Grooved brachytherapy sources
AssigneeGe Healthcare Limited
InventorsAudun Tornes, Morten Eriksen
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Abstract
Radioactive sources, preferably radioactive seeds, for use in brachytherapy comprising a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least one part of the outer surface of the container is grooved, preferably with a curved groove. The grooved outer surface is preferably substantially free from angularities. Such grooves enhance the echogenicity of the source using medical ultrasound at a greater range of angles to the ultrasound probe, thus enhancing the ultrasound visibility of the source. Preferred radioisotopes are palladium-103 and iodine-125.
Claims14
A radioactive source suitable for use in brachytherapy, which comprises a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the container comprises a series of grooves which have:
- (i) a depth of 5 to 100 micrometers,
- (ii) a width of 200 to 500 micrometers,
- (iii) a spacing of 300 to 700 micrometers.
The tubing of claims 16 or 17, where the tubing material comprises annealed titanium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.