Development of an inexpensive brachytherapy afterloader for use in low resource settings

Zawacki, Brian

Student Work

Development of an inexpensive brachytherapy afterloader for use in low resource settings

Public

The treatment of cancer through brachytherapy requires use of an afterloader, a device which, among other things, is prohibitively expensive. As global access to cancer treatment remains a challenge due to a severe lack of resources in many countries, it is becoming necessary to investigate less expensive designs for afterloaders. Here, the feasibility of one such design, using an Arduino Uno and a small stepper motor, is investigated. By programming the stepper motor to turn a certain number of steps, propelling a wire with a dummy source a set distance, this study demonstrates that such a design may be feasible, but requires further troubleshooting.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator