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US 8,465,407 B2Granted
Systems and methods for delivering radiation therapy
AssigneeVarian Medical Systems, Inc.
InventorsGail S. Lebovic, George D. Hermann, Douglas S. Sutton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.
Claims61
A gynecological brachytherapy applicator comprising:
- a foam matrix defining a conformable elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage at least partially therethrough, and at least one peripheral passage at least partially therethrough, wherein the elongate body has an initial expanded configuration, an unexpanded configuration for advancement of the applicator to a target tissue, and an expanded deployed configuration,
- a central catheter at least partially residing in the central passage,
- at least one peripheral catheter at least partially residing in the at least one peripheral passage within the elongate body, and
- an inflation/deflation catheter received in the elongate body configured to infuse or withdraw an inflation medium to allow the elongate body to expand or collapse between the expanded deployed configuration and the unexpanded configuration;
- wherein the elongate body provides a collapsible and expandable matrix of support to stabilize a position and spacing of the central catheter and the at least one peripheral catheter within the elongate body.
2 more elements
A system for delivering radiation therapy to a gynecological tissue comprising:
- one or more gynecological brachytherapy applicators, the brachytherapy applicators comprising a foam matrix defining a conformable elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage at least partially therethrough, and at least one peripheral passage at least partially therethrough, wherein the elongate body has an initial expanded configuration, an unexpanded configuration for advancement of the applicator to a target tissue, and an expanded deployed configuration;
- a central catheter at least partially residing in the central passage;
- at least one peripheral catheter at least partially residing in the at least one peripheral passage within the elongate body;
- and an inflation/deflation catheter received in the elongate body configured to infuse or withdraw an inflation medium to allow the elongate body to expand or collapse between the expanded deployed configuration and the unexpanded configuration, wherein the elongate body provides a collapsible and expandable matrix of support to stabilize a position and spacing of the central catheter and the at least one peripheral catheter within the elongate body;
- one or more removable sheaths for housing the one or more brachytherapy applicators during advancement to the target tissue;
- one or more removable handles for positioning or repositioning the one or more brachytherapy applicators;
- and
- instructions for using the one or more brachytherapy applicators.
5 more elements
A method for delivering radiation therapy to a gynecological tissue comprising:
- advancing a gynecological brachytherapy applicator adjacent to a target tissue, the gynecological brachytherapy applicator comprising a foam matrix defining a conformable elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage at least partially therethrough, and at least one peripheral passage at least partially therethrough, wherein the elongate body has an initial expanded configuration, an unexpanded configuration for advancement of the applicator to the target tissue, and an expanded deployed configuration;
- a central catheter at least partially residing in the central passage;
- at least one peripheral catheter at least partially residing in the at least one peripheral passage within the elongate body, and an inflation/deflation catheter received in the elongate body configured to infuse or withdraw an inflation medium to allow the elongate body to expand or collapse between the expanded deployed configuration and the unexpanded configuration, wherein the elongate body provides a collapsible and expandable matrix of support to stabilize a position and spacing of the central catheter and the at least one peripheral catheter within the elongate body;
- and delivering radiation therapy to the target tissue using the brachytherapy applicator.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.