Brachytherapy apparatus
First Claim
1. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:
- one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands;
a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and
an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape of the cavity.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a brachytherapy apparatus that delivers a low dose, partial breast irradiation treatment for post-lumpectomy patients via introduction of a catheter-like device through a cannula. The apparatus may be introduced post-surgically with local anesthesia under image guidance into the previous excision site and into a cavity by a surgeon. The brachytherapy apparatus includes a seed containment device configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds therein. The seed containment device may be one or more thin-walled tubes. The apparatus is further configured to expand so that at least a portion of the seed containment device is positioned against the remaining tissue and the plurality of radioactive seeds are disposed at the perimeter of the seed containment device. Also described are various clamps for the apparatus, and sleeves for adjusting the size of the device to fit a cavity when the apparatus is in use.
132 Citations
75 Claims
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1. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape of the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 75)
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20. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a seed containment device configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the seed containment device; and wherein the seed containment device is further configured to expand outwardly so that the seed containment device substantially conforms to a shape of the cavity, and the plurality of radioactive seeds are disposed at substantially the perimeter of the seed containment device.
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21. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of stacked, substantially elliptical, thin-walled tubes, the plurality of tubes including an uppermost tube, at least one middle tube and a lowermost tube, wherein each tube has a top tube section, and a bottom tube section; connection mechanisms configured to connect each tube to at least one other tube such that the top tube section of one tube is connected to the bottom tube section of another tube with the exception of the uppermost tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; wherein the uppermost tube and the lowermost tube are of a lesser volume than the at least one middle tube; wherein the apparatus is configured to expand and collapse, the expanded state resulting in a greater volume for the apparatus than in its collapsed state; wherein the apparatus defines a diameter of an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section and the tubes and connection mechanisms are configured to substantially conform to a shape of the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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23. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes, the wall of each tube being connected to the wall of at least one other tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds, including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes so that the one or more thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape of the cavity.
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24. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a first set of tubes being configured in a first direction; a second set of tubes being configured in a second direction such that the second set of tubes intersects with the first set of tubes to define an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section, each of said tubes sections defining a diameter; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the first and second sets of tubes; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section, and the first and second sets of tubes are configured to substantially conform to a shape of the cavity; and wherein the volume of the apparatus in its first state is lesser than the volume of the apparatus in its second state.
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25. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds, including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more tubes so that the one or more tubes substantially conform to a shape of the cavity; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus so that the plurality of thin-walled tubes substantially conform to the shape of the cavity; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus.
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26. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a seed containment device configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the seed containment device; wherein the seed containment device is further configured to expand outwardly so that the seed containment device substantially conforms to a shape of the cavity, and the plurality of radioactive seeds are disposed at the perimeter of the seed containment device; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus so that the seed containment device substantially conforms to the shape of the cavity; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus.
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27. A treatment apparatus for delivery of localized treatment to tissue that remains after surgical resection, the resection resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of therapeutic elements; a plurality of therapeutic elements disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes so that the one or more thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape of the cavity.
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28. A treatment apparatus for delivery of localized treatment to tissue that remains after surgical resection, the resection resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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a seed containment device configured to contain a plurality of therapeutic elements; a plurality of therapeutic elements disposed within the seed containment device; and wherein the seed containment device is further configured to expand outwardly so that the seed containment device substantially conforms to a shape of the cavity, and the therapeutic elements are disposed at substantially the perimeter of the seed containment device.
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29. A treatment apparatus for delivery of localized treatment to tissue that remains after surgical resection, the resection resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of radiation sources; a plurality of radiation sources; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes so that the one or more thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape of the cavity.
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30. A treatment apparatus for delivery of localized treatment to tissue that remains after surgical resection, the resection resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue the apparatus comprising:
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a seed containment device configured to contain a plurality of radiation sources; a plurality of radiation sources disposed within the seed containment device; wherein the seed containment device is further configured to expand outwardly so that the seed containment device substantially conforms to a shape of the cavity and the radiation sources are disposed at substantially the perimeter of the seed containment device.
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31. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the thin-walled tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the one or more thin-walled tubes. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33)
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34. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more tubes; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the thin-walled tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the one or more thin-walled tubes; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36)
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37. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a seed containment device configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the seed containment device, during or after surgical implantation of the seed containment device; and wherein the seed containment device is further configured to expand outwardly so that the plurality of radioactive seeds are disposed at substantially the perimeter of the seed containment device. - View Dependent Claims (38)
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39. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a seed containment device configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the seed containment device, during or after surgical implantation of the seed containment device; wherein the seed containment device is further configured to expand outwardly so that the plurality of radioactive seeds are disposed at substantially the perimeter of the seed containment device; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (40)
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41. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of stacked, substantially elliptical, thin-walled tubes, the plurality of tubes including an uppermost tube, at least one middle tube and a lowermost tube, wherein each tube has a top tube section, and a bottom tube section; connection mechanisms configured to connect each tube to at least one other tube such that the top tube section of one tube is connected to the bottom tube section of another tube with the exception of the uppermost tube; and a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the thin-walled tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the thin-walled tubes; wherein the uppermost tube and the lowermost tube are of a lesser volume than the at least one middle tube; wherein the apparatus is configured to expand and collapse, the expanded state resulting in a greater volume for the apparatus than in its collapsed state; wherein the apparatus defines a diameter of an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section. - View Dependent Claims (42)
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43. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:
one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity.
