Master’s Thesis Defense – Rafal Thamer Ibrahim

In the Department of Biomedical Engineering / College of Engineering / Al-Nahrain University, and in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, President of Al-Nahrain University, Prof. Dr. Ali Al-Shawi, Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Prof. Dr. Omar Al-Farouq, and Dean of the College of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Eyad Murad Takhakh, the defense of the master’s student Rafal Thamer Ibrahim was held on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, for her thesis entitled:

“A Novel Universal Frame for Multiple Use Head Fixation in Stereotactic Radiosurgery by Gamma Knife Icon”

Defense Committee:

• Chairman: Prof. Dr. Hasanein Ali Lafta – Al-Nahrain University / College of Engineering

• Member: Prof. Dr. Ghidaa Abdulrahman Khalid – Al-Nahrain University / College of Engineering

• Member: Lecturer Dr. Donia Tahseen Nima – Al-Nahrain University / College of Engineering

Thesis Supervision:

• Prof. Dr. Anas Qusay Hashim – Head of Biomedical Engineering Department / Al-Nahrain University

• Prof. Dr. Munir Khummas Faraj – Consultant Neurosurgeon / College of Medicine / University of Baghdad

Thesis Content:

The study aims to design an innovative, reusable universal frame for head fixation in stereotactic radiosurgery sessions using the Gamma Knife Icon system, focusing on engineering and clinical aspects that ensure high precision, patient safety, and comfort.

The study included:

• Engineering design of the frame and components (forehead support, cheek stabilizer, sliding and locking mechanism) using SolidWorks.

• Fabrication with 3D printing (PLA, then PETG) followed by the development of a final aluminum prototype.

• Numerical mechanical analysis using ANSYS to evaluate stresses, strains, deformation, and safety factors.

• Clinical testing on 45 patients (15 with thermoplastic mask, 15 with PETG frame, and 15 with aluminum frame) with alignment accuracy assessed using CBCT and HDMM technology.

• Clinical evaluation by medical staff (doctors and technicians), in addition to patient feedback regarding comfort and stability.

Key Findings:

• The frame demonstrated high efficiency in head fixation, particularly in multi-session treatments.

• Full compatibility with CBCT imaging systems and HDMM motion tracking.

• Significant reduction in head movement (<0.2 mm) with no need for re-alignment.

• Positive feedback from both patients and medical staff concerning comfort and ease of use.

• Low manufacturing cost, with the advantage of reusability.

The thesis was accepted as it meets the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering at Al-Nahrain University.