Low-cost 3D print-based phantom fabrication to facilitate interstitial prostate brachytherapy training program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Simulation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Ultrasound-guided interstitial prostate brachytherapy requires realistic training phantoms.
• Existing phantoms can be expensive and lack anatomical accuracy.
• A cost-effective, anatomically correct phantom is needed for procedural skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To manufacture a realistic and inexpensive prostate phantom.
• To support training programs for ultrasound-based interstitial prostate brachytherapy.
• To provide an accessible educational tool for brachytherapy skills.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated five phantom material combinations, including silicones and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
• Utilized 3D-printed molds for creating an anatomically simulated prostate, urethra, seminal vesicles, rectum, and surrounding tissues.
• Assessed material characteristics, speed of sound, and needle artifact retention.

Main Results:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exhibited ultrasound characteristics closest to soft tissue.
• A complete prostate phantom was fabricated using 3D-printed molds and PVC in 1.5-2 hours.
• The estimated material cost per phantom was $23.98, with dummy seeds for practice.

Conclusions:

• Developed a low-cost, reusable prostate phantom using 3D-printed molds.
• The phantom serves as an ideal cost-effective platform for practicing brachytherapy skills.
• Enhances procedural confidence before patient treatment.