Emerging technologies Part I: New brachytherapy catheter systems

Abstract

In an effort to merge the simplicity and reproducibility of the single-entry MammoSite balloon device with the customization and dose flexibility of the multicatheter interstitial technique, three novel hybrid breast brachytherapy catheter systems have been developed: the Contura, SAVI, and ClearPath. Each of these catheter systems is reviewed in this chapter. These novel catheter systems represent a new iteration of treatment technology that seeks to increase applicability to a broader group of patients, significantly improve ease of use for the physician, reduce normal tissue toxicity, and ultimately provide greater patient convenience without any detriment to existing breast cancer treatment outcomes. Further clinical experience is needed to define which patients benefit most from these different methods of APBI. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.