Methods and apparatus for loading radioactive seeds into brachytherapy needles
US6638206B2 · kind B2 · utility
50Cited by
10References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1011
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises a loading tube with a lumen and two transverse slots, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges slidably received within the transverse slots. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy plunger and needle coupled to, respectively, the proximal and distal ends of the loading tube. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.