Brachytherapy apparatus and methods of using same

A kit for delivering brachytherapy to a target region of breast tissue, the kit comprising:

• a removably implantable elongate brachytherapy device comprising:
• a therapy delivery portion comprising one or more radioactive seeds, wherein each seed defines a through hole;
• a casing enclosing the one or more radioactive seeds;
• and
• a device hub coupled to the therapy delivery portion;
• and
• a needle selectively insertable through the through holes of the one or more radioactive seeds, the casing, and the device hub.

A method of providing brachytherapy to a target region of breast tissue within a body, the method comprising:

• coupling an elongate brachytherapy device to a needle, the device comprising:
• a therapy delivery portion comprising one or more radioactive sources;
• and
• a casing surrounding and restraining the one or more radioactive sources;
• inserting the needle and associated brachytherapy device into the breast tissue;
• immobilizing the brachytherapy device;
• and
• withdrawing the needle from the breast tissue, whereby the brachytherapy device remains implanted.

An apparatus for delivering a plurality of brachytherapy treatment devices into a target tissue region of a body, the apparatus comprising:

• a first compression member and a second compression member to compress a portion of the body containing the target tissue region;
• a needle guide securable relative to the first compression member and defining an array of guide openings;
• and
• a needle driver for advancing two or more needles simultaneously through the needle guide and the first and second compression members.

A method of delivering a plurality of brachytherapy devices to a target tissue region within a breast, the method comprising:

• immobilizing the breast;
• locating a needle guide proximate the breast, the needle guide defining an array of guide openings corresponding to the target tissue region;
• advancing a plurality of needles simultaneously through the needle guide and the target tissue region, wherein each needle of the plurality of needles includes one of the plurality of brachytherapy devices coupled thereto;
• and
• withdrawing the plurality of needles simultaneously while leaving the plurality of brachytherapy devices implanted in the target tissue region of the breast.

A method of delivering a plurality of brachytherapy devices to a target tissue region within a breast, the method comprising:

• immobilizing the breast between first and second compression paddles;
• locating a needle guide proximate the first compression paddle, the needle guide defining an array of guide openings corresponding to the target tissue region;
• advancing a plurality of needles simultaneously through the needle guide, the first compression paddle, the breast, and the second compression paddle, wherein each needle includes one of the plurality of brachytherapy devices coupled thereto;
• and
• withdrawing the plurality of needles while leaving the plurality of brachytherapy devices implanted in the target tissue region of the breast.