Rotating shield brachytherapy apparatus and method

A rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) apparatus comprising:

• a radiation source coupled to a radiation source wire;
• at least one applicator that is configured to be inserted or implanted into a patient;
• a 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 at least one radiation shield and is configured to receive the radiation source coupled to the radiation source wire;
• a catheter drive assembly that is configured to cause helical motion of the catheter, wherein the catheter drive assembly is configured to engage the proximal end portion of the catheter to selectively rotate the catheter about the longitudinal axis;
• a robotic positioning system that is configured to align the catheter drive assembly, in both position and angular orientation at a modifiable rate, with the at least one applicator, or to any programmed point in space;
• and
• a connection system that is configured to couple the catheter drive assembly to the at least one applicator, and further configured to decouple the catheter drive from the at least one applicator,
• wherein, when the at least one applicator is coupled to the catheter drive assembly, the catheter is configured to be advanced into, and out of, the at least one applicator at a variable rate through operation of the catheter drive assembly.