EchoSeed™
Over the last decade, transrectal ultrasound has revolutionized
prostate brachytherapy by greatly improving guidance
for needle placement.1 Until now, however,
only one third of implanted conventional seeds were
visible and seed detection was dependent upon seed orientation
relative to the ultrasound transducer.2
EchoSeed (iodine-125 seeds) features an innovative
modification to the external surface of the seed that
leads to enhanced intraoperative detection when viewed
under ultrasound. It is a technological advancement
that may play a key role in helping physicians to identify
"cold spots"– underdosed areas of the
prostate.
EchoSeed was developed because conventional seeds may
be difficult to identify when they are positioned at
angles that deviate from the ideal orthogonal angle.
A distinct benefit of prostate brachytherapy with EchoSeed
is that EchoSeed is identifiable at angles that deviate
from the ideal orthogonal orientation. Because it reduces
the dependency upon seed angular orientation for ultrasound
visualization, EchoSeed may make a tremendous impact
on the future of prostate brachytherapy.
Much more in-depth information can be found at www.echoseed.com.
EchoSeed Technical Data
Sheet
References:
1. Ellis RJ, Resnick MI. Evaluating interstitial radiation
therapy for prostate carcinoma. Contemp Urol. April
2001:12,17,18,20,23,24,26,29,30.
2. Tornes A, Eriksen M. Improved ultrasound visualisation
of prostate brachytherapy sources. Presented at: American
Brachytherapy Society Meeting; May 20, 2001; Vancouver,
Canada.
