Brachytherapy seed deployment system
First Claim
1. A brachytherapy system, comprising:
- an elongate, tubular needle;
an elongate tubular sleeve, positioned within the needle, the sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end;
at least one brachytherapy seed in the sleeve;
an obturator extending into the proximal end of the sleeve; and
a flexible drape;
wherein the needle is carried by the drape.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a brachytherapy seed deployment system, for use in any of a variety of medical procedures such as radiation treatment of the prostate gland. The system includes a number of brachytherapy seed deployment needles, each preloaded with brachytherapy seeds in patterns and activities predetermined for a unique patient. The seeds are contained in transparent tubular sleeves, thereby allowing direct visualization of the brachytherapy seeds and spacers, so that the seed pattern may be inspected at the clinical site. A releasable retainer prevents accidental brachytherapy seed loss. The system additionally includes shipping containers, separately accessible calibration seeds and a display stand for use at the clinical site. Methods are also disclosed.
65 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A brachytherapy system, comprising:
-
an elongate, tubular needle;
an elongate tubular sleeve, positioned within the needle, the sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end;
at least one brachytherapy seed in the sleeve;
an obturator extending into the proximal end of the sleeve; and
a flexible drape;
wherein the needle is carried by the drape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A brachytherapy system, comprising:
-
a shipping container;
a needle pig in the shipping container;
a calibration seed pig in the shipping container;
a plurality of brachytherapy needles in the needle pig, the brachytherapy needles preloaded with brachytherapy seeds and spacers; and
at least one calibration seed in the calibration pig;
wherein the calibration seed can be accessed without opening the needle pig. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A nonuniform dosing profile brachytherapy needle set, comprising:
-
a flexible drape;
a plurality of needles, each containing at least one brachytherapy seed, the needles carried by the drape;
at least a first seed in a first needle having a first activity; and
at least a second seed in a second needle having a second, different activity.
-
Specification