Real-Time Planning for Ultrasound-Guided Brachytherapy with Data Analysis Tool Designed to Reduce Clutter

To support real-time planning for ultrasound-guided brachytherapy, a new application’s modular design reports the angular and linear position intraoperatively direct to the manufacturer’s treatment planning software. Through direct communication, the new device offers rapid connection for data analysis and reduces disorder in the surgical suite.

Civco Medical Solutions (Coralville, IA, USA) furthers real-time planning capabilities with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance of the EX3 Stepper for low dose rate (LDR) and high dose rate (HDR) ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer detection and treatment. The unique design of the stepper also features a removable electronic unit, which mitigates the risk of damaging transmission components and reduces cleaning time after the procedure.

LDR prostate brachytherapy involves internal radiotherapy where tiny radioactive “seeds” are delivered through a needle and are permanently placed into or near the tumor for treatment. HDR prostate brachytherapy is a similar internal treatment that involves the temporary placement of a tiny radioactive source directly into the tumor or near the targeted treatment area.

Civco’s EX3 Stepper, similar to its predecessor the EXII, provides compatibility for BK Medical, GE Healthcare, Hitachi Aloka, and Siemens transrectal ultrasound probes and it is currently validated for use with Varian Vitesse and VariSeed treatment-planning software.
In addition to receiving FDA 510(k) clearance, CIVCO has also CE Marked the EX3 for sale in the European Union and other countries where the CE Mark is recognized.

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