US20050256362A1 - Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly - Google Patents

Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050256362A1
US20050256362A1 US11/166,491 US16649105A US2005256362A1 US 20050256362 A1 US20050256362 A1 US 20050256362A1 US 16649105 A US16649105 A US 16649105A US 2005256362 A1 US2005256362 A1 US 2005256362A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
seed
magazine
cartridge
magazine assembly
seeds
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/166,491
Inventor
Felix Mick
Kenneth Zabrouski
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/166,491 priority Critical patent/US20050256362A1/en
Publication of US20050256362A1 publication Critical patent/US20050256362A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/015—Transportable or portable shielded containers for storing radioactive sources, e.g. source carriers for irradiation units; Radioisotope containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
    • A61N5/1001—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy using radiation sources introduced into or applied onto the body; brachytherapy
    • A61N5/1007—Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
    • A61N5/1001—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy using radiation sources introduced into or applied onto the body; brachytherapy
    • A61N5/1007—Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
    • A61N2005/101—Magazines or cartridges for seeds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a disposable and shielded seed magazine for use in a medical instrument.
  • the present invention also relates to a spacer magazine assembly for use in a medical instrument.
  • Medical instruments particularly, seed applicators, are used to implant radioactive seeds into a patient's body.
  • seed applicators are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,909, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
  • the seeds are radioactive, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable cartridge or magazine for a seed applicator that is shielded to limit transmission of radioactive energy.
  • the seed applicator described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,909 is designed to implant seeds at spaced locations in a patient's body.
  • the spacing of the seeds by the seed applicator is provided by selection and engagement of indentations on a barrel of the applicator with a ball plunger. It is also possible to provide the desired spacing between subsequent seeds by delivering and implanting absorbable spacers between seeds. It is an object of the present invention to provide a spacer magazine assembly configured and adapted for use in conjunction with such spacer and seed arrangement.
  • the seed magazine includes a housing formed of a material adapted to limit transmission of radioactive energy from the radioactive seeds contained therein.
  • Such shielding may be beneficial for shipping purposes, for preparation purposes and for equipment and personnel safety purposes.
  • the seed magazine includes a cartridge portion configured to receive at least one radioactive seed and a housing portion formed of a material having a radiation shield effectiveness substantially equal to that of lead for at least one of I-125, TI-201, Xe-133, Tc-99m and Pd-103.
  • the cartridge portion may be configured to receive a plurality of seeds.
  • the material of the housing portion may include a thermoplastic material and may be lead-free.
  • the material may be injection moldable and may include approximately 94% filler material by weight.
  • the material may have at least one of a density of approximately 6.90 gms/cc, a flexural yield of approximately 11,946 psi, a flexural modulus of approximately 1,210,000 psi, a tensile modulus of approximately 1,542,000 psi, an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 6,946 psi, an ultimate elongation of approximately 0.795%, a notched izod impact strength of approximately 1.202 ft-lb/in, a linear mold shrinkage of approximately 0.005 to 0.006 in/in and a material density of approximately 62.5% compared to lead.
  • the material may be autoclaveable.
  • the material may include a brass material and/or a brass alloy, e.g., C36000.
  • the seed magazine may include a seed plunger configured to eject the seed from the cartridge portion, and the seed magazine may be configured to be non-refillable after ejection of the at least one seed.
  • the housing may be configured to connect to a seed applicator device.
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partially in cross-section, of an example embodiment of a disposable and shielded seed magazine assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the magazine assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of magazine assemblies arranged in a sterilizing block.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of a spacer magazine assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an end view of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of a head portion of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of a cartridge portion of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge portion illustrated in FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 9 is an end view of the cartridge portion illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of a plunger portion of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
  • FIG. 11 is an end view of the plunger portion illustrated in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partially in cross-section, of an example embodiment of a disposable and shielded seed magazine assembly 10 according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the magazine assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1
  • the magazine assembly 10 includes a housing 12 , a cartridge 14 , a seed plunger 16 and a spring element 18 .
  • the magazine assembly 10 may be configured for use in conjunction with a medical instrument or seed applicator device, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,909, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
  • the magazine assembly 10 is adapted to receive, for example, fifteen seeds.
  • the magazine assembly 10 may be disposable after use.
