Abstract: A template, to be provided at some distance from the skin, provided with multiple guide holes for needles or catheters of which one or more can anchor in the prostate. The template is provided with a locking mechanism so that, after placement, the anchored needles keep all needles in their original places. The above-described method of fixedly positioning a treatment template prevents the needles from moving due to swelling of the tissue in the prostate, which causes the irradiation source, which is later provided in the needles, to improperly irradiate the area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a source guide apparatus for guiding and locating a radiation source in a human body, wherein a catheter is provided in a body and connected to the apparatus, and wherein the proximal end is kept in a predetermined position with respect to the body. According to the invention, a treatment window is set, which is situated within the body, within which the source can be kept in respective positions, wherein the treatment window has a fixed window width and a reference position situated at a predetermined distance with respect to the proximal end of the catheter. The source guide apparatus guides the source through the catheter to a predetermined position in the body, measured relative to the treatment window.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for irradiating cervical cancer, comprising multiple source guide tubes with a coupling piece situated outside the patient that connects the tubes outside the patient. The source guide tubes are formed such that the portions of the tubes situated in the patient upon insertion hook to each other so that the tubes are locked relative to each other. In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a central catheter tube to be guided into the uterus, which is provided with a flange-shaped stop for stabilizing the central tube relative to the uterus, the stop being formed for securing a position of the central tube relative to the further source guide tubes.

Abstract: A catheter needle, for irradiating tumors, formed by an elongated plastic tube with parts partly unfoldable outwards which can lock themselves in the tissue, and a closed end. The closed end has a reinforced sharp pointed shape with which tissue can be punctured. In the improved version, therefore, a point from a harder material is provided which is provided in or around the plastic so that the catheter needle has sufficient sharpness like a conventional metal needle. Thus, the catheter needle can puncture the skin and harder, deeper-lying tissues directly without pre-puncturing or other aids.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for transporting and positioning a capsule, in which a radioactive source is present, from a screened safe into an applicator to be temporarily placed in the body of the patient. The apparatus is provided with a safe for storing at least one capsule and with a larger number of applicators, which can be connected, via transport tubes, to passages in a switch-connecting plate, wherein the capsules, or a dummy instead of one of the capsules, can each, via their own tube and switch, independently of one another, be introduced into a transport tube selected by the respective switch and can be displaced therein independently of one another in a manner programmable with regard to location and residence time, by a transport wire slidable via a drive motor.

Abstract: A template, to be provided at some distance from the skin, provided with multiple guide holes for needles or catheters of which one or more can anchor in the prostate. The template is provided with a locking mechanism so that, after placement, the anchored needles keep all needles in their original places. The above-described method of fixedly positioning a treatment template prevents the needles from moving due to swelling of the tissue in the prostate, which causes the irradiation source, which is later provided in the needles, to improperly irradiate the area.

Abstract: A source guide apparatus for brachytherapy application, wherein the source guide apparatus is provided with a source capsule, a guidewire for moving the source capsule through a catheter, a mechanical connection between the guidewire and the source capsule, wherein the source guide apparatus is provided with a sleeve which is attached on the capsule, wherein the sleeve envelops at least a part of the mechanical connection.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for irradiating cervical cancer, comprising multiple source guide tubes with a coupling piece situated outside the patient that connects the tubes outside the patient. The source guide tubes are formed such that the portions of the tubes situated in the patient upon insertion hook to each other so that the tubes are locked relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a source guide apparatus for guiding and locating a radiation source in a human body, wherein a catheter is provided in a body and connected to the apparatus, and wherein the proximal end is kept in a predetermined position with respect to the body. According to the invention, a treatment window is set, which is situated within the body, within which the source can be kept in respective positions, wherein the treatment window has a fixed window width and a reference position situated at a predetermined distance with respect to the proximal end of the catheter. The source guide apparatus guides the source through the catheter to a predetermined position in the body, measured relative to the treatment window.

Abstract: A catheter needle, for irradiating tumors, formed by an elongated plastic tube with parts partly unfoldable outwards which can lock themselves in the tissue, and a closed end. The closed end has a reinforced sharp pointed shape with which tissue can be punctured. In the improved version, therefore, a point from a harder material is provided which is provided in or around the plastic so that the catheter needle has sufficient sharpness like a conventional metal needle. Thus, the catheter needle can puncture the skin and harder, deeper-lying tissues directly without pre-puncturing or other aids.