Vaginal Brachytherapy Applicator for Outpatient Cancer Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brachytherapy devices for treating cancers in vaginal, vulvar, anal, and urethral regions are invasive, requiring surgery and inpatient status, which limits their use for outpatient treatment and causes patient discomfort due to the heavy materials used.
Innovation Solution
A poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus comprising a vaginal cylinder and distal template with aligned apertures for needle placement, allowing for adjustable length and pattern configurations to guide needles to tumor sites without surgery, enabling outpatient brachytherapy treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy plastic plates and metallic screws are used in the Syed-Neblett template for interstitial brachytherapy, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but patient pain and discomfort increase requiring epidural treatment and inpatient status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from heavy plastic and metal to lightweight radiopaque materials that provide sufficient structural strength while significantly reducing patient discomfort and pain during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable applicators that are sterile, single-use devices eliminating the need for heavy-duty reusable templates with metallic components, thereby reducing patient pain while maintaining structural integrity for the duration of the procedure
2Manufacturing precision
If the Syed-Neblett template is sutured in place on the perineum with pre-drilled holes, then needle placement accuracy is improved, but the invasiveness and surgical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the applicator into modular components including separate cylinders, templates, and needle assemblies that can be independently positioned and secured, reducing the need for extensive suturing while maintaining precise needle placement through aligned apertures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiopaque guide wires and markers as intermediary elements that facilitate accurate needle placement through imaging guidance, reducing reliance on surgical fixation and allowing for less invasive application procedures
3Ease of operation
If laparotomy is performed to reach tumors in the abdominal wall, then access to difficult-to-reach tumor sites is improved, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laparotomy approach with a combination of transperineal or intracavitary application methods guided by imaging technologies, eliminating the need for large abdominal incisions while maintaining access to tumors in the abdominal wall through non-invasive routing of radioactive sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs versatile applicators that can be configured for different tumor locations and treatment approaches (interstitial, intracavitary, or surface application), allowing a single device system to replace multiple invasive procedures including laparotomy for various anatomical sites
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for brachytherapy treatment are disclosed. One aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment at the vaginal apex. Another aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment in the distal two-thirds of the vagina. Another aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment of cancers that are offset from the vaginal apex. Other aspects include methods for guiding needles for treatment of cancers at the vaginal apex, in the distal two-thirds of the vagina, and that are offset from the vaginal apex.