After-loader devices and kits
First Claim
1. An after-loader device useful for loading an implant into a hollow needle after the needle is inserted into patient tissue,the hollow needle having a inner diameter, an outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, and a cylindrical needle hub at the proximal end, the cylindrical needle hub having an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the needle,the after-loader device comprising:
- an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; and
a bore that extends axially through said body between said proximal and distal ends of said body;
wherein a main portion of said bore has a first diameter that is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the hollow needle;
wherein a distal portion of said bore has a second diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the needle hub and configured to receive, and thereby connect to, the needle hub; and
wherein a depth of the distal portion of said bore is sufficient to enable the body to rigidly connect to the cylindrical needle hub of the hollow needle without requiring additional support.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
After-loader devices, kits, and methods for using the same are provided. Such after-loader devices are useful for loading implants into hollow needles, especially after the needles are inserted into patient tissue. The after-loader devices can be pre-loaded with implants, before the after-loaders are connected to hubs of hollow needles, or loaded thereafter.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. An after-loader device useful for loading an implant into a hollow needle after the needle is inserted into patient tissue,
the hollow needle having a inner diameter, an outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, and a cylindrical needle hub at the proximal end, the cylindrical needle hub having an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the needle, the after-loader device comprising: -
an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a bore that extends axially through said body between said proximal and distal ends of said body; wherein a main portion of said bore has a first diameter that is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the hollow needle; wherein a distal portion of said bore has a second diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the needle hub and configured to receive, and thereby connect to, the needle hub; and wherein a depth of the distal portion of said bore is sufficient to enable the body to rigidly connect to the cylindrical needle hub of the hollow needle without requiring additional support. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An after-loader device useful for loading an implant into a hollow needle after the needle is inserted into patient tissue, the after-loader device comprising:
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an elongated body including distal portion and a main portion; and a bore that extends axially through said body; wherein a distal portion of said bore, which extends through said distal portion of said body, is configured to receive, and thereby connect to, a cylindrical needle hub of a hollow needle; and wherein a depth of said distal portion of said bore is sufficient to enable said body to rigidly connect to a cylindrical needle hub of a hollow needle without requiring additional support. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A brachytherapy kit, comprising:
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a plurality of after-loader devices, each of which is useful for loading an implant into a hollow needle after the needle is inserted into patient tissue; and a plurality of treatment members, each said member including a plurality of radioactive sources spaced apart from one another; wherein each said member is loaded into a bore of one of said after-loader devices, and maintained in said bore by end-plugs or by friction between the member and said bore wherein for each said after-loader device; said elongated body includes proximal portion and a main portion; and said bore extends axially through said body; a distal portion of said bore, which extends through a distal portion of said body, is configured to receive, and thereby connect to, a cylindrical needle hub of a hollow needle; and wherein a depth of said distal portion of said bore is sufficient to enable said body to rigidly connect to a cylindrical needle hub of a hollow needle without requiring additional support. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A brachytherapy kit, comprising;
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a plurality of after-loader devices, each of which is useful for loading an implant into a hollow needle after the needle is inserted into patient tissue; and a plurality of treatment members, each said member including a plurality of radioactive sources spaced apart from one another; wherein each said member is loaded into a bore of one of said after-loader devices, and maintained in said bore by end-plugs or by friction between the member and said bore; and at least one adaptor configured to connect a said after-loader device to a second type of hollow needle. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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Specification