Method and apparatus for loading radioactive seeds into brachytherapy needles
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles comprising:
- a loading tube with proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and first and second transverse slots disposed between the proximal and distal ends;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seed chambers, the first cartridge configured to be manually advanced through the first transverse slot; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacer chambers, the second cartridge configured to be manually advanced through the second transverse slot.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises a loading tube with a lumen and two transverse slots, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges slidably received within the transverse slots. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy plunger and needle coupled to, respectively, the proximal and distal ends of the loading tube. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.
253 Citations
17 Claims
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1. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles comprising:
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a loading tube with proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and first and second transverse slots disposed between the proximal and distal ends;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seed chambers, the first cartridge configured to be manually advanced through the first transverse slot; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacer chambers, the second cartridge configured to be manually advanced through the second transverse slot. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles comprising:
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providing apparatus comprising a loading tube with proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and first and second transverse slots, a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seed chambers loaded with radioactive seeds, the first cartridge configured to be manually advanced through the first transverse slot, a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacer chambers loaded with spacers, the second cartridge configured to be manually advanced through the second transverse slot, a plunger, and a brachytherapy needle;
coupling the distal end of the loading tube within a lumen of the brachytherapy needle;
sliding the cartridges within the transverse slots to align subsequent seeds and spacers with the loading tube lumen;
inserting a distal end of the plunger within the loading tube lumen; and
distally advancing the plunger relative to the loading tube to dislodge a radioactive seed or a spacer from a cartridge chamber aligned with the loading tube lumen and to advance the seed or spacer into the needle lumen. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles comprising:
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a loading tube having proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and first and second transverse slots disposed between the proximal and distal ends;
first and second cartridges configured to be manually advanced through the first and second transverse slots, the first and second cartridges comprising a plurality of first and second chambers, respectively; and
a plunger disposed for reciprocation within the lumen. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification