Feasibility of vibro-acoustography with a quasi-2D ultrasound array transducer for detection and localizing of permanent prostate brachytherapy seeds: A pilot ex vivo study

摘要: Purpose: Effective permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) requires precise placement of radioactive seeds in and around the prostate. The impetus for this research is to examine a new ultrasound-based imaging modality, vibro-acoustography (VA), which may serve provide high rate PPB seed detection while also effecting enhanced imaging. authors investigate ability VA, implemented on clinical ultrasound (US) scanner equipped with quasi-2D (Q2D) array US transducer, detect localize excised specimens. Methods: Nonradioactive were implanted into four cadaver prostates. A Q2D transducer was customized acquire both C-scan VA images at various depths. then used tissue. To validate results, computed tomography (CT) same tissue samples obtained as reference by evaluate performance detection. Results: results indicate that capable accurately identifying presence distribution contrast. Moreover, large ratio intomore » could be detected through acquired images. Using CT-based identification standard, detecting 74%–92% seeds. Additionally, angular independency demonstrated well-controlled phantom experiment. Conclusions: Q2DVA substantial portion using 2D While has inherent advantages associated conventional imaging, it additional advantage permitting independent their orientation. These suggest potential method ultimately allow US-based real-time intraoperative dosimetry.« less