Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for irradiating living tissue via a cavity or lumen, using an inflatable balloon applicator. In a preferred embodiment the applicator balloon has a balloon skin with x-ray contrast material in relatively low concentration, so that an outline of the balloon will appear sharply when imaged externally. In another preferred embodiment the balloon catheter has a drain for withdrawing liquids from the cavity, which may include channels or texture on the exterior of the balloon. Methods are described for using a switchable miniature x-ray tube, variable as to voltage and current, to achieve accuracy in an isodose profile.

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 brachytherapy apparatus includes a distal support member and a proximal support member movable relative to the distal support member. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongate treatment members having distal first locations coupled to the distal support member, proximal second locations coupled to the proximal support member, and pathways between the proximal second locations and the distal first locations adapted to receive one or more radiation sources. Each of the treatment members is movable between a generally straight configuration and a curvilinear configuration. An expandable member encloses and provides a spatial volume for the plurality of the treatment members and is adjustable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A method for radiotherapy treatment of a target organ in the vicinity of the rectum in an individual comprises withdrawing the rectum in a dorsal direction to increase a distance between the rectum and the target organ, and administering a therapeutical dose of radiation to the target organ while the rectum is in the withdrawn position. In one embodiment, the target organ is the prostate. A system for use in radiotherapy treatment of a target organ in the vicinity of the rectum in an individual comprises a cylindrical rectal rod adapted for insertion into a rectum of the individual, and a support surface operable to support an individual in a lithotomy position to receive a beam of radiation to the target organ. The system may further include a radiation source for administering a beam of radiation to the target organ of an individual.

Abstract: A customized gynecological brachytherapy applicator is formed by placing a molded balloon, which is secured to a handle, into a vaginal cavity and then filling the mold balloon with a settable liquid material. The material may be an expanding foam or any other form of curable material that becomes solid, rigid or pliable, when set by chemical action, temperature change, oxidation, a curing means such as a light, or other curing regime. The mold balloon can be elastic or inelastic, depending on the degree to which the applicator is to conform its external surfaces to the vaginal contours. One or more lumina are provided in the set filler material to receive a radiation source, with additional lumina optionally provided for purposes such as drainage or administration of therapeutic agents. The applicator may be withdrawn and reinserted into the vagina during treatment, and selected tissues adjacent to the applicator are irradiated in accordance with a radiation prescription.

Abstract: Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.

Abstract: A customized gynecological brachytherapy applicator is formed by placing a molded balloon, which is secured to a handle, into a vaginal cavity and then filling the mold balloon with a settable liquid material. The material may be an expanding foam or any other form of curable material that becomes solid, rigid or pliable, when set by chemical action, temperature change, oxidation, a curing means such as a light, or other curing regime. The mold balloon can be elastic or inelastic, depending on the degree to which the applicator is to conform its external surfaces to the vaginal contours. One or more lumina are provided in the set filler material to receive a radiation source, with additional lumina optionally provided for purposes such as drainage or administration of therapeutic agents. The applicator may be withdrawn and reinserted into the vagina during treatment, and selected tissues adjacent to the applicator are irradiated in accordance with a radiation prescription.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering brachytherapy includes elongate members movable between collapsed and expanded configurations for delivering brachytherapy within a lumpectomy cavity, a vaginal cavity, or other target region. The elongate members may be expandable into a symmetrical or asymmetrical expanded configuration, e.g., into a generally spherical, pear-shaped, or planar configuration. A system for delivering brachytherapy includes the applicator and an access device for lining and/or dilating a body cavity and/or for receiving the applicator therein. The access device is advanced into a body cavity, an expandable member on the access device is inflated, the applicator is advanced into the access device, and the elongate members are expanded to deliver radiation to the target region.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering brachytherapy includes elongate members movable between collapsed and expanded configurations for delivering brachytherapy within a lumpectomy cavity, a vaginal cavity, or other target region. The elongate members may be expandable into a symmetrical or asymmetrical expanded configuration, e.g., into a generally spherical, pear-shaped, or planar configuration. A system for delivering brachytherapy includes the applicator and an access device for lining and/or dilating a body cavity and/or for receiving the applicator therein. The access device is advanced into a body cavity, an expandable member on the access device is inflated, the applicator is advanced into the access device, and the elongate members are expanded to deliver radiation to the target region.

Abstract: Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.

Abstract: The invention is a novel adaptive CT-friendly brachytherapy applicator with remotely-controlled radial and longitudinal motion radioactive source lumen shields that can be manipulated by the radiation oncologist to optimize the dose distribution to the target and normal tissue structures for brachytherapy procedures.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator has an insertable tip section, preferably rigid or at least firm enough to retain its shape when inserted, and a tubular handle section extending proximally from the tip section. A common lumen extends from the handle into and through most of the length of the tip section. In one embodiment the tip section is made of a flexible open-celled foam material with a substantially impermeable outer skin, and in this case the tip section can be contracted, or stretched lengthwise to reduce its diameter, for ease of insertion, then re-expanded to its nominal and working configuration prior to insertion of a radiation source into the lumen and irradiation of tissue surrounding the tip section.

Abstract: The invention is a novel adaptive CT-compatible brachytherapy applicator with remotely-controlled radial and longitudinal motion radioactive source lumen shields that can be manipulated by the radiation oncologist to optimize the dose distribution to the target and normal tissue structures for brachytherapy procedures.

Abstract: An everting applicator for brachytherapy of body cavities such as the vagina has a flexible sleeve secured to a distal mandrel, both the sleeve and the mandrel having internal lumens. The flexible sleeve has a diverging opening at its distal end, preferably bell-shaped or cone-shaped, such that when the open end is pushed against the mouth of a vagina, the sleeve will evert back upon itself, progressively unrolling to an inside out configuration wherein, fully inserted, the sleeve is fully everted back over the exterior surface of the mandrel. A radiation source, isotopic or electronic, is then inserted into the mandrel lumen to commence a therapeutic irradiation procedure of tissues of the vagina.

Abstract: An everting applicator for brachytherapy of body cavities such as the vagina has a flexible sleeve secured to a distal mandrel, both the sleeve and the mandrel having internal lumens. The flexible sleeve has a diverging opening at its distal end, preferably bell-shaped or cone-shaped, such that when the open end is pushed against the mouth of a vagina, the sleeve will evert back upon itself, progressively unrolling to an inside out configuration wherein, fully inserted, the sleeve is fully everted back over the exterior surface of the mandrel. A radiation source, isotopic or electronic, is then inserted into the mandrel lumen to commence a therapeutic irradiation procedure of tissues of the vagina.

Abstract: A customized gynecological brachytherapy applicator is formed by placing a molded balloon, which is secured to a handle, into a vaginal cavity and then filling the mold balloon with a settable liquid material. The material may be an expanding foam or any other form of curable material that becomes solid, rigid or pliable, when set by chemical action, temperature change, oxidation, a curing means such as a light, or other curing regime. The mold balloon can be elastic or inelastic, depending on the degree to which the applicator is to conform its external surfaces to the vaginal contours. One or more lumina are provided in the set filler material to receive a radiation source, with additional lumina optionally provided for purposes such as drainage or administration of therapeutic agents. The applicator may be withdrawn and reinserted into the vagina during treatment, and selected tissues adjacent to the applicator are irradiated in accordance with a radiation prescription.

Abstract: A customized gynecological brachytherapy applicator is formed by placing a molded balloon, which is secured to a handle, into a vaginal cavity and then filling the mold balloon with a settable liquid material. The material may be an expanding foam or any other form of curable material that becomes solid, rigid or pliable, when set by chemical action, temperature change, oxidation, a curing means such as a light, or other curing regime. The mold balloon can be elastic or inelastic, depending on the degree to which the applicator is to conform its external surfaces to the vaginal contours. One or more lumina are provided in the set filler material to receive a radiation source, with additional lumina optionally provided for purposes such as drainage or administration of therapeutic agents. The applicator may be withdrawn and reinserted into the vagina during treatment, and selected tissues adjacent to the applicator are irradiated in accordance with a radiation prescription.

Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a radioactive brachytherapy source material comprising indium-114m in radioactive equilibrium with indium-114 as main radioactive isotopes. A new radioactive brachytherapy source material comprises indium-114m in radioactive equilibrium with indium-114 as main radioactive isotopes. A new encapsulated radioactive brachytherapy source comprises the new radioactive brachytherapy source material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loader device, for dispensing implantation seeds from a seed magazine and, optionally, a spacer magazine.

Abstract: A flexible source wire is provided containing a radioactive source that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire includes a thin flexible housing tube, housing therein a flexible backbone wire, wherein both the tube and the wire are constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive core is provided in the proximal end (i.e., the treatment end) of the thin flexible housing tube and abuts the proximal end of the backbone wire. Both ends of the source wire are sealed and the proximal end of the source wire is rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously treating a tumor or cancerous growth with both hyperthermia and X-ray radiation using brachytherapy. The device includes a needle-like introducer serving as a microwave antenna. Microwaves are emitted from the introducer to increase the temperature of cancerous body tissue. The introducer is an inner conductor of a coaxial cable. The introducer contains a hollow core which houses an X-ray emitter. The X-ray emitter is connected to a high voltage miniature cable which extends from the X-ray emitter to a high voltage power source. The X-ray emitter emits ionizing radiation to irradiate cancerous tissue. A cooling system is included to control the temperature of the introducer. Temperature sensors placed around the periphery of the tumor monitor the temperature of the treated tissue.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus is composed of a tubular needle with forwardly protruding cutting edges at its tip, a holder supporting the needle and a driver for electromechanically causing the needle to undergo a continuous or oscillatory rotary motion around its axis and/or a reciprocating linear motion in the longitudinal direction such that its front opening at its tip can reliably reach a specified position inside a patient's tissue without being deflected or bowing when it encounters an obstruction such as a calcification or a small bone. Such motions may be provided by a piezoelectric hammer and a piezoelectric tamper. After the needle is thus correctly positioned, a brachytherapy device such as a radioactive seed or a reflector may be pushed through and out of the needle by means of a pusher as the needle is retracted to leave a track inside the tissue. A quickly hardening liquid may be thereafter injected through the needle to immobilize the deposited brachytherapy device.

Abstract: A modified Fletcher-Suit tandem tube applicator includes a balloon which can be inflated to both positionally secure the applicator within the vaginal canal and to distend the confronting vaginal wall thereby increasing the distance of such tissue from the radioactive source contained in the tandem tube of applicator and correspondingly reducing radiation damage to nearby tissues and organs such as the rectum and bladder.

Abstract: A multicomponent vaginal cylinder system composed of a tandem capable of housing one or more radiation sources, one or more removable ovoid cartridges, each cartridge capable of housing a radiation source, and a vaginal cylinder structure having corresponding hollow cavities to accommodate the insertions of the tandem and the ovoid cartridges. Radiation shielding may be removably attached to portions of the vaginal cylinder structure to shield tissues from unwanted radiation. A method for using this vaginal cylinder system to treat gynecological cancers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified Fletcher-Suit tandem tube applicator includes a balloon which can be inflated to both positionally secure the applicator within the vaginal canal and to distend the confronting vaginal wall thereby increasing the distance of such tissue from the radioactive source contained in the tandem tube of applicator and correspondingly reducing radiation damage to nearby tissues and organs such as the rectum and bladder.

Abstract: A modified Fletcher-Suit tandem tube applicator includes a balloon which can be inflated to both positionally secure the applicator within the vaginal canal and to distend the confronting vaginal wall thereby increasing the distance of such tissue from the radioactive source contained in the tandem tube of applicator and correspondingly reducing radiation damage to nearby tissues and organs such as the rectum and bladder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for brachytherapy treatment of prostate disease. The apparatus comprises a housing, a plunger, a needle, and a lock. The plunger is rigidly affixed to the housing. The lock selectively restricts motion of the needle relative to the plunger. The needle comprises a screw thread that engages the housing or plunger. Rotation of the needle with respect to the housing/plunger causes distal advancement or proximal retraction of the needle with respect to the plunger, providing improved control over delivery of radioactive seeds to a diseased portion of a prostate.

Abstract: A multicomponent vaginal cylinder system composed of a tandem capable of housing one or more radiation sources, one or more removable ovoid cartridges, each cartridge capable of housing a radiation source, and a vaginal cylinder structure having corresponding hollow cavities to accommodate the insertions of the tandem and the ovoid cartridges. Radiation shielding may be removably attached to portions of the vaginal cylinder structure to shield tissues from unwanted radiation. A method for using this vaginal cylinder system to treat gynecological cancers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in optimizing radiation dose distributions to a rectum and a bladder of a patient during the treatment of malignancies of female genitalia is provided in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus includes a colpostat intracavitary implant including a housing portion adapted to receive a radiation source therein and a jacket. The jacket defines a cavity sized to receive the housing portion. The jacket is configured to selectively expand in volumetric size to move the rectum and the bladder away from the radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to treat a disease process in a luminal structure. A dual-balloon catheter for treating a disease process in a luminal structure of a patient comprises an inner balloon, an outer balloon substantially concentric with and substantially surrounding the inner balloon, an inner balloon fluid delivery lumen in fluid connection with the inner balloon, and an outer balloon fluid delivery lumen in fluid connection with the outer balloon.

Abstract: A therapeutic instrument for irradiative treatment of the genital tract is provided comprising a tubular applicator, a separable vaginal retainer and an interlocking structure between the two. The tandem is adapted to receive a linear tube containing multiple sources of radiant energy and terminates at its inner end in a curved intrauterine portion. Two halves of the separable retainer surround the tandem and cooperatively form a vaginal cylinder for occupying the vaginal vault and a handle. The interlocking structure includes outwardly extending projections and cavities in the handle so positioned that the structure is visible to the physician at all times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a garment to be worn externally on the female person and a method for positioning and securing a radiotherapeutic appliance internally within the female genital organs during local radiation therapy. The garment provides at least one supporting band of material to be worn around the female body and provides access on-demand to the vulva of the person. The garment also provides at least one extensible member for positioning and securing the radiotherapeutic appliance such that the appliance is maintained in position and secured against movement during the radiation therapy.

Abstract: Remote controlled afterloader apparatus and method positions high activity radioactive sources through a catheter within a human body for treatment of cancerous tissue. The afterloader includes an operating console and a remotely located computer controlled wire driver. The wire driver includes active and dummy source wires and channels for the storage of such wires. Stepper motors precisely position the wires in response to computer control and data from wire position encoders. An emergency DC motor retraction system provides a high degree of safety against system malfunction. Timing arrangements are included for timing patient treatment duration and emergency wire retraction time. A turret is provided with safety locking and cross-checking systems to permit use of multiple catheters. Treatment profiles are conducted from the maximum treatment position whereby only tension or retraction forces are used to position the active wire.

Abstract: A system for providing therapeutic radiation to a predetermined tissue region within a body cavity of a living being utilizes an applicator arrangement which may, in a specific embodiment, comprise a pair of colpostats in conjunction with a tandem. The colpostats and tandem are formed of a material which is transparent to an imaging modality, such as CT scanning. Imaging-transparent source carriers containing dummy, or test, sources are placed in the colpostats. After the location of the colpostats, for example, has been determined, by imaging, the dummy source carriers are removed therefrom and replaced with selected source carriers containing actual radiation sources. The radiation source carriers further contain shielding which controls the strength and radiation pattern of the emitted radiation, all of which may be selected in response to the image.

Abstract: A diverging template (18) for radioactive therapy of cancer within an internal tumor volume by interstitial implants through the skin (78) comprises a proximal surface (34) for positioning adjacent the skin and a distal surface (36) opposite the proximal surface (34). An axis (32) of the template (18) is substantially perpendicular to the proximal surface (34). A plurality of holes (24'-30') are formed in the template (18) from the distal surface (36) to the proximal surface (34) for guiding respective needles (24-30) through the skin (78) and into the tumor volume. The holes comprise at least a first group (28) and a second group (26), each hole of the first group (28) spaced from the axis (32) and forming a first angle therewith that diverges from the distal surface (36) to the proximal surafce (34). Each hole (26) of the second group is spaced from the axis (32) and diverges from the distal surface (36) to the proximal surface (34) at a second angle greater than the first angle.