Products and methods for brachytherapy

US6689043B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Amersham PLC · GB

Inventors

• Gregory L. McIntire · West Chester, US
• Robert A. Snow · West Chester, US
• Edward Bacon · Goornong, AU
• Morten Eriksen · Oslo, NO
• Auden Tornes · Oslo, NO
• Geraldine Cooney · Gilbertsville, US
• Christopher Black · Norristown, US
• Joel Cornacoff · Audubon, US
• Virginia Ann Gates · Collegeville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2001
• Grant date: Feb 10, 2004
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2005/1024
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Radioactive sources, preferably radioactive seeds, for use in brachytherapy comprising a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least one part of a surface of the container is roughened, shaped or otherwise treated so that it is no longer smooth. The surface treatment may enhance the ultrasound visibility of the source and/or reduce the tendency of the source to migrate once implanted in a patient's body. Preferred radioisotopes are palladium-103 and iodine-125.