  • the housing 12 has a hexagonal cross-section. It should be appreciated, however, that the housing 12 may have any desired cross-sectional configuration, including, for example, a circular cross-section.
  • the housing 12 may be formed of an autoclaveable, non-toxic, high-density thermoplastic composite material.
  • the material may be lead-free, may be injection moldable, may provide a greater yield strength compared to lead and may include approximately 94% filler material by weight.
  • An example material for the housing 12 may have a density, per ASTM Test Method D-792, of approximately 6.90 gms/cc, a flexural yield, per ASTM Test Method D-790, of approximately 11,946 psi, a flexural modulus, per ASTM Test Method D-790, of approximately 1,210,000 psi, a tensile modulus, per ASTM Test Method D-638, of approximately 1,542,000 psi, an ultimate tensile strength, per ASTM Testing Method D-638, of approximately 6,946 psi, an ultimate elongation, per ASTM Testing Method D-638, of approximately 0.795%, a notched izod impact strength, per ASTM Testing Method D-256, of approximately 1.202 ft-lb/in and a linear mold shrinkage, per ASTM Testing Method D-955, of approximately 0.005 to 0.006 in/in, or any combination thereof.
  • An example material for the housing 12 may have a material density of approximately 62.5% compared to lead. Furthermore, an example material for the housing 12 may providing approximately 100% shield effectiveness relative to lead for I-125 (major radiation energy at 35.5 keV gamma), TI-201 (major radiation energy at 71 keV gamma), Xe-133 (major radiation energy at 81 keV gamma) and Tc-99m (major radiation energy at 152 keV gamma), Pd-103, or any combination thereof. It should be understood that the magazine assembly 10 may be shielded or partially shielded.
  • the housing 12 may alternatively be formed of a brass material, e.g., C36000 alloy.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of magazine assemblies according to the present invention arranged in a sterilizing block 100 . Measurements of several example embodiments of a magazine assembly according to the present invention at various locations 120 , 140 , 160 , 180 around the sterilizing block 100 . The measurements were taken at 10 cm from the surface of the sterilizing block 100 with each magazine assembly threaded into to the sterilizing block. The measurements were taken with an Eberline detector HP-270, model E120.
  • a first example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention which is configured as a partially shielded disposable cartridge.
  • the housing 12 of the first example embodiment was formed of the thermoplastic material described above.
  • the first example embodiment included a total of 150 seeds (fifteen seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.729 mCi and a total activity of 109.350 mCi. A background reading of approximately 0.02 mR/h was obtained.
  • a reading of 23 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140 , a reading of 0.03 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160 , a reading of 0.03 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180 , a reading of 0.60 mR/h was obtained.
  • a second example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention which is configured as a reusable cartridge formed of stainless steel.
  • the second example embodiment included a total of 100 seeds (ten seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.729 mCi and a total activity of 72.9 mCi.
  • a background reading of approximately 0.02 mR/h was obtained.
  • a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140 , a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160 , a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180 , a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained.
  • a third example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention which is configured as a shielded disposable cartridge.
  • the housing 12 of the third example embodiment was formed of the thermoplastic material described above.
  • the third example embodiment included a total of 150 seeds (fifteen seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.729 mCi and a total activity of 109.350 mCi. A background reading of approximately 0.02 mR/h was obtained.
  • a reading of 0.04 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140 , a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160 , a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180 , a reading of 0.50 mR/h was obtained.
  • a fourth example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention which is configured as a shielded disposable cartridge.
  • the housing 12 of the fourth example embodiment was formed of the brass material described above.
  • the fourth example embodiment included a total of 150 seeds (fifteen seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.354 mCi and a total activity of 53.1 mCi.
  • a background reading was set to zero mR/h.
  • a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140 , a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160 , a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180 , a reading of 0.04 mR/h was obtained. At a top location 200 , a reading of 0.04 mR/h was obtained.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of an example embodiment of a spacer magazine assembly 210 according to the present invention.
  • the spacer magazine assembly 210 includes a head portion 212 , a cartridge portion 214 , a plunger portion 216 and a spring member 218 .
  • the spring member 218 is arranged to bias the plunger portion 216 in the downward direction as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 5 which is an end view of the spacer magazine assembly 210 , an E-ring 220 maintains the plunger portion 216 in engagement withe the head portion 212 and cartridge portion 214 .
  • the cartridge portion 214 is adapted by size and configuration to receive a number, e.g., a predetermined number and combination, e.g., alternatingly, of seeds and/or spacers, which are biased by the plunger portion 216 in the downward direction as illustrated in FIG. 4 toward the distal end of the cartridge portion 214 .
  • the cartridge portion 214 includes a bore 226 for delivery of the seeds and/or spacers therethrough to be delivered to the treatment site.
  • the spacers may be formed of an absorbable material, e.g., an absorbable polymer.
  • FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the head portion 212 of the spacer magazine assembly 210 .
  • the head portion includes a bore 222 arranged to receive the plunger portion 216 and a bore 224 through which an end of the plunger portion 216 extends.
  • the head portion 212 may include a threaded, e.g., internally-threaded, end 228 engageable with a complementary threaded, e.g., externally-threaded, end of the cartridge portion 214 . It should be understood that the cartridge portion 214 and the head portion 212 may be engageable in accordance with any mechanism and arrangement and that the treaded ends described herein are merely exemplary.
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of the cartridge portion 214 of the spacer magazine assembly 210
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge portion 214
  • FIG. 9 is an end view of the cartridge portion 214 .
  • the cartridge portion 214 includes a threaded, e.g., externally-threaded, end 230 engageable with the threaded, e.g., internally-threaded, end 228 of the head portion 212 .
  • the cartridge portion 214 also includes a bore 232 arranged to receive the plunger portion 216 and a magazine of seeds and/or spacers.
  • the arrangement of the bore 232 is complementary to the arrangement of the plunger portion 216 , which is more fully described below and includes a circular bore portion and a slotted portion.
  • a bore 226 is arranged in the cartridge portion 214 and is adapted to deliver the seeds and/or spacers therethrough for delivery to the treatment site.
  • One or both ends of the bore 226 may be countersunk to facilitate delivery of the seeds and/or spacers and to prevent interference and/or binding with the delivery needle.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of the plunger portion 216
  • FIG. 11 is an end view of the plunger portion 216
  • the plunger portion 216 includes a shaft 238 , a shoulder adapted to abut one end of the spring member 218 , an enlarged end portion 234 and a groove 240 adapted to receive the E-ring 220 .
  • the enlarged end portion 234 is arranged to bore 232 of the cartridge portion 214 , and the end having the groove 240 is adapted to be inserted through the bore 224 of the head portion 212 .
  • the enlarged end portion 234 is adapted by size and configuration to urge the seeds and/or spacers arranged in the cartridge portion 214 by the bias of the spring member 218 toward the bore 226 in the cartridge portion. As each seed and/or spacer is ejected from the cartridge portion 214 , the plunger advances a subsequent seed and/or spacer toward the bore 226 to be subsequently ejected and delivered to the treatment site.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)
  • Pretreatment Of Seeds And Plants (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

A magazine assembly for use in a medical instrument, for example, a radioactive seed applicator, includes a housing, a cartridge, a seed plunger and a spring element. The housing is formed of a material adapted to shield transmission of radioactive energy.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/351,034, filed on Jan. 24, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/351,601, filed on Jan. 25, 2002, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/351,601, filed on Jan. 25, 2002, each of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a disposable and shielded seed magazine for use in a medical instrument. The present invention also relates to a spacer magazine assembly for use in a medical instrument.
    • BACKGROUND INFORMATION
  • Medical instruments, particularly, seed applicators, are used to implant radioactive seeds into a patient's body. Such seed applicators are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,909, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
  • Since the seeds are radioactive, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable cartridge or magazine for a seed applicator that is shielded to limit transmission of radioactive energy.
  • The seed applicator described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,909 is designed to implant seeds at spaced locations in a patient's body. The spacing of the seeds by the seed applicator is provided by selection and engagement of indentations on a barrel of the applicator with a ball plunger. It is also possible to provide the desired spacing between subsequent seeds by delivering and implanting absorbable spacers between seeds. It is an object of the present invention to provide a spacer magazine assembly configured and adapted for use in conjunction with such spacer and seed arrangement.
    • SUMMARY
  • The above and other beneficial objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a disposable and shielded seed cartridge or magazine as described herein and by providing a spacer magazine assembly as described herein.
