Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A disposable, plastic interstitial brachytherapy device includes an applicator, having the general appearance of a hypodermic syringe, and a transparent plastic cartridge, detachably connected to the applicator, for holding a plurality of radioactive tumor-killing seeds. The seeds in the cartridge are urged toward a seed discharge chamber by a loop-shaped bias member that forms an integral part of the cartridge. The seed discharge chamber is a bore formed in the radially innermost end of the cartridge. That bore is aligned with an elongate throughbore formed in the applicator when the cartridge is inserted into a radially extending opening formed in the applicator. A manually-operated elongate plunger rod is slidably mounted in the elongate throughbore and drives seeds from the seed discharge chamber, through the needle, and into the tumor. The device is usable with conventional luer lock needles.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim