SU-C-19A-02: An Innovative Critical Organ Repositioner Device for Use During Radiotherapy Treatments

Purpose: In most radiation oncology applications the use of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation can be extremely beneficial in sparing normal structures by relocating them away from the path of the external beam, or placing distance between the structure and radiation source such as in Brachytherapy. Implementation of this organ repositioner device in conjunction with IMRT could open new possibilities for dose escalation and significant dose reduction to normal tissues. Similarly, in high dose rate brachytherapy applications, the ideal effective dose may not be delivered to the target volume due to toxicity concerns to adjacent critical structures. Here we present a dual functioning device manufactured from SMA materials to: 1) provide a desirable tool to reposition the organ at risk away from the radiation source, and 2) facilitate localization when imaging the area. Methods: A Nitinol based actuator with controlled force and displacement will be incorporated in the design of an organ repositioner (e.g., a rectal marker) with the ability to recall a pre-defined shape at temperature T1 (body temp) and shift back to its original shape at temperature T2 (to facilitate removal). An open distal end permits the marker to function as a part of a barium delivery system. Results: An example of this SMA manufactured in our laboratory for atrial fibrillation radio frequency ablation is the esophagus SMA positioner, designed to position the esophagus away from the ablation area. This device shows the maximum strain in the deflected esophagus to be less than 3%. The prototype positioner deflected the organ at risk by 5 cm away from the site of ablation. Conclusions: The organ repositioner device is feasible for use in clinics, provides patient comfort due to its gradual deflection, and has dual functionality in repositioning the organ at risk as well as serving as a localization device