Apparatus and method for rotating shield brachytherapy

A rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) apparatus comprising:

• a radiation source;
• a drive assembly;
• at least one catheter having an outer surface and opposed proximal and distal end portions and a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the catheter, wherein the distal end portion of the catheter comprises one or more radiation shields and is configured to receive the radiation source, and wherein the drive assembly is configured to engage the proximal end portion of the catheter to selectively rotate the catheter about the longitudinal axis;
• and
• an applicator having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a central axis along a length of the applicator, wherein the inner surface of the applicator defines a bore configured to receive at least a portion of the catheter, wherein the applicator is configured to be at least partially inserted into a patient, and wherein the drive assembly is mounted to the applicator, and
• wherein, upon receipt of the catheter within the bore of the applicator and rotation of the catheter by the drive assembly, the inner surface of the applicator is configured to engage the outer surface of the catheter in a manner sufficient to cause advancement of the catheter in a distal direction along the length of the applicator.