Multiple seed implanter

• US 6,796,935 B1
• Filed: 03/20/2003
• Issued: 09/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael Savino
• Original Assignee: Michael Savino
• Inventors: Savino, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur, Eric F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Veniaminov, Nikita R.
• Application Number:
  US10/392,718
• Time in Patent Office: 558 Days
• Field of Search: 600/1, 600/3, 600/7, 600/439, 604/19, 604/173
• US Class Current: 600/7
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1011 Apparatus for permanent insertion of sources
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1007 Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1027 Interstitial radiation therapy

Abstract

The present invention is a seed implantation apparatus comprising a cartridge with an array of chambers having a plurality of hollow needles inside chambers, which can hold one or more radioactive seeds. The seed implantation apparatus also comprises pistons for each of the hollow needles and a plate located behind the pistons with a rod and a mechanical trigger, wherein said actuation causes said plate to move said pistons into said needles. The present invention also includes a method of using the seed implantation apparatus. The apparatus can be used in connection with brachytherapy and has particular utility in connection with simultaneously injecting multiple radioactive seeds into the prostate.

Claims

1. A seed implantation apparatus comprising:

a cartridge comprising an array of chambers;

a plurality of hollow needles inside said chambers, wherein said needles are adapted for holding one or more radioactive seeds, each of said hollow needles having a piston;

a plate located behind said pistons;

a rod located behind said plate;

a mechanical trigger capable of actuating said rod, wherein actuation causes said plate to move said pistons into said needles and thereby eject one or more seeds from each of said needles; and

a seed cartridge adapted for holding a plurality of radioactive seeds and delivering said seeds to said hollow needles.

2. A seed implantation apparatus comprising:

a cartridge comprising an array of chambers, wherein said cartridge is removable;

a plurality of hollow needles inside said chambers, wherein said needles are adapted for holding one or more radioactive seeds, each of said hollow needles having a piston;

a plate located behind said pistons;

a rod located behind said plate; and

a mechanical trigger capable of actuating said rod, wherein actuation causes said plate to move said pistons into said needles and thereby eject one or more seeds from each of said needles.

3. A seed implantation apparatus comprising:

a cartridge comprising an array of chambers wherein said cartridge is reloadable;

a plurality of hollow needles inside said chambers, wherein said needles are adapted for holding one or more radioactive seeds, each of said hollow needles having a piston;

a plate located behind said pistons;

a rod located behind said plate; and

a mechanical trigger capable of actuating said rod, wherein actuation causes said plate to move said pistons into said needles and thereby eject one or more seeds from each of said needles.

4. A method of implanting radioactive seeds in a patient comprising:

loading a plurality of radioactive seeds into an apparatus, wherein said apparatus comprises;

a cartridge comprising an array of chambers;

a plurality of hollow needles inside said chambers, wherein said needles are adapted for holding one or more radioactive seeds, each of said hollow needles having a piston;

a plate located behind said pistons;

a rod located behind said plate; and

a trigger capable of actuating said rod, wherein actuation causes said plate to move said pistons into said needles;

using said cartridge to guide said needles of said apparatus to a desired location; and

actuating said trigger which injects said plurality of seeds into said patient.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein all seeds are injected simultaneously.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising sterilizing said apparatus before loading said seeds.

7. The seed implantation apparatus of claim 4, wherein the size of the template/grid is determined by the size of a solid mass tumor in said patient.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said array of hollow needles is placed into the prostate of a male patient.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising determining site for said array to be placed prior to implanting said seeds.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein said actuation of said trigger has spring action mechanism.

11. The method of claim 4, wherein said actuation of said trigger has an air release mechanism.

12. A method of implanting radioactive seeds in a patient comprising:

loading a plurality of radioactive seeds into an apparatus, wherein said apparatus comprises;

a cartridge comprising an array of chambers;

a plurality of hollow needles inside said chambers, wherein said needles are adapted for holding one or more radioactive seeds, each of said hollow needles having a piston;

a plate located behind said pistons;

a rod located behind said plate; and

a trigger capable of actuating said rod, wherein actuation causes said plate to move said pistons into said needles;

using said cartridge to guide said needles of said apparatus to a desired location actuating said trigger which injects said plurality of seeds into said patient and wherein said seeds are selected from the group consisting of ¹⁹⁸iridium, ¹⁹⁸gold, ¹²⁵iodine, ¹³⁷cesium, and ⁶⁰cobalt.