HELICAL BRACHYTHERAPY APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USING SAME
First Claim
1. An apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to breast tissue, the apparatus comprising a helically coiled needle removably insertable into the breast tissue, the helically coiled needle operable to define a pathway through the breast tissue for a subsequently delivered brachytherapy source.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for delivering brachytherapy into a target tissue region, e.g., a breast. In some embodiments, a flexible brachytherapy device is implanted that includes a therapy delivery portion having one or more radioactive sources securely retained thereto, and a tail portion extending from the therapy delivery portion. The brachytherapy device may be implanted in a helical configuration within the target tissue region. To assist in placement and removal of the brachytherapy device, a tubular sheath may be implanted by attaching (e.g., sliding over) a helically coiled needle that is advanced into the body by screw-like rotation. Once implanted, the sheath and the brachytherapy device may extend outside the body, where they may be folded and secured flat against the skin. The device and sheath may be removed at therapy completion.
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Citations
22 Claims
- 1. An apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to breast tissue, the apparatus comprising a helically coiled needle removably insertable into the breast tissue, the helically coiled needle operable to define a pathway through the breast tissue for a subsequently delivered brachytherapy source.
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8. A system for delivering a brachytherapy device to a target tissue region of a body, the system comprising:
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an alignment needle insertable into the body;
a drive member displaceable along the alignment needle;
a helically coiled needle coupled to the drive member such that a helix axis of the needle is coaxial with the alignment needle; and
a tubular sheath operable to surround at least a portion of the helically coiled needle. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A method for delivering brachytherapy within a target region of a breast, the method comprising:
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rotationally advancing a helically coiled needle into the target region, the needle comprising a sharp tip to penetrate the breast as the needle is advanced, and further wherein the needle is surrounded by a tubular sheath;
withdrawing the needle from the breast, leaving the tubular sheath implanted therein; and
inserting an elongate brachytherapy device into the tubular sheath. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for delivering brachytherapy interstitially to tissue surrounding a lumpectomy cavity of a breast, the method comprising:
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advancing a distal tip of an alignment needle into the lumpectomy cavity;
inflating a balloon located at the distal tip of the alignment needle within the lumpectomy cavity;
rotationally advancing a helically coiled needle along the alignment needle, the needle comprising a sharp tip to screw into the breast as the needle is advanced, wherein the needle is surrounded by a tubular sheath;
withdrawing the helically coiled needle from the breast, leaving the tubular sheath implanted; and
inserting an elongate brachytherapy device into the tubular sheath. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for providing radiation treatment of target tissue within a breast, the method comprising:
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inserting a coiled sheath into the target tissue, inserting a brachytherapy device into the sheath for a predetermined period of time; and
removing the brachytherapy device. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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Specification