Helical brachytherapy apparatus and methods of using same

A system for delivering a brachytherapy device to a target tissue region of a body, the system comprising:

• an alignment needle insertable into the body;
• a drive member displaceable along the alignment needle;
• a helically coiled needle coupled to the drive member such that a helix axis of the needle is coaxial with the alignment needle;
• and
• a tubular sheath operable to surround at least a portion of the helically coiled needle.

A method for delivering brachytherapy within a target region of a breast, the method comprising:

• rotationally advancing a helically coiled needle into the target region, the needle comprising a sharp tip to penetrate the breast as the needle is advanced, and further wherein the needle is surrounded by a tubular sheath;
• withdrawing the needle from the breast, leaving the tubular sheath implanted therein;
• and
• inserting an elongate brachytherapy device into the tubular sheath.

A method for delivering brachytherapy interstitially to tissue surrounding a lumpectomy cavity of a breast, the method comprising:

• advancing a distal tip of an alignment needle into the lumpectomy cavity;
• inflating a balloon located at the distal tip of the alignment needle within the lumpectomy cavity;
• rotationally advancing a helically coiled needle along the alignment needle, the needle comprising a sharp tip to screw into the breast as the needle is advanced, wherein the needle is surrounded by a tubular sheath;
• withdrawing the helically coiled needle from the breast, leaving the tubular sheath implanted;
• and
• inserting an elongate brachytherapy device into the tubular sheath.

A method for providing radiation treatment of target tissue within a breast, the method comprising:

• inserting a coiled sheath into the target tissue,
• inserting a brachytherapy device into the sheath for a predetermined period of time;
• and
• removing the brachytherapy device.