Abstract:
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated strand made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predeterrnined array within the strand. The delivery system and method further customize the strand based on a prescription. The strands can have custom end spacings, which allow the optimal placing of seeds within the treatment tissue by implanting a plurality of strands to the same depth. A plurality of these strands can be implanted at the same time by the use of a guiding device.
Abstract:
A delivery system and method for brachytherapy having an elongate member made of two half-shells (201A and 201B) having seeds (206) and spacers (209).
Abstract:
A needle assembly (10) including a cannula (12) having a sharpened distal end (20a), a line of elements (28) n the cannula (12) extending reward from the distal end (20a). A yieldable positioner (32) positions the elements (28) more proximate the distal end (20a). The positioner (32) may be in various forms including a plug (32), a tab (214) in the cannula (12) and a distortion (364). A stylet (22) engages the line of elements (28).
Abstract:
A therapeutic member for use in brachytherapy deliverable to an implant site by way of a needle comprises a single radioactive source encapsulated by a bio-absorbable material having an outer surface including one or more ribs encircling the single radioactive source, a leading edge endcap rib and a trailing edge endcap rib. The one or more ribs reduces a tendency of the member to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. The encapsulating material further includes a first rail formed from the bio-absorbable material extending at least from opposite sides of the outer surface of the encapsulating material along the longitudinal axis of the therapeutic member, and a second rail formed from the bio-absorbable material extending at least from opposite sides of the outer surface of the encapsulating material along the longitudinal axis of the therapeutic member, the second rail arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the first rail is arranged.
Abstract:
Provided herein are bio-absorbable strands for use in brachytherapy. In an embodiment, a plurality of discrete hollow bio-absorbable segments spaced apart from one another and encapsulated using a bio-absorbable material to form an elongated member configured to be implantable in patient tissue using a hollow needle. Each hollow bio-absorbable segment has a length, an outer periphery and an inner channel. Radioactive material is within at least a portion of the inner channel or coating at least a portion of the outer periphery of each hollow bio-absorbable segment. Contrast material is within at least a portion of the inner channel or coating at least a portion of the outer periphery of each hollow bio-absorbable segment.
Abstract:
After-loader devices, kits, and methods for using the same are provided. Such after-loader devices are useful for loading implants into hollow needles, especially after the needles are inserted into patient tissue. The after-loader devices can be pre-loaded with implants, before the after-loaders are connected to hubs of hollow needles, or loaded thereafter.
Abstract:
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of radioactive seeds (12) having projections (13) or indentations connected by a polymer. The seed strand is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbablely in living tissue.
Abstract:
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the member. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.
Abstract:
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of radioactive seeds or encapsulated seeds having ends with projections or indentations connected by a polymer. The seed strand is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.
Abstract:
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds (308) dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells (301A, 301B) made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system (322) for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside also includes a robotic arm (326), sotware controller (328), and computer (330). The delivery system and method further customize the seed strands based on a prescription.