Patient-Specific quality control applicator in gynecological Brachytherapy: Design, Production, and dosimetric evaluation
This study aims to design and manufacture a novel Multi-Channel Vaginal Cylinder (MCVC) applicator capable of performing patient-specific quality control. The applicability and dosimetric performance of the applicator were evaluated. Several tests were conducted to assess the water equivalence of the designed applicator in terms of Hounsfield Units (HU), structural homogeneity, and dose transmission for According to the HU examination results of the designed and manufactured applicator, it was ascertained that the structure was homogeneous, and the results obtained in terms of water equivalence were superior in comparison to those achieved by the Nucletron applicator. In the present study, average dose differences of + 1.26% (ranging from + 4.99% to -1.73%) and + 0.04% (ranging from + 3.00% to -3.64%) were observed when the This study introduces a clinically applicable MCVC applicator compatible with TLDs for gynecological high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, enabling accurate pre-treatment and in vivo dose verification. The results support routine use of TLD based patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) and highlight the need for more precise electronic dosimetry systems.