Brachytherapy systems and methods
AssigneeImplant Sciences Corporation
InventorJohn J. Munro III
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for brachytherapy is provided. The system includes an implantation device having a tubular member, a radioactive source within the member, and a socket at opposing ends of the tubular member. A plurality of implantation devices may be joined into an assembly by use of a spacer positioned within the sockets of adjoining devices. The device may be deployed at an implantation site by use of a delivery mechanism, such as needle. The presence of the tubular members and spacers minimizes movement of the radioactive source subsequent to deployment, so as not to alter dose distribution for subsequent irradiation.
Claims23
An implantable device for radiation therapy comprising:
- a substantially tubular member having opposing ends and a central section positioned between the opposing ends;
- a radioactive source positioned within the tubular member at the central section;
- and
- a socket at each of the opposing ends, the sockets being defined by a difference in length between the tubular member and the radioactive source.
An assembly for radiation therapy comprising:
- a plurality of tubular members, each having opposing ends, and a central section positioned between the opposing ends;
- a radioactive source positioned within the tubular member at the central section;
- and
- a socket at each of the opposing ends, the sockets being defined by a difference in length between a tubular member and the radioactive source therein;
- and
- a spacer positioned between two tubular members, such that the spacer is partially retained within one socket of each tubular member, to permit joining of the tubular members in series along a common axis.
A method for manufacturing a brachytherapy implant, the method comprising:
- providing a tubular member having opposing ends and a central section between the opposing ends;
- placing within the member a radioactive source having a length relatively shorter than that of the member, such that the difference in length between the radioactive source and the tubular member defines a socket at each of the opposing ends of the tubular member;
- and
- positioning a spacer within a socket.
A method for treating pathological tissues, the method comprising:
- identifying a site having pathological tissues;
- providing an implantable device comprising at least one substantially tubular member having opposing ends, a central section positioned between the opposing ends, a radioactive source positioned at the central section, such that a socket is defined at each of the opposing ends by the difference in length between the radioactive source and the tubular member;
- positioning the implantable device within a lumen of delivery mechanism;
- inserting the delivery mechanism at the site having the pathological tissues to a depth which permits access to the pathological tissues;
- and
- delivering the implantable device from the lumen of the delivery mechanism to the site of pathological tissues.
A method for treating pathological tissues, the method comprising:
- providing an implantable device comprising at least one substantially tubular member having opposing ends, a central section positioned between the opposing ends, a radioactive source positioned at the central section, such that a socket is defined at each of the opposing ends by the difference in length between the radioactive source and the tubular member;
- surgically exposing a site having pathological tissues;
- positioning the implantable device within the exposed site;
- and
- closing the exposed site to retain the implantable device therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.