Auxetic solution for enhanced esophageal brachytherapy applicator.

Purpose: In this study, a novel auxetic applicator equipped with four-channel catheters for esophageal brachytherapy was presented.

Material and methods: The applicator, made of a new biocompatible material, has an auxetic helical structure with four channels. Details of applicator modeling, construction, commissioning, and insertion were provided. Initial ex vivo trial conducted on a porcine model was outlined.

Results: Simulations and dose calculations closely matched experimental measurements, validating the modeling approach. This applicator achieved highly asymmetric dose distributions. Its unique auxetic helical design allowed smooth insertion, while mitigating sequential inter-fraction hot spot formation.

Conclusions: Ex vivo implementation of the applicator demonstrated feasibility, resulting in consistent and reproducible dose distributions. Initial outcomes showed promise for the applicator's efficacy and versatility in intra-luminal or intra-cavitary applications.