Method and apparatus for modifying distance from a brachytherapy radiation source to sensitive anatomical structures
US7771340B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A balloon brachytherapy applicator has either a single or double chambers, with the capability of “blistering” outwardly at a specified area on one side of the balloon. This is useful to move sensitive tissue farther away from a radiation source within a source guide inside the balloon. In one case a secondary compartment is formed on the primary balloon, and is separately inflatable so as to allow blistering as desired when needed. In another form the balloon comprises a single chamber but with a “window” or area in which the balloon wall is elastic, or substantially more elastic than the main balloon wall, so that inflation of the balloon up to a certain point forms a substantially regular balloon shape, and the addition of further pressure will blister out the elastic area to increase the distance between the shaft and the sensitive tissue in a desired orientation of the balloon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.