Brachytherapy needle with impedance measurement apparatus and methods of use
US6709380B2 · kind B2 · utility
10Cited by
24References
6Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1011
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for depositing radioactive seeds into a patient's prostate are provided that include impedance measuring circuitry for detecting whether the distal end of an elongated needle extends into a patient's bladder. The elongated needle includes two conductive traces and a lumen adapted to receive a column of radioactive seeds and spacers. The impedance measuring circuitry is coupled to the conductive traces of the elongated needle and provides a display indicative of the monitored impedance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.