Grooved brachytherapy sources
First Claim
1. A radioactive source suitable for use in brachytherapy, which comprises a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the container comprises a series of grooves which have:
- (i) a depth of 5 to 100 micrometers, (ii) a width of 200 to 500 micrometers, (iii) a spacing of 300 to 700 micrometers.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Radioactive sources, preferably radioactive seeds, for use in brachytherapy comprising a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least one part of the outer surface of the container is grooved, preferably with a curved groove. The grooved outer surface is preferably substantially free from angularities. Such grooves enhance the echogenicity of the source using medical ultrasound at a greater range of angles to the ultrasound probe, thus enhancing the ultrasound visibility of the source. Preferred radioisotopes are palladium-103 and iodine-125.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A radioactive source suitable for use in brachytherapy, which comprises a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the container comprises a series of grooves which have:
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(i) a depth of 5 to 100 micrometers, (ii) a width of 200 to 500 micrometers, (iii) a spacing of 300 to 700 micrometers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14)
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13. The tubing of claims 16 or 17, where the tubing material comprises annealed titanium.
Specification