Variable-Volume Brachytherapy Stent for Adjustable In Vivo Dosimetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brachytherapy poses a risk of harming healthy tissue adjacent to targeted diseased tissue due to its potential for non-variable radiation exposure and volume, necessitating a device and method for varying radiation dose and volume during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A brachytherapy device comprising a first longitudinally extending substrate with a medicament support surface, overlaid by a plurality of housings, allowing for reversible adjustment of radiation volume and dose without relocating the device, using materials like nitinol for shape memory and elastic properties to conform to the treatment site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional brachytherapy uses fixed radiation sources, then the treatment is simple to implement, but the radiation dose and volume cannot be varied to protect healthy tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The brachytherapy device is segmented into multiple independently controllable radiation sources arranged along the stent structure. Each source can be activated or deactivated individually, and the stent itself can be divided into multiple sections that can be expanded or contracted independently, allowing selective radiation delivery to different tissue regions while protecting healthy areas
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including expandable/contractible stent sections that can change the spatial distribution of radiation sources, adjustable source activity levels, and variable dosing rates. This dynamic capability allows the radiation dose and volume to be varied in real-time during treatment to optimize protection of healthy tissue while maintaining treatment effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radiation dose volume is fixed, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it cannot be reversibly adjusted in vivo to optimize treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where inner expandable sections are contained within outer stent structures. The radiation sources are nested within the stent framework, allowing compact delivery and deployment. This nested architecture enables reversible expansion and contraction in vivo while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the manufacturing process through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes materials and mechanisms that allow reversible changes in physical parameters such as volume, shape, and spatial configuration after implantation. The stent can transition between compressed and expanded states, and radiation source parameters (activity, distribution) can be adjusted, enabling adaptable dosing without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each configuration
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is relocated to adjust dosage, then the radiation distribution can be changed, but invasive activity increases causing collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to adjust its own radiation distribution characteristics without requiring relocation or additional invasive procedures. The expandable/contractible sections can self-adjust their configuration, and radiation sources can be selectively activated based on treatment requirements, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions that would cause collateral damage
4Adaptability or versatility
If the medicament volume is changed to adjust dosage, then the radiation dose can be varied, but the device requires relocation or reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic control of radiation source activity and spatial distribution without requiring changes to medicament volume or device relocation. The expandable sections allow the same amount of radioactive material to deliver varying doses by changing the spatial distribution and exposure time, simplifying operation while maintaining dosage adaptability
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 device enables precise and reversible manipulation of radiation dosage and volume in vivo, minimizing exposure to healthy tissue by conforming to the treatment site, thus optimizing treatment efficacy while reducing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
using materials like nitinol for shape memory and elastic properties to conform to the treatment site
Implementation Method 2
using materials like nitinol for shape memory and elastic properties to conform to the treatment site
Implementation Method 3
Brachytherapy features the use of radioactive sources placed in close proximity to tumor sites in efforts to eradicate the cancer associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A brachytherapy device is provided comprising a first conduit defining a first volume adapted to receive a radioactive fluid, a second conduit defining a second volume and frictionally engaged with the first conduit. Also provided is a method for varying the radiation dosage in vivo during brachytherapy treatment, the method comprising infinitely varying the volume of radiation exposed to the patient. This volume variation feature is utilized as clinically indicated and can further reduce the risk of slippage of the device in situ.