Abstract: An instrument used for brachytherapy delivery in the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy including a handle having first and second handle actuators; an end effector; and an instrument shaft that connects the handle with the end effector. The end effector has first and second adjacent disposed staple cartridges that each retain a set of staples. The first mechanism is for holding standard staples in a first array, and dispensing the standard staples under control of the corresponding first handle actuator. The second mechanism is for holding radioactive source staples in a second array, and dispensing said radioactive source staples under control of the corresponding second handle actuator. The actuating device is removably attachable to an actuator arm on a proximal end. A staple applicator cartridge holder is attached to the actuator arm on a distal end. The staple applicator cartridge is mountable in the holder and having a plurality of slots for mounting of radioactive source staples therein.

Abstract: Radioactive sources are manufactured for treating a tumor or cancerous area occurring around a conduit or duct in the body by emitting X-rays to destroy or reduce the tumors. The sources contain ytterbium which is substantially enriched in 168Ytterbium and which is activated by exposure to neutron flux so as to contain a minor, but significant, fraction of X-ray and gamma-emitting 169Ytterbium. The radioactive 169Ytterbium source is inserted through a catheter or applicator or needle to the site of the cancer where it is maintained in position for a period of time to reduce the occurrence of cancer. The ytterbium also acts as an X-ray-opaque marker to facilitate external visualization of the sources during their delivery to the treatment site. The sources are encased in a shell to prevent direct contact of the radioactive material with human tissue. This encapsulation may be formed by welding a pair of end caps to a tubular member.

Abstract: A system for brachytherapy is provided. The system includes an implantation device having a tubular member, a radioactive source within the member, and a socket at opposing ends of the tubular member. A plurality of implantation devices may be joined into an assembly by use of a spacer positioned within the sockets of adjoining devices. The device may be deployed at an implantation site by use of a delivery mechanism, such as needle. The presence of the tubular members and spacers minimizes movement of the radioactive source subsequent to deployment, so as not to alter dose distribution for subsequent irradiation.

Abstract: A system for brachytherapy is provided. The system includes an implantation device having a spacer and a socket at opposing ends of the spacer. The device further includes a seed securely positioned within the socket. A plurality of spacers and seeds may be joined into an assembly. The device may be deployed at an implantation site by use of a delivery mechanism, such as needle. The presence of the spacers minimizes movement of the seeds subsequent to deployment, so as not to alter dose distribution for subsequent irradiation.

Abstract: This application relates to devices and methods for locally delivering therapeutic radiation to tissue in the body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the subject devices are implanted into a cavity in the patient left by surgical removal of tumorous tissue or other diseased tissue, to deliver radiation to the tissue surrounding the cavity. In certain embodiments, the devices are elastic or can otherwise be shaped to conform to the shape of the cavity in the patient.