Brachytherapy seed needle with window
US6402677B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1011
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A brachytherapy needle comprises a hollow cannula defining a lumen through which radioactive seeds are delivered. A push stylet is telescopically received within the hollow cannula for advancing the radioactive seeds through the lumen of the cannula. The hollow cannula has a window formed in a side wall through which at least a portion of the lumen can be visualized. In the preferred embodiment the window comprises a slot formed in the side wall of the cannula through which radioactive seeds and intervening spacers can be viewed. Also in the preferred embodiment, a transparent covering, advantageously a sleeve of transparent, heat-shrinkable plastic, is disposed over the slot to prevent tissue from lapsing into the slot during implantation of the seeds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.