Brachytherapy Stepper and Template
Stepper · Stepping unit · Brachytherapy stepper · Stabilizer · Template grid · Brachytherapy grid · Prostate template · Brachy stand · CIVCO AccuCARE stepper
A stabilizer arm clamps to the OR table and holds the stepper, a carriage with a cradle that grips the transrectal ultrasound probe. Knobs move the probe in and out in set steps and rotate it, with scales to read the position. A square template grid with lettered columns and numbered rows of needle holes mounts in front of the probe against the perineumpair-ih-NEE-umThe area of skin and muscle between the genitals and the anus.perine/o perineumFull entry .
On the table
What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.
What it’s for
Holds the transrectal ultrasound probe perfectly still and guides every needle in prostatePROS-taytA walnut-sized gland below the bladder in males that surrounds the urethra and makes part of the fluid in semen.Full entry seed implants, transperineal template biopsies, fiducial markerMAR-kerSomething that can be measured, such as a substance in the blood, that shows a disease or body process is present.Full entry placement and cryotherapy. The stabilizer bar is attached to the bed, the stepper locks onto it, and the probe (covered with a gel or water-filled cover) is seated in the cradle. The template mounts on the probe so each needle passed through a hole matches the grid on the ultrasound screen and the treatment plan. The stepper moves the probe in 5 mm steps from base to apex to image and map the gland.
Lengths and variants
Standard grid is about 6 x 6 cm with holes 5 mm apart (13 per axis, 169 holes), lettered A, B, C across with the center at D. CIVCO disposable grids come for 17 and 18 gauge needles (5 mm spacing) and 14 gauge needles (3 mm spacing). Steppers differ in which ultrasound probes they fit.
What experienced techs know
What techs who reach for it every day know about it.Pro
Through the case
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- Before the case
Inspection and testing
What to check before it reaches the field.Pro
- During the case
Caution
What not to do with it, and why.Pro
- After the case
Care and reprocessing
How it is cleaned, checked and sent back to sterile.Pro
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7 sources
- Rothrock. Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery. 17th ed. Chapter 15 (Genitourinary Surgery), p. 484, 491
- Hinman. Atlas of Urologic Surgery. 5th ed. Chapter 67 (Transperineal Prostate Biopsy), p. 532
- Hinman. Atlas of Urologic Surgery. 5th ed. Chapter 77 (Brachytherapy), p. 639-640
- Fuller. Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Chapter 24 (Genitourinary Surgery), p. 602
- civco.com
- civco.com
- civco.com
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