Development of an open source software module for enhanced visualization during MR-guided interstitial gynecologic brachytherapy

TL;DR

This paper presents an open source software module integrated into 3D Slicer that enhances visualization and planning during MR-guided gynecologic brachytherapy, improving intraoperative accuracy.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel software module for real-time processing and registration of MRI data to assist needle placement in gynecologic brachytherapy.

Findings

Successful integration with MRI scanners via DICOM

Accurate registration of CAD models to patient MRI

Potential to improve surgical precision

Abstract

In 2010, gynecologic malignancies were the 4th leading cause of death in U.S. women and for patients with extensive primary or recurrent disease, treatment with interstitial brachytherapy may be an option. However, brachytherapy requires precise insertion of hollow catheters with introducers into the tumor in order to eradicate the cancer. In this study, a software solution to assist interstitial gynecologic brachytherapy has been investigated and the software has been realized as an own module under (3D) Slicer, which is a free open source software platform for (translational) biomedical research. The developed research module allows on-time processing of intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) data over a direct DICOM connection to a MR scanner. Afterwards follows a multi-stage registration of CAD models of the medical brachytherapy devices (template, obturator) to the patient's MR images, enabling the virtual placement of interstitial needles to assist the physician during the intervention.