Dosimetry for californium-252 (252Cf) neutron-emitting brachytherapy sources and encapsulation, storage, and clinical delivery thereof

A device for encapsulation of radionuclides for use in brachytherapy, the device comprising:

• a substantially cylindrical, elongated capsule, of a material that is substantially chemically and thermally stable to both neutron and gamma radiation, the capsule including a distal end and a proximal end, with at least one of the ends having a surface of a material configured to substantially prevent heat transfer, the capsule having a contiguous outer surface and defining an internal cavity shaped to accommodate gas buildup, the capsule being configured to retain the gas;
• and
• radioactive means for emitting radioactivity, the radioactive means being localized within the internal cavity of the capsule,
• wherein the proximal end and the distal end of the capsule are substantially sealed to inhibit the release of the radioactive means.

A device for encapsulation of radionuclides for use in brachytherapy, the device comprising:

• a substantially cylindrical, elongated capsule, including a material that is substantially chemically and thermally stable to both neutron and gamma radiation, with a surface of an end of the capsule being configured to substantially prevent conductive heat transfer, the capsule having a contiguous outer surface and defining an internal cavity shaped to accommodate gas buildup;
• and
• a radioactive element configured to emit radioactivity and being localized within the internal cavity of the capsule;
• wherein ends of the capsule are substantially sealed to inhibit the release of the radioactive element;
• and
• wherein the surface of the end of the capsule includes a substantially thermally non-conductive coating.