Expandable brachytherapy apparatus and methods for using them
US7862498B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1018
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region includes an elongate body including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a tissue tract and carrying a plurality of elongate members including pathways for receiving a source of radiation. The elongate members are movable between collapsed and expanded configurations. During use, a tract is created through tissue, and the elongate body carrying the elongate members is advanced through the tract into a target location with the elongate members in the collapsed configuration. The elongate members are directed to the expanded configuration at the target location, and radiation is delivered to treat tissue at the target location, e.g., by introducing one or more radiation sources along the pathways. The apparatus may include features to prevent overexpansion of the elongate members and/or to facilitate rapid collapse of the elongate members.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.