Method and apparatus for loading delivery systems for brachytherapy seeds
US6730013B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1009
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for loading delivery systems, such as seed magazines and suture material, with seeds which greatly increases productivity, reduces process variation and reduces the risk of handling damage to the seeds. Importantly, the apparatus and methods of the present invention reduce potential risks to workers. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an automated method of loading a delivery system for brachytherapy seeds which comprises the steps of a) securing the delivery system to be loaded; b) conmnunicating seeds from a supply of seeds into the delivery system; and c) repeating step b) to load a plurality of seeds. In a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for loading a delivery system for brachytherapy seeds comprising: a) means for retaining a delivery system to be loaded with seeds; and b) means for communicating individual seeds from a supply of seeds to said delivery system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.