Combined cryotherapy and brachytherapy device and method
First Claim
1. A combined cryotherapy and brachytherapy method, comprising:
- ablating tissue in an ablation zone of a cryoprobe inserted into a tumor, the cryoprobe extending into the tumor and having a closed end;
separating the cryoprobe from a handle;
fixing a location of the cryoprobe; and
positioning at least one radioactive element in the cryoprobe, after the ablating,wherein, in the positioning, the radioactive element is guided into the tumor by the cryoprobe, without contacting the tumor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Combined brachytherapy and ablation devices and methods. A combined brachytherapy and cryotherapy method, includes: inserting an ablation device into tissue of a subject; ablating tissue within an ablation zone of the device; detaching and removing a first part of the device while leaving a second part of the device in the tissue, the first part contacting the ablation zone; and inserting a brachytherapy rod into the second part of the device when the second part is detached from the first part, the brachytherapy rod connected to base at one end and retaining at least one radioactive seed at an opposing end, the brachytherapy rod configured and dimensioned so that when it is inserted into the device up to the base, the at least one radioactive seed is in the ablation zone.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A combined cryotherapy and brachytherapy method, comprising:
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ablating tissue in an ablation zone of a cryoprobe inserted into a tumor, the cryoprobe extending into the tumor and having a closed end; separating the cryoprobe from a handle; fixing a location of the cryoprobe; and positioning at least one radioactive element in the cryoprobe, after the ablating, wherein, in the positioning, the radioactive element is guided into the tumor by the cryoprobe, without contacting the tumor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A device, comprising:
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a handle; a cryoprobe that (i) has a proximal end that is selectively detachable from the handle, (ii) has an ablation zone when activated, and (iii) has a closed, pointed tip at a distal end, the tip adapted and configured to pierce a tumor so that at least a portion of the cryoprobe may be inserted into the tumor such that the tumor is disposed within the ablation zone; a brachytherapy rod adapted and configured to be removably insertable into at least a portion of the cryoprobe when it is detached from the handle, the rod having at least one radioactive seed at an end, wherein the cryoprobe guides the brachytherapy rod in the tumor, wherein both the cryoprobe and the brachytherapy rod may be in the tumor contemporaneously, and wherein, when the brachytherapy rod is inserted into the cryoprobe, the at least one radioactive seed is disposed at a specified position in the ablation zone and in the tumor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification