Abstract: A brachytherapy implant includes a plurality of protrusions to reduce a tendency of the implant to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to spacers that resist migration and rotation. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.

Abstract: A therapeutic strand implant, for use in brachytherapy and deliverable to an implant site by way of a needle, includes a plurality of radioactive sources, and a polymeric material molded to encapsulate the radioactive sources. A space is defined by the polymeric material between each adjacent pair of the radioactive sources. A plurality of protrusions is defined by an outer surface of the encapsulating polymeric material.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a brachytherapy device includes a cartridge adapted for use with a brachytherapy applicator. A plurality of therapeutic members are stacked parallel to one another within the cartridge. Each therapeutic member includes a radioactive seed that is at least partially encapsulated by a polymeric material. Additionally, each therapeutic member can include at least one protrusion on an outer surface of the encapsulating polymeric material to reduce a tendency for the therapeutic member to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after the therapeutic member is implanted.

Abstract: In an embodiment a therapeutic member includes a solitary radioactive seed. The seed includes a metallic housing with radioactive material contained within the metallic housing. The metallic housing has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end and a longitudinal length between the first and second longitudinal ends. A polymeric material is molded to completely and monolithically encapsulate the metallic housing of the solitary radioactive seed. The implantable therapeutic member is adapted to be implanted into patient tissue using a hollow needle. A portion of the molded polymeric material extends from one of the first and second longitudinal ends of the metallic housing to reduce a tendency of the seed to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation of the member.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an implantable marker, which is adapted to be implanted into patient tissue using a hollow needle, includes a marker body including a radiopaque material and a polymeric material that encapsulates at least a portion of the marker body. In an embodiment, an outer surface of the encapsulating material includes one or more protrusions to reduce a tendency of the marker to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation.

Abstract: In one embodiment an after-loader for providing an implant to a hollow needle, the after-loader comprising a body having a distal end including a bevel for receiving a hub of a seed lock needle, and a bore therethrough for receiving a hub of a MICK® needle; a proximal end having a funnel shaped opening; a shield adapted to be provided over the body; and wherein the distal end further includes a taper along a portion of a distance from the distal end to the proximal end for providing a friction fit to a shield. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.

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: Echogenic strands and spacers are provided for use in brachytherapy. Methods of making the strands and spacers are also provided. An echogenic strand for use in brachytherapy and a method for making the strand includes an encapsulating material, a seed disposed within the encapsulating material, and a spacer disposed within the encapsulating material and arranged adjacent to the seed. The spacer has an axial length, an outer surface and an inner surface. A chamber is formed along the axial length, the chamber being defined by the inner surface. The chamber is adapted to improve ultrasound visibility relative to the spacer.

Abstract: A brachytherapy implant includes a plurality of protrusions to reduce a tendency of the implant to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to spacers that resist migration and rotation. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an implantable marker, which is adapted to be implanted into patient tissue using a hollow needle, includes a marker body including a radiopaque material and a polymeric material that encapsulates at least a portion of the marker body. In an embodiment, an outer surface of the encapsulating material includes one or more protrusions to reduce a tendency of the marker to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a brachytherapy device includes a cartridge adapted for use with a brachytherapy applicator. A plurality of anchor seeds are stacked parallel to one another within the cartridge. Each anchor seed includes a radioactive seed that is at least partially encapsulated by a polymeric material. Additionally, each anchor seed can include at least one protrusion on an outer surface of the encapsulating polymeric material to a reduce a tendency for the anchor seed to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after the anchor seed is implanted.

Abstract: In one embodiment an after-loader for providing an implant to a hollow needle, the after-loader comprising a body having a distal end including a bevel for receiving a hub of a seed lock needle, and a bore therethrough for receiving a hub of a MICK® needle; a proximal end having a funnel shaped opening; a shield adapted to be provided over the body; and wherein the distal end further includes a taper along a portion of a distance from the distal end to the proximal end for providing a friction fit to a shield. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.

Abstract: In one embodiment an applicator includes a needle receiver adapted to be removably mateable with a needle positioned at the surgical site, a housing adapted to receive a push rod, and a clip for receiving one or more implants, the clip having a plurality of ports adapted to bridge the needle receiver and the housing so that the needle receiver can receive the push rod, wherein the clip can be rotatably repositioned so that the plurality of ports can selectively bridge the needle receiver and the housing. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.