  • According to one example embodiment of the present invention, the seed magazine includes a housing formed of a material adapted to limit transmission of radioactive energy from the radioactive seeds contained therein. Such shielding may be beneficial for shipping purposes, for preparation purposes and for equipment and personnel safety purposes.
  • According to an example embodiment of the present invention, the seed magazine includes a cartridge portion configured to receive at least one radioactive seed and a housing portion formed of a material having a radiation shield effectiveness substantially equal to that of lead for at least one of I-125, TI-201, Xe-133, Tc-99m and Pd-103. The cartridge portion may be configured to receive a plurality of seeds. The material of the housing portion may include a thermoplastic material and may be lead-free. The material may be injection moldable and may include approximately 94% filler material by weight. The material may have at least one of a density of approximately 6.90 gms/cc, a flexural yield of approximately 11,946 psi, a flexural modulus of approximately 1,210,000 psi, a tensile modulus of approximately 1,542,000 psi, an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 6,946 psi, an ultimate elongation of approximately 0.795%, a notched izod impact strength of approximately 1.202 ft-lb/in, a linear mold shrinkage of approximately 0.005 to 0.006 in/in and a material density of approximately 62.5% compared to lead. The material may be autoclaveable.
  • The material may include a brass material and/or a brass alloy, e.g., C36000.
  • The seed magazine may include a seed plunger configured to eject the seed from the cartridge portion, and the seed magazine may be configured to be non-refillable after ejection of the at least one seed.
  • The housing may be configured to connect to a seed applicator device.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partially in cross-section, of an example embodiment of a disposable and shielded seed magazine assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the magazine assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of magazine assemblies arranged in a sterilizing block.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of a spacer magazine assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an end view of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of a head portion of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of a cartridge portion of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge portion illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is an end view of the cartridge portion illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of a plunger portion of the spacer magazine assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • FIG. 11 is an end view of the plunger portion illustrated in FIG. 10.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partially in cross-section, of an example embodiment of a disposable and shielded seed magazine assembly 10 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the magazine assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the magazine assembly 10 includes a housing 12, a cartridge 14, a seed plunger 16 and a spring element 18. The magazine assembly 10 may be configured for use in conjunction with a medical instrument or seed applicator device, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,909, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. The magazine assembly 10 is adapted to receive, for example, fifteen seeds. The magazine assembly 10 may be disposable after use.
  • As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 12 has a hexagonal cross-section. It should be appreciated, however, that the housing 12 may have any desired cross-sectional configuration, including, for example, a circular cross-section.
  • The housing 12 may be formed of an autoclaveable, non-toxic, high-density thermoplastic composite material. The material may be lead-free, may be injection moldable, may provide a greater yield strength compared to lead and may include approximately 94% filler material by weight. An example material for the housing 12 may have a density, per ASTM Test Method D-792, of approximately 6.90 gms/cc, a flexural yield, per ASTM Test Method D-790, of approximately 11,946 psi, a flexural modulus, per ASTM Test Method D-790, of approximately 1,210,000 psi, a tensile modulus, per ASTM Test Method D-638, of approximately 1,542,000 psi, an ultimate tensile strength, per ASTM Testing Method D-638, of approximately 6,946 psi, an ultimate elongation, per ASTM Testing Method D-638, of approximately 0.795%, a notched izod impact strength, per ASTM Testing Method D-256, of approximately 1.202 ft-lb/in and a linear mold shrinkage, per ASTM Testing Method D-955, of approximately 0.005 to 0.006 in/in, or any combination thereof. An example material for the housing 12 may have a material density of approximately 62.5% compared to lead. Furthermore, an example material for the housing 12 may providing approximately 100% shield effectiveness relative to lead for I-125 (major radiation energy at 35.5 keV gamma), TI-201 (major radiation energy at 71 keV gamma), Xe-133 (major radiation energy at 81 keV gamma) and Tc-99m (major radiation energy at 152 keV gamma), Pd-103, or any combination thereof. It should be understood that the magazine assembly 10 may be shielded or partially shielded. The housing 12 may alternatively be formed of a brass material, e.g., C36000 alloy.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of magazine assemblies according to the present invention arranged in a sterilizing block 100. Measurements of several example embodiments of a magazine assembly according to the present invention at various locations 120, 140, 160, 180 around the sterilizing block 100. The measurements were taken at 10 cm from the surface of the sterilizing block 100 with each magazine assembly threaded into to the sterilizing block. The measurements were taken with an Eberline detector HP-270, model E120.
