Development of a yz scan system for the improvement of an automatic system of radioactive seed implants in prostate brachytherapy

Leonardo Santiago Melgaço Silva

doi:10.15392/bjrs.v9i1a.1476

Abstract

Brachytherapy is the use of radiotherapy with insertion of radiation sources close to the site that needs treatment. It has become an extremely sought-after option by research fields for its impressive efficiency and practicality. In addition to being a fast-paced procedure, it allows patients to leave hospital care very soon after it is done, without pain or with minor discomfort, which can be considered an advantage.The brachytherapy procedure is divided into two stages, obtaining images of the region where seed implantation will take place and the application itself. The images are obtained by ultrasonography, which will guide the insertion of the needle into the patient's body. During the injection, the patient is anesthetized and immobilized, so that movements that compromise the accuracy of the needle, which, by the current manual method, are already subject to oscillations are avoided.Currently the application of radioactive seeds is done manually by a clinician who uses needles and monitors their positions through the images generated by ultrasound equipment. Thus, the main objective of this project was to improve the prototype of the Prostate Seed Implantation System (SISP), developed by the Nuclear Engineering Department of the UFMG (Nuclear Engineering Department). Thus, the device allows automated scanning on x, y and z axes, facilitating the application of radioactive seeds in prostate brachytherapy treatments, which in current treatments are done manually by the clinician. And the possibility of controlling this movement via BLUETOOTH technology.

Highlights

Brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer has increased in recent years due to the high efficiency and relative convenience
Mates were achieved because the accuracy of the stepper motors used in conjunction with the threaded shaft pitches is less than 0.05 mm
The original design needle, which was 130 mm long, had a poor range in practice. With this new needle length, 250 mm, it is possible to reach the entire internal area of the prostate, and it is possible to supply the needle with a larger amount of radioactive seeds

Summary

Introduction

Brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer has increased in recent years due to the high efficiency and relative convenience. In the last few years the use of iodine 125 has decreased in Brazil. The patient undergoes a single procedure, simple and outpatient procedure prevent hospitalization and allow a quick recover. The application of radioactive seeds is carried out in an unauthorized manner [1]. The Clinician mechanically applyes the needles with the radioactive seeds in a system that aids the placement of seeds in the patient's prostate, as shown in figure 1.

Objectives

Methods

Results