Automatic post-implant needle reconstruction algorithm to characterize and improve implant robustness analyses

Med Phys. 2003 Nov;30(11):2897-903. doi: 10.1118/1.1617480.

Abstract

Post-implant analysis in permanent implant brachytherapy is an important process that provides a feedback on treatment quality. Random seed movements, edema, and needle related factors contribute to deteriorate dose coverage. For a complete study of these movements, it is important to reconstruct the post-implant seeds clusters but, up to now, this task was only possible via a long and difficult manual process. To facilitate post-implant analysis a simulated annealing algorithm was developed to perform automatic reconstructions. This process is fast (30-60 s on a 1.3 GHz pentium) and has a high level of success, even with up to 5% of seed loss. Tests on 21 clinical cases show that the algorithm yields exactly the same results as manual reconstructions. A realistic simulation tool was used to generate 58 synthetic post-implant data, in which cases the exact configuration was known. Even if some errors were found, pertinent information was extracted. For medium seed density [corresponding to seeds of 0.6 mCi (0.762 U)], 97% of seeds are matched with their correct needle and 89% are matched with their correct planned position. This method provides pertinent information that can be used to understand inhomogenous dose coverage in specific prostate quadrants; to make realistic post-implant simulations or to identify seeds belonging to a needle loaded with different seed types or activity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needles
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Subtraction Technique*