measurement precision
If additional procedures are performed for fiducial marker placement, then accurate radiation therapy delivery is enabled, but procedural complexity and patient burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fiducial marker implantation procedure with the existing prostate anchor implantation procedure used for BPH treatment. The same delivery device and anchor assembly that compresses the prostate lobes to relieve urethral blockage also serves to implant radiopaque fiducial markers for radiation therapy localization. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate fiducial marker placement procedures, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining accurate prostate localization for radiation therapy.
3Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are implanted 3-5 mm from the prostate edge, then accurate radiation targeting is achieved, but delivery precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly's anchoring components automatically engage with the prostate gland wall at the appropriate depth when deployed through the delivery device. The mechanical design of the anchors ensures they embed themselves precisely at the desired location (3-5 mm from the prostate edge) without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms. The self-anchoring mechanism provides inherent depth control, reducing the precision requirements for the delivery device while ensuring accurate fiducial marker placement for radiation targeting.
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
Enables precise localization and delineation of the prostate gland for radiation therapy, reducing procedural risks and complications, and enhancing the accuracy of radiation delivery.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating radiopaque materials for visualization and targeting during radiation therapy
Data Source
AI summary
A transurethral system for delivering and depositing fiducial markers usable to delineate the prostate during radiation therapy includes at least one implant or anchor assembly featuring a first anchoring component, a second anchoring component, and a connector. A delivery device featuring a handle assembly, an actuator, and an elongate member delivers the implant or anchor assembly to an interventional site.