  • A first example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention, which is configured as a partially shielded disposable cartridge. The housing 12 of the first example embodiment was formed of the thermoplastic material described above. The first example embodiment included a total of 150 seeds (fifteen seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.729 mCi and a total activity of 109.350 mCi. A background reading of approximately 0.02 mR/h was obtained. At the handle location 120, a reading of 23 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140, a reading of 0.03 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160, a reading of 0.03 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180, a reading of 0.60 mR/h was obtained.
  • A second example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention, which is configured as a reusable cartridge formed of stainless steel. The second example embodiment included a total of 100 seeds (ten seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.729 mCi and a total activity of 72.9 mCi. A background reading of approximately 0.02 mR/h was obtained. At the handle location 120, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained.
  • A third example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention, which is configured as a shielded disposable cartridge. The housing 12 of the third example embodiment was formed of the thermoplastic material described above. The third example embodiment included a total of 150 seeds (fifteen seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.729 mCi and a total activity of 109.350 mCi. A background reading of approximately 0.02 mR/h was obtained. At the handle location 120, a reading of 0.04 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180, a reading of 0.50 mR/h was obtained.
  • A fourth example embodiment of a magazine assembly according to the present invention, which is configured as a shielded disposable cartridge. The housing 12 of the fourth example embodiment was formed of the brass material described above. The fourth example embodiment included a total of 150 seeds (fifteen seeds per cartridge, ten cartridges total) with isotope I-125, having an activity/seed of 0.354 mCi and a total activity of 53.1 mCi. A background reading was set to zero mR/h. At the handle location 120, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 140, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; at the location 160, a reading of 0.02 mR/h was obtained; and at the location 180, a reading of 0.04 mR/h was obtained. At a top location 200, a reading of 0.04 mR/h was obtained.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of an example embodiment of a spacer magazine assembly 210 according to the present invention. The spacer magazine assembly 210 includes a head portion 212, a cartridge portion 214, a plunger portion 216 and a spring member 218. The spring member 218 is arranged to bias the plunger portion 216 in the downward direction as illustrated in FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 5, which is an end view of the spacer magazine assembly 210, an E-ring 220 maintains the plunger portion 216 in engagement withe the head portion 212 and cartridge portion 214. It should be understood that the cartridge portion 214 is adapted by size and configuration to receive a number, e.g., a predetermined number and combination, e.g., alternatingly, of seeds and/or spacers, which are biased by the plunger portion 216 in the downward direction as illustrated in FIG. 4 toward the distal end of the cartridge portion 214. As further described below, the cartridge portion 214 includes a bore 226 for delivery of the seeds and/or spacers therethrough to be delivered to the treatment site. The spacers may be formed of an absorbable material, e.g., an absorbable polymer.
  • FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the head portion 212 of the spacer magazine assembly 210. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the head portion includes a bore 222 arranged to receive the plunger portion 216 and a bore 224 through which an end of the plunger portion 216 extends. The head portion 212 may include a threaded, e.g., internally-threaded, end 228 engageable with a complementary threaded, e.g., externally-threaded, end of the cartridge portion 214. It should be understood that the cartridge portion 214 and the head portion 212 may be engageable in accordance with any mechanism and arrangement and that the treaded ends described herein are merely exemplary.
