Afterloaders

Afterloaders are medical devices used in radiation therapy, specifically in brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is a cancer treatment where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or next to the tumor. An afterloader is a machine that remotely inserts and removes these radioactive sources into applicators that have been surgically placed within the patient's body. This allows for precise delivery of radiation to the target area while minimizing exposure to healthy surrounding tissues and medical staff.

The afterloader works by housing the radioactive source in a shielded chamber. A cable or wire connects the source to the applicator inside the patient. The radiation source is then pushed through a lumen in the cable to the desired position within the applicator for a predetermined period. Once the treatment is complete, the afterloader retracts the radioactive source back into its shielded chamber. This remote operation is crucial for protecting healthcare professionals from radiation exposure. Afterloaders come in different forms, including manual and automatic versions, with automatic afterloaders offering greater precision and speed in source placement. They are widely used for treating various cancers, such as prostate, gynecological, and head and neck cancers.