Methods and apparatus for loading radioactive seeds into brachytherapy needles
First Claim
Patent Images
1. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
- a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber;
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
first and second loading chambers, each one of the first and second loading chambers having an end in communication with the collection chamber and a second end configured to receive seeds and spacers from the first and second loading cartridges, respectively.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises an apparatus with chambers, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges received therein. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy needle coupled to the distal end of the apparatus. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber;
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
first and second loading chambers, each one of the first and second loading chambers having an end in communication with the collection chamber and a second end configured to receive seeds and spacers from the first and second loading cartridges, respectively. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber, wherein the first and second cartridges are cylindrical in shape, with the plurality of seeds or spacers arranged circumferentially therein.
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22. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber, wherein the first and second cartridges further comprise means for viewing quantity of seeds or spacers contained therein.
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23. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber, wherein the first and second cartridges further comprise indicia corresponding to quantity of seeds or spacers contained therein.
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24. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber;
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
means for wrapping the seeds and spacers of the collection chamber in a bio-compatible member. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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27. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber further comprises means for viewing, removing, or manipulating the contents of the collection chamber.
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28. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber further comprises means for providing radiation protection from the radioactive seeds contained in the collection chamber.
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29. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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a collection chamber having a distal end configured to communicate with a brachytherapy needle;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber further comprises means for measuring radiation from the radioactive seeds contained therein.
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30. A method of preparing therapeutic materials for loading into a brachytherapy needle comprising:
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providing apparatus comprising first and second loading chambers, a first cartridge comprising a plurality of radioactive seeds, the first cartridge disposed in communication with the first loading chamber, a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacers, the second cartridge disposed in communication with the second loading chamber, a collection chamber having a proximal end in communication with the first and second loading chambers and a distal end adapted to communicate with a brachytherapy needle, the collection chamber configured to receive seeds and spacers from the first and second loading chambers, a plunger configured for reciprocation through the collection chamber, and a brachytherapy needle;
providing a reciprocating first loading stylet proximal to the first loading chamber and a reciprocating second loading stylet proximal to the second loading chamber;
coupling the distal end of the collection chamber within a lumen of a brachytherapy needle; and
depositing a seed or a spacer into the first and second loading chambers from the first and second cartridges, respectively. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification