A technique for simultaneous needle insertion in prostate seed implantation.
The purpose was to develop a fast needle insertion system to shorten the implantation time and to restrain prostate swelling during the implantation, thus reducing the seed setup error. The basic idea is to insert all the needles simultaneously using ultrasound guidance. The developed system consists of two similar templates that are connected. All the needles are set and locked to a moveable rear template according to the dose plan. The needle pack is then pushed into position, the lock released and seeds implanted needle by needle. A test and training phantom was also built.
Heikkilä
Vesa-Pekka
VP
Department of Radiotherapy, Oulu University Hospital, Kajaanintie 50, OYS, Finland. vph@cc.oulu.fi
Suorsa
Niina
N
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009339:Needles; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*