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Rectal balloon with radiation sensor and/or markers

DC
  • US 8,603,129 B2
  • Filed: 04/11/2012
  • Issued: 12/10/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A prostate immobilizing rectal balloon, said rectal balloon comprising:

  • a. a flexible shaft having a fluid passageway extending therethrough and having a distal end and a proximal end,b. a balloon having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a distal end near said distal end of said shaft and a proximal end that is affixed to the proximal end of said shaft, such that said fluid passageway communicates with an interior of said balloon,c. wherein said balloon comprises a top layer connected to a bottom layer to form said balloon,d. said balloon further comprising a middle layer extending between said top layer and said bottom layer, wherein said middle layer is connected to said top layer to form a groove overlying said shaft and making said upper surface generally flattened as compared with said bottom surface,e. wherein said balloon has a non-inflated condition,f. wherein said balloon has an inflated condition, wherein said groove has depth and forms a central seating area that is configured to engage with a prostate, andg. said balloon further comprising i) a radiation sensor in said groove for determining radiation dose from an external beam radiation device, or ii) one or more fiducial markers, or iii) both of i) and ii).

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