Apparatus and a method for automatically introducing implants into soft tissue with adjustable spacing

US6270472A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education · US

Inventors

• James F. Antaki · Pittsburgh, US
• Joel S. Greenberger · Dorpsstraat, US
• John A. Holmes · Pittsburgh, US
• Philip Schauer · Hunting Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 29, 1998
• Grant date: Aug 7, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 29, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2005/1011
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus and a method for depositing multiple implants carrying radioactive isotopes, pharmalogical agents or transgenes, in soft tissue including tumors and organs with precise, selectable spacing between implants includes an introducer in the form of a tube which is inserted into the soft tissue and an obturator for pushing implants out of the introducer one at a time. An operating mechanism incrementally withdraws the introducer while the obturator remains stationary thereby depositing a single implant. The obturator is then coupled to the introducer for the remainder of the stroke to provide the spacing. In a preferred embodiment, the introducer is resequenced to lay down parallel rows of implants. An indicator records the total number of implants deposited. The distal end of the introducer is configured to retain the implants and allow them to be discharged into the soft tissue singly. The invention is particularly suited, but not limited, to depositing the implants using laporascopic or thorascopic techniques.