Abstract
This work presents the development of an automatic radioactive seed implantation system (PSIS). PSIS may assist the testing permanent implants procedure in the prostate. These tests will be important in measurements of absorbed doses in the pelvic structures, involving the organs and tissues at risk to improve planning, seed positioning and dosimetry. The automated Prostate Seed Implant System (PSIS) has been designed to meet operational needs, which offers the freedom when positioning the brachytherapy needle inside the treatment area ensuring repeatability and fidelity to the planned treatment. Both the ultrasound probe and the seed implant needle are driven by stepper motors, ATMEGA microcontroller, bearings, aluminum shafts and a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Movement of both the probe and the needle holder was performed by fixed spindle on a threaded rod going through a stepper motors by a coupling. These engines were chosen due to the necessity of movements precision that these types of motors provide. The project was developed and the PSIS prototype was assembled. The prototype presented acceptable operating characteristics for prostate implants. The advantage of this system is that the automation of the application provides an accurate positioning and movement of both probe and seed application. In addition to this study, seeds implantation tests will be performed, and such tests will be essential in protocol validation processes.
Highlights
Brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer has increased in recent years due to the high efficiency and relative convenience.The patient undergoes a single procedure, simple and outpatient procedure prevent hospitalization and allow a quick recover
Graphical User Interface (GUI) application development can be a difficult task for scientists and engineers who do not have a strong background in programming language
The connection between Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Arduino board was made through universal serial bus (USB)
Summary
Brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer has increased in recent years due to the high efficiency and relative convenience.The patient undergoes a single procedure, simple and outpatient procedure prevent hospitalization and allow a quick recover. The ultrasound probe is rigidly attached to a stepper device The transrectal probe is introduced attempting to reproduce the positioning performed in the planning. Permanent iodine-125 seed implantation presents a number of advantages over traditional methods and patients can return to normal activity, including work, within one to three days with little or no pain [4]. This work will present the design and constructive details of a new prototype using a stepper device called the Prostate Seed Implant System (PSIS). The PSIS is able to assist in the simulation of brachytherapy procedures, where implants of radioactive sources of iodine-125 and of ceramic seeds of Ho-166 will be performed in the future
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