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of the cartridge portion 214 of the spacer magazine assembly 210, FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge portion 214, and FIG. 9 is an end view of the cartridge portion 214. The cartridge portion 214 includes a threaded, e.g., externally-threaded, end 230 engageable with the threaded, e.g., internally-threaded, end 228 of the head portion 212. The cartridge portion 214 also includes a bore 232 arranged to receive the plunger portion 216 and a magazine of seeds and/or spacers. The arrangement of the bore 232 is complementary to the arrangement of the plunger portion 216, which is more fully described below and includes a circular bore portion and a slotted portion. A bore 226 is arranged in the cartridge portion 214 and is adapted to deliver the seeds and/or spacers therethrough for delivery to the treatment site. One or both ends of the bore 226 may be countersunk to facilitate delivery of the seeds and/or spacers and to prevent interference and/or binding with the delivery needle.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of the plunger portion 216, and FIG. 11 is an end view of the plunger portion 216. The plunger portion 216 includes a shaft 238, a shoulder adapted to abut one end of the spring member 218, an enlarged end portion 234 and a groove 240 adapted to receive the E-ring 220. The enlarged end portion 234 is arranged to bore 232 of the cartridge portion 214, and the end having the groove 240 is adapted to be inserted through the bore 224 of the head portion 212. The enlarged end portion 234 is adapted by size and configuration to urge the seeds and/or spacers arranged in the cartridge portion 214 by the bias of the spring member 218 toward the bore 226 in the cartridge portion. As each seed and/or spacer is ejected from the cartridge portion 214, the plunger advances a subsequent seed and/or spacer toward the bore 226 to be subsequently ejected and delivered to the treatment site.

Claims (9)

1. A seed magazine, comprising:
a cartridge portion configured to receive at least one radioactive seed; and
a housing portion formed of a material, the material having a radiation shield effectiveness substantially equal to that of lead for at least one of I-125, TI-201, Xe-133, Tc-99m and Pd-103.
2. The seed magazine according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge portion is configured to receive a plurality of seeds.
3. The seed magazine according to claim 1, wherein the material includes a thermoplastic material.
4. The seed magazine according to claim 1, wherein the material is lead-free.
5. The seed magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a seed plunger configured to eject the seed from the cartridge portion.
6. The seed magazine according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge portion is configured to be non-refillable after ejection of the at least one seed.
7. The seed magazine according to claim 1, wherein the material is injection moldable.
8. The seed magazine according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion is configured to connect to a seed applicator device.
9. The seed magazine according to claim 1, wherein the material is autoclaveable.
US11/166,491 2002-01-25 2005-06-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly Abandoned US20050256362A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/166,491 US20050256362A1 (en) 2002-01-25 2005-06-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US35160102P 2002-01-25 2002-01-25
US10/351,034 US6911000B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2003-01-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly
US11/166,491 US20050256362A1 (en) 2002-01-25 2005-06-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/351,034 Continuation US6911000B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2003-01-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050256362A1 true US20050256362A1 (en) 2005-11-17

Family

ID=27663010

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/351,034 Expired - Lifetime US6911000B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2003-01-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly
US11/166,491 Abandoned US20050256362A1 (en) 2002-01-25 2005-06-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/351,034 Expired - Lifetime US6911000B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2003-01-24 Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US6911000B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1476215A4 (en)
CN (1) CN1622841A (en)
AU (1) AU2003216103A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003063944A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8353812B2 (en) 2008-06-04 2013-01-15 Neovista, Inc. Handheld radiation delivery system

Families Citing this family (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7776310B2 (en) 2000-11-16 2010-08-17 Microspherix Llc Flexible and/or elastic brachytherapy seed or strand
US6761680B2 (en) * 2001-11-02 2004-07-13 Richard A. Terwilliger Delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy using seed strands constructed with preformed strand housing
