Echogenic medical device
First Claim
1. An implantable brachytherapy seed device configured to be imaged, the device comprising:
- a parabolic surface defining a hermetically sealed body chamber filled with a gas; and
a radioisotopic component inside the body chamber that is surrounded by the gas wherein the gas has a density difference with the body chamber and the tissue into which the implantable brachytherapy seed device is implantable so that the implantable brachytherapy seed is more easily imagable using acoustic energy, the medical device having a proximal and a distal end and the medical device is capable of being implanted into a live body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Echogenic medical devices, methods of fabrication and methods of use are disclosed. The device can be adapted to be inserted into a patient. The echogenic construction can be incorporated into the device at the time of fabrication providing acoustic impedance different from that of the surrounding biological tissue or fluid. The medical device is designed for use with an ultrasound imaging system to provide real-time location of the insertion and guidance at the time the device is implanted in a patient, such as in brachytherapy. Following placement of the device the position can be evaluated over time to insure the device remains in proper alignment and functional. Furthermore, the device is designed to incorporate a spacer element at one or both ends to provide separation between radioactive elements.
91 Citations
42 Claims
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1. An implantable brachytherapy seed device configured to be imaged, the device comprising:
- a parabolic surface defining a hermetically sealed body chamber filled with a gas; and
a radioisotopic component inside the body chamber that is surrounded by the gas wherein the gas has a density difference with the body chamber and the tissue into which the implantable brachytherapy seed device is implantable so that the implantable brachytherapy seed is more easily imagable using acoustic energy, the medical device having a proximal and a distal end and the medical device is capable of being implanted into a live body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
- a parabolic surface defining a hermetically sealed body chamber filled with a gas; and
Specification