Seven‐probe fiber detector for time‐resolved source tracking in HDR‐brachytherapy: Pre‐clinical experimental evaluation

A 7SD based on <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:semantics> <mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mi>Gd</mml:mi> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn></mml:msub> <mml:msub><mml:mi>O</mml:mi> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn></mml:msub> <mml:mtext>S:Tb</mml:mtext></mml:mrow> <mml:annotation>${\rm Gd}_2{\rm O}_2\text{S:Tb}$</mml:annotation></mml:semantics> </mml:math> , coupled with an sCMOS camera, demonstrates its suitability for time-resolved IVD in monitoring HDR-BT treatments. The 7SD substantially extends the monitoring volume along both the source's axial path and the orthogonal radial direction, enabling accurate source tracking across treatment geometries representative of a wide variety of HDR-BT procedures. By detecting subtle afterloader malfunctions, the 7SD offers a precise and valuable means of evaluating the integrity of HDR-BT setups and procedures. Its high-resolution monitoring capabilities, confirmed biocompatibility, scalability, and compatibility with standard BT needles, catheters, and applicators underscore its potential for clinical implementation.