Characterisation and study of scintillator based probe for lymphoscintigraphy

The Surgical Radiation Probe Mkll manufactured in Australia by Gammasonics Institute for Medical Research Pty Ltd is an intraoperative gamma probe used in conjunction with lymphoscintigraphic images to remove the sentinel node in breast cancer & melanoma patients. The technique is slowly gaining wider acceptance around the world with much positive feedback from clinical trials. The characteristics and performance of this device were studied. This included the physics behind the scintillator probe itself and the electronics behind the electronic readout system. Design, testing and optimisation of the unit was performed as part of this thesis and the developed circuits are presented in chapter 5. Performance factors were measured including sensitivity, energy resolution, spatial resolution, efficiency and angular response. The amplifier and display unit design was refined and modified to produce a commercially viable and reliable product suitable for CE marking. This improved conditions for sale to international markets. Technical documentation, production procedures and EM testing procedures were prepared as part of this process. Feedback from clinical trials was also examined to find ways of improving design for the future.