Methods 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 channel with proximal and distal ends, the loading channel configured to accept a column of radioactive seeds and spacers;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seed chambers, the first cartridge disposed to slidably intersect the loading channel between the proximal and distal ends; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacer chambers, the second cartridge disposed to slidably intersect the loading channel between the proximal and distal ends.
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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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles comprising:
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a loading channel with proximal and distal ends, the loading channel configured to accept a column of radioactive seeds and spacers;
a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seed chambers, the first cartridge disposed to slidably intersect the loading channel between the proximal and distal ends; and
a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacer chambers, the second cartridge disposed to slidably intersect the loading channel between the proximal and distal ends. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles comprising:
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providing apparatus comprising a loading channel with proximal and distal ends, a first cartridge comprising a plurality of seed chambers loaded with radioactive seeds, the first cartridge slidably intersecting the loading channel, a second cartridge comprising a plurality of spacer chambers loaded with spacers, the second cartridge slidably intersecting the loading channel, a plunger, and a brachytherapy needle;
coupling the distal end of the loading channel to the brachytherapy needle;
inserting a distal end of the plunger within the loading channel;
distally advancing the plunger relative to the loading channel to advance a radioactive seed or a spacer from a cartridge chamber aligned with the loading channel; and
advancing the plunger relative to the loading channel to advance a column of seeds and spacers into the brachytherapy needle. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. Apparatus for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles comprising:
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a loading channel having proximal and distal ends;
first and second cartridges disposed to slidably intersect the loading channel, the first and second cartridges comprising a plurality of first and second chambers, respectively; and
a plunger disposed for reciprocation within the loading channel. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification