3180 - Collaborative Development of a Universal Applicator Clamping Device for Brachytherapy through 3D Printing
Presenter(s)
D. Hernandez Martinez, R. Pineiro Retif Sr, K. Gonzalez Perez, A. Hernandez, G. I. Hinojosa Gamez, S. Haces, C. A. Hernandez Sustaita, M. Cervantes Ponce, and A. C. C. Ahumada Pamanes; Centro Universitario Contra el Cancer UANL, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
Purpose/Objective(s): In brachytherapy (BT), insufficient access to suitable materials can cause delays between treatments, disrupting workflow. The lack of effective positioning and control systems contributes to these delays at our center, compromising accurate source placement and leading to inadequate tumor coverage and increased toxicity. A universal fixation device for BT promises to reduce waiting times and preparation before procedures. This innovation optimizes workflow and ensures precise radioactive source placement. It minimizes patient positioning variability, improves tumor coverage, reduces toxicity, and enhances patient outcomes.
Materials/Methods: A test device was made using a 50x30 cm silicone board with a camera mount and a universal clamp. After confirming functionality, we improved it. An affordable universal clamping device was designed using a generic open-source model scaled to 60%. The system includes three links and screw-nut pairs securing each segment. Each joint has 10° notches, enabling a gear mechanism to hold position instead of relying solely on friction. A commercial 3D printer produced the device using PLA with 15% infill and eight perimeter layers for structural integrity. A specialized clamp secures probes via a notched piece incorporating a nut and screw, preventing damage. A PLA cap acts as an interface between the screw and probe, with a 2 mm deep channel guiding the probe to prevent displacement. A 90° coupling, designed using Fusion 360, enhances adaptability and is secured via the screw-nut system, allowing customization to user needs. A second iteration using PETG with identical characteristics was printed to improve mechanical properties. These solutions enhance BT department workflow, streamlining the transition between simulation and treatment.
Results: We analyzed 2023-2024 and treated 427 HDR BT patients. Since implementing the device, daily patient volume increased from 3-4 to 6-7. In 2023, 170 patients (39.8%) were treated, increasing to 257 (60.2%) in 2024 with the clamping device. Waiting time between treatments decreased from 64 to 31 minutes. Total daily treatment time was reduced from 6:20 to 4:40 hours, allowing more patients to be treated.
Conclusion: Implementing a universal fixation device in BT significantly improved workflow efficiency, patient throughput, and treatment precision. This innovation reduces waiting times, increases daily treated patients, and enhances radioactive source placement accuracy, optimizing clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.