Interstitial ultrasound applicators for simultaneous thermoradiotherapy

This study presents the design and evaluation of ultrasound applicators for long-duration interstitial thermal therapy in conjunction with simultaneous Ir-192 radiation therapy. These “direct-coupled interstitial ultrasound applicators” (DCIUA's) are placed within the tumor or target region, with the coated transducers forming the outer wall of the implant catheter. Computer simulations, measurements, and in vivo thermal dosimetry experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach