A novel multi-modality imaging phantom for validating interstitial needle guidance for high dose rate gynecological brachytherapy.

Abstract

Purpose

To design, manufacture, and validate a female pelvic phantom for multi-modality imaging (CT, MRI, US) to benchmark a commercial needle tracking system with application in HDR gynecological (GYN) interstitial procedures.

Materials and methods

A GYN needle-tracking phantom was designed using CAD software to model an average uterus from a previous patient study, a vaginal canal from speculum dimensions, and a rectum to accommodate a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe. A target volume (CTVHR ) was designed as an extension from the cervix-uterus complex. Negative space molds were created from modeled anatomy and 3D printed. Silicone was used to cast the anatomy molds. A 3D printed box was constructed to house the manufactured anatomy for structural integrity and to accommodate the insertion of a speculum, tandem, needles, and TRUS probe. The phantom was CT-imaged to identify potential imperfections that might impact US visualization. Free-hand TRUS was used to guide interstitial needles into the phantom. The commercial tracking system was used to generate a 3D US volume. After insertion, the phantom was imaged with CT and MR and the uterus and CTVHR dimensions were verified against the CAD model.

Results/conclusions

The manufactured phantom allows for accurate visualization with multiple imaging modalities and is conducive to applicator and needle insertion. The phantom dimensions from the CAD model were verified with those from each imaging modality. The phantom is low cost and can be reproducibly manufactured with the 3D printing and molding processes. Our initial experiments demonstrate the ability to integrate the phantom with a commercial tracking system for future needle tracking validation studies.

Department

Description

Provenance

Citation

Published Version (Please cite this version)

10.1002/acm2.14075

Publication Info

Eckroate, Brett, Diandra Ayala-Peacock, Rajesh Venkataraman, Sabrina Campelo, Junzo Chino, Sarah Jo Stephens, Yongbok Kim, Sheridan Meltsner, et al. (2023). A novel multi-modality imaging phantom for validating interstitial needle guidance for high dose rate gynecological brachytherapy. Journal of applied clinical medical physics, 24(10). p. e14075. 10.1002/acm2.14075 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/30222.

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Scholars@Duke

Ayala-Peacock

Diandra Norelle Ayala-Peacock

Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology
Chino

Junzo Paul Chino

Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology

Clinical Research in Gynecologic Malignancies, Breast Malignancies, Radiation Oncology Resident Education, Stereotactic Radiation Therapy, and Brachytherapy

Kim

Yongbok Kim

Professor of Radiation Oncology
Meltsner

Sheridan Griffin Meltsner

Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology
Craciunescu

Oana Craciunescu

Professor of Radiation Oncology

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