US 2001/0055359 A1 · Flexible source wire for radiation

Abstract

A flexible source wire is provided containing a radioactive source that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire includes a thin flexible housing tube, housing therein a flexible backbone wire, both the tube and the wire being constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive source is provided in the proximal end of the thin flexible housing tube. This radioactive source is contained in a capsule abutting the proximal end of the backbone wire all within a thin wall encapsulating material. Both ends of the source wire are welded shut to form a tight seal and rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body. The housing tube is coated before the loading of the radioactive material with a non-oxidizing agent such as gold.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A flexible source wire for radiation treatment of diseases within a body comprising:

a flexible, hollow, elongated housing tube having a distal end and a proximal end, said housing tube constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent;
a flexible backbone wire having a proximal end, said proximal end of said wire being disposed in said housing tube;
and
a radiation source or sources provided within said housing tube, said proximal end of said flexible backbone wire being adjacent to said radiation source or sources.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flexible source wire for radiation

Life of this patent

Flexible source wire for radiation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31