Device and method for loading hollow implantation needles with chains of radiation sources for interstitial brachytherapy of tissue

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for loading hollow implantation needles with radiation sources made of radiation source chains, and a radiation source chain for interstitial brachytherapy of tissue. It is the object of the invention to develop a device and a method for packing and feeding of radiation sources made of radiation source chains as well as a radiation source chain for interstitial brachytherapy of tissue, whereby a precisely metered quantity of connected radiation sources (seeds) that has been predefined for implantation, and optionally of spacers, can be inserted without remnants into hollow needles located inside or all designed of tissue to be treated, by simple and reliable manipulation without manual intervention. The design safely guides the contiguous seeds through hollow needles with low-friction, reduces the risk of a malfunction and allows optimal cleaning and/or sterilization, while also reliably protecting the surroundings from radiation. The problem is solved, among others, by a device which has at least one supported, drivable cylindrical magazine (10) for winding the radiation source chain (1), at least one drive system for transporting the radiation source chain (1) from the magazine (10) into a guide system (12) and feeding the radiation source chain (1) into the tip of a hollow needle (19) coupled to the guide system (12). Also provided are a device (8) for separating/cutting the radiation source chain (1) at a defined location as well as a control device for preventing damage to the sheath of the radiation sources (seeds). All essential components of the device are surrounded by a radiation-absorbing housing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.