Direct visualization robotic intra-operative radiation therapy applicator device

An integrated surgical robotic intra-operative radiation therapy system comprising:

• a means for display of medical imaging of at least one tissue of a patient, said means for display being visible to an operator of said system;
• at least one robotic arm which can be manipulated remotely;
• for a patient having a surgical incision, an interchangeable capsule for irradiating said at least one tissue, said capsule for irradiating said at least one tissue and said incision being sized for said capsule to be insertable through said surgical incision;
• said capsule having an aperture opening to a cavity internal to said capsule, said capsule having a shutter for alternately occluding and uncovering said aperture opening to said cavity, and said capsule being mountable on said robotic arm;
• said at least one robotic arm having a first means for robotic arm electrical communication and control;
• said capsule having a second means for electrical communication and control compatible for purposes of interchangeability with said means for robotic arm electrical communication and control;
• a means for positive attachment between said at least one robotic arm and said capsule, said means for positive attachment being compatible for purposes of interchangeability with said at least one robotic arm and said first and second means for electrical communication and control;
• said cavity internal to said capsule and thereby interior to said aperture being sized to contain a radioactive source for irradiating patient tissue;
• said capsule having shielding selected to attenuate radiation exterior to said capsule;
• and
• an electromechanical control for said shutter;
• said shutter having a remotely operable means for controlling said shutter;
• said shutter having a fail-safe closed position;
• a shielded source containment table arrayed adjacent to said patient;
• mobile patient shielding;
• said robot arm which can be manipulated remotely being integrated through said integrated surgical robotic intra-operative radiation therapy system to remove said capsule from said shielded source containment table, and thereafter, in cooperation with capsule, to move said aperture of said capsule adjacent to at least one patient tissue to be irradiated, so that by operating said electromechanical control, said shutter can be opened to expose said patient tissue to a radiation source disposed within said capsule.