Hollow-tube brachytherapy device
First Claim
1. A double-walled tubular brachytherapy device for interstitial implantation of radiation-emitting material within a living body, said double-walled tubular brachytherapy device comprising:
- an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element, said inner tubular element and said outer tubular element each having a first end and a second end, said inner tubular element and said outer tubular element being of a substantially equal length and said inner tubular element being substantially centrally disposed within said outer tubular element and spaced apart therefrom over substantially the entire length thereof, said first ends being sealingly joined and said second ends being sealingly joined; and
wherein said inner tubular element comprises a tubular support having a lumen therethrough, an internal surface, and an external surface, said external surface having radiation-emitting material thereon.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A novel brachytherapy device is formed from a hollow-tube-shaped seed-substrate, allowing the easy association of the device with suture material. This shape minimizes the chance of migration of implanted seeds due to better attachment to tissue. The distribution of the radioactive material on the exterior surface of the tubular device provides a relatively uniform radiation field around the hollow-tube-shaped brachytherapy seed source. Brachytherapy devices are described that are inherently radioactive. Also disclosed are devices that can be rendered radioactive by the transmuting effects of neutron irradiation. Brachytherapy devices are discussed that facilitate medical application and improve safety for patients and medical personnel.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A double-walled tubular brachytherapy device for interstitial implantation of radiation-emitting material within a living body, said double-walled tubular brachytherapy device comprising:
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an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element, said inner tubular element and said outer tubular element each having a first end and a second end, said inner tubular element and said outer tubular element being of a substantially equal length and said inner tubular element being substantially centrally disposed within said outer tubular element and spaced apart therefrom over substantially the entire length thereof, said first ends being sealingly joined and said second ends being sealingly joined; and wherein said inner tubular element comprises a tubular support having a lumen therethrough, an internal surface, and an external surface, said external surface having radiation-emitting material thereon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A double-walled tubular precursor device adapted to be transmuted into a brachytherapy device, said double-walled tubular precursor device comprising:
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an inner tubular element having an inner surface, an outer surface, two open ends and a lumen therethrough, said lumen being continuous with said open ends; a layer of an isotope on said outer surface of said inner tubular element; wherein said isotope is selected from the group consisting of;
gold-197, iridium-191, palladium-102, phosphorus-31 and yttrium-89;wherein said inner tubular element is disposed coaxially relative to an outer tubular element and spaced apart therefrom over substantially the entire length thereof; and said outer tubular element sealingly encases said isotope so as to provide a sealed double-walled tubular precursor device. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method of using a double-walled brachytherapy device having a lumen therethrough, said method comprising:
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providing a double-walled tubular brachytherapy device having a pair of coaxial cylindrical walls spaced apart over substantially their entire length, said device having a lumen therethrough; threadedly inserting through a lumen of said double-walled tubular brachytherapy device a member selected from the group consisting of surgical wire and surgical plastic filament; fixedly attaching said double-walled tubular brachytherapy device upon said member; inserting a catheter into a patient at a site where brachytherapy is desired to be delivered by threadedly inserting said catheter through a vessel or by surgically inserting said catheter; and inserting said double-walled tubular brachytherapy device into said catheter by means of said member. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method of fixedly-locating during surgery a double-walled tubular brachytherapy device having a between therethrough, said method comprising:
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providing at least one said double-walled tubular brachytherapy device having walls spaced apart from one another over substantially the entire length of said lumen; threadedly inserting a surgical fixative through a lumen of said double-walled brachytherapy device; wherein said surgical fixative is suture material or a rigid surgical fixative rod; selecting a location where brachytherapy is desired to be delivered, said location being relative to a tumor to be treated, relative to a treatment volume to be irradiated, or relative to other brachytherapy devices; and surgically attaching said hollow-tube brachytherapy device in a patient at said location by means of said surgical fixative. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A method of positioning during surgery, a double-walled tubular brachytherapy device having a lumen therethrough, said method comprising:
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providing at least one double-walled tubular brachytherapy device having a lumen therethrough; selecting a location where brachytherapy is desired to be delivered, said location being relative to a tumor to be treated, relative to a treatment volume to be irradiated, or relative to a previously-applied brachytherapy device; inserting a double-walled tubular brachytherapy device in the vicinity of said location with a surgical needle; and positioning said double-walled tubular brachytherapy device at said location with said surgical needle. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification