Dimpled seed implant needle
US6569077B2 · kind B2 · utility
13Cited by
7References
1Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1011
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A seeding needle has a detent formed near its distal end to prevent radioactive seeds and spacers from sliding out of the needle under the influence of gravity. In a first embodiment, the detent is provided in the form of a dimple that provides an interior protuberance that holds the seeds and spacers and a smooth exterior recess that does not cut tissue as the needle is advanced or retracted. In a second embodiment, a coined slot provides an interior protuberance and an exterior recess also having smooth, non-cutting edges. A third embodiment provides a plug that enables reduction of the size of the detent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.