Importance

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Abstract

An afterloading device for handling radioactive material used in connection with the irradiation of malignant tumors has (1) a radiation-shielded container, (2) a number of channels within the container for transporting radioactive material-containing ribbons to and from the radiation therapy patient, (3) a device for propelling such ribbons along the channels and into external tubes leading into the patient, and (4) a coupling element connecting the channels to the external tubes leading into the patient, which coupling element is detachable from the container, channels, and propelling device. The propelling device is preferably ring magnets movable along the exterior of the channels. The coupling element can be made up of three perforated plates arranged in parallel: a fixed first outside plate at whose performations are attached the channels; a second fixed outside plate at whose perforations are attached the external tubes; and a slideable center plate adapted to clamp ribbons located between the two fixed outside plates. Each ribbon has a substantially elongated body containing radioactive material and a non-radioactive ferromagnetic material.

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First Claim