Pivoting needle template apparatus for brachytherapy treatment of prostate disease and methods of use
First Claim
1. Apparatus for administration of brachytherapy, the apparatus comprising:
- an ultrasound probe having an exterior surface;
a needle template mount longitudinally positionable along the exterior surface and comprising an arc slot; and
a needle template translatably received within the arc slot to facilitate angular reorientation of a longitudinal axis of the template with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for improved brachytherapy treatment of prostate disease. The apparatus comprises a needle template mount for use with standard brachytherapy apparatus. The mount provides for angular reorientation of a needle template with respect to an ultrasound probe during brachytherapy administration. Angular reorientation is expected to beneficially overcome anatomical constraints, such as skeletal structures, that may limit a medical practitioner'"'"'s ability to deliver radioactive brachytherapy seeds into a prostate in proper alignment. The mount comprises an arc slot in which the template may translate to achieve angular reorientation. A guide tube is also provided to ensure straight advancement of brachytherapy needles.
45 Citations
42 Claims
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1. Apparatus for administration of brachytherapy, the apparatus comprising:
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an ultrasound probe having an exterior surface;
a needle template mount longitudinally positionable along the exterior surface and comprising an arc slot; and
a needle template translatably received within the arc slot to facilitate angular reorientation of a longitudinal axis of the template with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 30)
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12. A method of administering brachytherapy, the method comprising:
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providing apparatus comprising an ultrasound probe, a needle template mount slidably disposed about the ultrasound probe, and a needle template disposed on the mount such that the template may be angularly oriented with respect to the probe;
longitudinally positioning the mount at a desired location with respect to the probe; and
angularly orienting the template at a desired angle with respect to the probe. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. Apparatus for improved positional control during administration of brachytherapy, the apparatus comprising:
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a needle template mount having an arc slot; and
a needle template translatably received within the arc slot to facilitate angular reorientation of a longitudinal axis of the template with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mount. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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31. Apparatus for improved positional control during administration of brachytherapy treatment, the apparatus comprising:
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a needle template; and
a guide tube coupled to the needle template. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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38. A method of administering brachytherapy to a patient, the method comprising:
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providing apparatus comprising an ultrasound probe, a needle template slidably disposed about the ultrasound probe, and a guide tube coupled to the needle template;
longitudinally positioning the mount at a desired location with respect to the probe; and
inserting a sharpened distal tip of a needle containing brachytherapy seeds through the guide tube into a target location within the patient. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42)
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Specification