Abstract: Exemplary brachytherapy applicators may include an interstitial tube having a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a central conduit extending from the distal end of the body, wherein the central conduit includes a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a channel extending from the proximal opening to the distal opening, and wherein the proximal opening is offset from an axis of the body. The proximal opening may be configured to fluidly connect to a brachytherapy guide tube, and the channel of the central conduit may be dimensioned to receive at least one of a needle or a catheter therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may be drawn to wireless afterloaders. Exemplary afterloaders may include a central processing unit, a first complex programmable logic device having a memory, a transceiver operably connected to the complex programmable logic device, wherein the transceiver is configured to wirelessly receive data from a second complex programmable logic device separate from the wireless afterloader, and a battery.

Abstract: A source guide apparatus for brachytherapy application, wherein the source guide apparatus is provided with a source capsule, a guidewire for moving the source capsule through a catheter, a mechanical connection between the guidewire and the source capsule, wherein the source guide apparatus is provided with a sleeve which is attached on the capsule, wherein the sleeve envelops at least a part of the mechanical connection.

Abstract: A brachytherapy system includes a brachytherapy applicator. The brachytherapy applicator includes an applicator tube and a radiation source configured to deliver radiation to a tumor. At least a portion of the applicator tube is configured to conform to at least a portion of a patient's anatomy. At least one ultrasound element or probe is coupled to or embedded with the applicator tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a verification system for confirming the position of a conduit inserted within a patient may include an elongate control element dimensioned for insertion within the conduit. The control element has a proximal end and a distal end, and a verification element coupled to a distal region. The verification element may be configured to detect the presence of a reference marker associated with the conduit and communicate a signal indicative of the position of the reference marker relative to the verification element. The control element may also be configured to maneuver the verification element along a length of the conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brachytherapy instrument comprising a body, wherein the body is provided with at least one marker comprising a material suitable to be visualized using an ultrasonic and/or magnetic resonance imaging technique. The invention further relates to an image acquisition system and a method of image acquisition.

Abstract: A system for transporting a source for brachytherapy may include a source guide, a detector, and a controller. The source guide may be configured to guide a source transport for transporting the source, wherein the source guide includes at least one electronic tag. The detector may be configured to detect a frequency signal generated by the at least one electronic tag, wherein the frequency signal varies when the source transport is proximate to the at least one electronic tag. The controller may be configured to receive the frequency signal from the detector and determine a path of the source transport based on the frequency signal. A method for transporting a source used for brachytherapy may include detecting a frequency signal generated by at least one electronic tag associated with a source guide configured to guide a source transport for transporting the source. The frequency may vary when the source transport is proximate to the at least one electronic tag.

Abstract: A brachytherapy system includes a brachytherapy applicator. The brachytherapy applicator includes an applicator tube and a radiation source configured to deliver radiation to a tumor. At least a portion of the applicator tube is configured to conform to at least a portion of a patient's anatomy. At least one ultrasound element or probe is coupled to or embedded with the applicator tube.

Abstract: A modular applicator for enabling a brachytherapy treatment comprising a central element and one or more of peripheral elements, wherein the central element is adapted with a fixation mechanism having a core for affixing the said peripheral elements thereto, wherein the fixation mechanism prevents a rotational displacement of the peripheral elements attached to the core of the fixation element with respect to the central element.

Abstract: An afterloading device for effectuating a brachytherapy treatment, comprising a first elongated flexible transport element, arranged to maneuver a radiation source between a storage position inside the afterloading device and a treatment position outside the afterloading device, the afterloading device further comprising a second elongated flexible transport element, having at least one transducer, the second transport element being arranged to move the at least one transducer between a first transducer position and a second transducer position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular applicator for enabling a brachytherapy treatment, comprising a central core and an outer sleeve, wherein the central core is adapted with a fixation mechanism for affixing the outer sleeve to the central core, wherein the outer sleeve is manufactured from a substantially rigid or shapeable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a surgical tool relative to a target volume inside an animal body according to a pre-plan comprising the steps of i) obtaining a plurality of two-dimensional images of said target volume using imaging means, each 2D-image being represented by an image data slice I(x,y,z); ii) reconstructing from said plurality of image data slices I(x,y,z) a three-dimensional image of said target volume using transformation means, said 3D-image being represented by a volumetric image data array V(x,y,z); iii) displaying said three-dimensional image of said target volume to an user using displaying means.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include an X-ray applicator for emitting an X-ray beam for irradiating an object. The mobile X-ray unit may further include a phantom-based dosimetry system configured to perform a dosimetry check of the X-ray beam. The phantom-based dosimetry system may include two sets of dose meters, each set being positioned on a surface at a distinct depth. The mobile X-ray unit may also include a dosimetry control unit configured to receive measurements from the two sets of dose meters and determine whether the dosimetry check is passed based on the measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to methods of forming an applicator body of an applicator for insertion into an anatomical cavity of a patient for delivering a treatment to the patient. In some instances, the method may include receiving a first three-dimensional image of the anatomical cavity, which was generated while the anatomical cavity contained an expandable container adjacent a tissue region of the patient, and while the expandable container was filled with fluid such that the container was expanded to substantially conform to the shape of at least a portion of the tissue region. The method also may include isolating, from the first three-dimensional image, a first sub-image corresponding to an image of the filled expanded container. The method further may include using the first sub-image as a design template for forming the applicator body for use with the patient.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The arm may be articuable. The X-ray tube may include a target element configured to generate an X-ray beam and a collimator configured to shape the X-ray beam. The target element may be disposed at a set distance from the collimator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a real time radiation treatment planning system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body using hollow needles. According to embodiments of the invention, the system may include a processing means processing means-configured to perform a three-dimensional imaging algorithm and a three-dimensional image segmentation algorithm, with respect to one or more specific organs within the pre-selected anatomical portion and with respect to the needles, for converting the image data obtained with an imaging means into a three-dimensional image of the anatomical portion, using at least one single or multi-objective anatomy-based genetic optimization algorithm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brachytherapy instrument comprising a body, wherein the body is provided with at least one marker comprising a material suitable to be visualized using an ultrasonic and/or magnetic resonance imaging technique. The invention further relates to an image acquisition system and a method of image acquisition.