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44. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a plurality of stacked, substantially elliptical, thin-walled tubes, the plurality of tubes including an uppermost tube, at least one middle tube and a lowermost tube, wherein each tube has a top tube section, and a bottom tube section; connection mechanisms configured to connect each tube to at least one other tube such that the top tube section of one tube is connected to the bottom tube section of another tube with the exception of the uppermost tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the thin-walled tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the thin-walled tubes; wherein the uppermost tube and the lowermost tube are of a lesser volume than the at least one middle tube; wherein the apparatus is configured to expand and collapse, the expanded state resulting in a greater volume for the apparatus than in its collapsed state; wherein the apparatus defines a diameter of an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section and the tubes and connection mechanisms are configured to substantially conform to a shape of the cavity; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus so that the plurality of thin-walled tubes substantially conform to the shape of the cavity; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46)
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47. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes, the wall of each tube being connected to the wall of at least one other tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the thin-walled tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the thin-walled tubes; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49)
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50. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes, the wall of each tube being connected to the wall of at least one other tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the thin-walled tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the thin-walled tubes; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (51, 52)
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53. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a first set of tubes being configured in a first direction; a second set of tubes being configured in a second direction such that the second set of tubes intersects with the first set of tubes to define an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section, each of said tubes sections defining a diameter; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the first and second sets of tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the first and second sets of tubes; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section; and wherein the volume of the apparatus in its first state is lesser than the volume of the apparatus in its second state. - View Dependent Claims (54)
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56. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a first set of tubes being configured in a first direction; a second set of tubes being configured in a second direction such that the second set of tubes intersects with the first set of tubes to define an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section, each of said tubes sections defining a diameter; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; and at least one opening configured to permit placement of the plurality of low dose radioactive seeds into the thin-walled tubes, during or after surgical implantation of the first and second sets of tubes; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section; and wherein the volume of the apparatus in its first state is lesser than the volume of the apparatus in its second state; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (55, 57, 58)
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59. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds, the seeds including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (60)
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61. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds, the seeds including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (62)
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63. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of stacked, substantially elliptical, thin-walled tubes, the plurality of tubes including an uppermost tube, at least one middle tube and a lowermost tube, wherein each tube has a top tube section, and a bottom tube section; connection mechanisms configured to connect each tube to at least one other tube such that the top tube section of one tube is connected to the bottom tube section of another tube with the exception of the uppermost tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; and wherein the uppermost tube and the lowermost tube are of a lesser volume than the at least one middle tube; wherein the apparatus is configured to expand and collapse, the expanded state resulting in a greater volume for the apparatus than in its collapsed state; wherein the apparatus defines a diameter of an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section. - View Dependent Claims (64)
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65. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a plurality of stacked, substantially elliptical, thin-walled tubes, the plurality of tubes including an uppermost tube, at least one middle tube and a lowermost tube, wherein each tube has a top tube section, and a bottom tube section; connection mechanisms configured to connect each tube to at least one other tube such that the top tube section of one tube is connected to the bottom tube section of another tube with the exception of the uppermost tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; and wherein the uppermost tube and the lowermost tube are of a lesser volume than the at least one middle tube; wherein the apparatus is configured to expand and collapse, the expanded state resulting in a greater volume for the apparatus than in its collapsed state; wherein the apparatus defines a diameter of an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section; and wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (66)
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67. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes, the wall of each tube being connected to the wall of at least one other tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds, including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes. - View Dependent Claims (68)
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69. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes, the wall of each tube being connected to the wall of at least one other tube; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds, including at least one low-dose radioactive seed strand disposed within the one or more thin-walled tubes, the plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds being configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said plurality of substantially cylindrical, thin-walled tubes; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (70)
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71. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the brachytherapy apparatus comprising:
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a first set of tubes being configured in a first direction; a second set of tubes being configured in a second direction such that the second set of tubes intersects with the first set of tubes to define an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section, each of said tubes sections defining a diameter; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the first and second sets of tubes; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section; and wherein the volume of the apparatus in its first state is lesser than the volume of the apparatus in its second state. - View Dependent Claims (72)
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73. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:
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creating access to the cavity; providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising; a first set of tubes being configured in a first direction; a second set of tubes being configured in a second direction such that the second set of tubes intersects with the first set of tubes to define an upper tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section, each of said tubes sections defining a diameter; a plurality of low-dose radioactive seeds disposed within the first and second sets of tubes; one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to individually adjust each of the one or more thin-walled tubes to varying lengths in order to accommodate a size of the cavity; wherein, in its expanded state, the diameter of the middle tube section is greater than the diameter of the upper tube section and the lower tube section; and wherein the volume of the apparatus in its first state is lesser than the volume of the apparatus in its second state; placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity; expanding the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus; clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient; leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (74)
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Specification