US7074291B2 (en) 2001-11-02 2006-07-11 Worldwide Medical Technologies, L.L.C. Delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy using strands constructed with extruded strand housings
US7060020B2 (en) * 2001-11-02 2006-06-13 Ideamatrix, Inc. Delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy
EP1476215A4 (en) * 2002-01-25 2006-04-19 Mick Radio Nuclear Instr Inc Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine
US6953426B2 (en) * 2003-01-29 2005-10-11 Mentor Corporation Seed magazine
US6997862B2 (en) 2003-05-13 2006-02-14 Ideamatrix, Inc. Delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy using seed strands with custom end spacing
US6989543B2 (en) 2003-08-15 2006-01-24 C.R. Bard, Inc. Radiation shielding container for radioactive sources
US20050080314A1 (en) * 2003-10-09 2005-04-14 Terwilliger Richard A. Shielded transport for multiple brachytheapy implants with integrated measuring and cutting board
US7566424B2 (en) * 2004-07-23 2009-07-28 Mazda Motor Corporation Exhaust gas purification catalyst
US7425195B2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2008-09-16 Core Oncology, Inc. Radiation shielding device
US8187159B2 (en) 2005-07-22 2012-05-29 Biocompatibles, UK Therapeutic member including a rail used in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy
US7736293B2 (en) * 2005-07-22 2010-06-15 Biocompatibles Uk Limited Implants for use in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy that resist migration and rotation
WO2007070871A1 (en) * 2005-12-15 2007-06-21 Medi-Physics, Inc. Seed-cartridge barrel assembler
WO2007134002A1 (en) * 2006-05-08 2007-11-22 Medi-Physics, Inc. Shielded cartridge assembly for brachytherapy seeds
US7988611B2 (en) * 2006-05-09 2011-08-02 Biocompatibles Uk Limited After-loader for positioning implants for needle delivery in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy
US20070265487A1 (en) * 2006-05-09 2007-11-15 Worldwide Medical Technologies Llc Applicators for use in positioning implants for use in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy
US20090216063A1 (en) * 2008-01-29 2009-08-27 Biocompatibles Uk Limited Bio-absorbable brachytherapy strands
US7878964B1 (en) 2006-09-07 2011-02-01 Biocompatibles Uk Limited Echogenic spacers and strands
US7874976B1 (en) 2006-09-07 2011-01-25 Biocompatibles Uk Limited Echogenic strands and spacers therein
US20080269540A1 (en) * 2007-04-27 2008-10-30 Worldwide Medical Technologies Llc Seed cartridge adaptor and methods for use therewith
KR101409458B1 (en) * 2007-11-28 2014-06-19 삼성전자주식회사 Portable communication terminal having an aromatic function and apparatus for charging communication terminal having the same
EP2608844B1 (en) * 2010-08-25 2014-10-08 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Apparatus and method for attaching a header to a housing of an implantable device

Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4759345A (en) * 1987-02-09 1988-07-26 Mistry Vitthalbhai D Radiation shielded seed loader for hand implanter hypodermic needles apparatus and method
US4923088A (en) * 1987-03-11 1990-05-08 Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. Radiation-shielding container
US5242373A (en) * 1991-09-17 1993-09-07 Scott Walter P Medical seed implantation instrument
US5550383A (en) * 1995-04-17 1996-08-27 Haskell; Douglas A. Remoldable thermoplastic radiation shield for use during radiation therapy
US5556898A (en) * 1995-01-11 1996-09-17 Elf Atochem North America, Inc. Radiation-shielding polymeric compositions
US5860909A (en) * 1996-10-18 1999-01-19 Mick Radio Nuclear Instruments, Inc. Seed applicator for use in radiation therapy
US6007474A (en) * 1997-10-20 1999-12-28 Ablation Technologies, Inc. Radioactive and/or thermal seed implantation device
US6013020A (en) * 1996-09-23 2000-01-11 Novoste Corporation Intraluminal radiation treatment system
US6213932B1 (en) * 1997-12-12 2001-04-10 Bruno Schmidt Interstitial brachytherapy device and method
US20010008950A1 (en) * 1999-07-26 2001-07-19 Dario Vitali Brachytherapy seed cartridge
US6306074B1 (en) * 1994-10-27 2001-10-23 Novoste Corporation Method and apparatus for radiation treatment of a desired area in the vascular system of a patient
US6323501B1 (en) * 1999-03-12 2001-11-27 Theragenics Corporation Container for storing and shipping radioactive materials
US6358195B1 (en) * 2000-03-09 2002-03-19 Neoseed Technology Llc Method and apparatus for loading radioactive seeds into brachytherapy needles
US20020120174A1 (en) * 2001-02-23 2002-08-29 Steele Martin T. Radioactive seed-holding device
US6911000B2 (en) * 2002-01-25 2005-06-28 Mick Radio-Nuclear Instruments, Inc. Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10206592A (en) * 1997-01-24 1998-08-07 Shimadzu Corp Housing container for radiation source
WO2000062305A1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2000-10-19 Uromed Corporation Container for hazardous material

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4759345A (en) * 1987-02-09 1988-07-26 Mistry Vitthalbhai D Radiation shielded seed loader for hand implanter hypodermic needles apparatus and method
US4923088A (en) * 1987-03-11 1990-05-08 Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. Radiation-shielding container
US5242373A (en) * 1991-09-17 1993-09-07 Scott Walter P Medical seed implantation instrument
US6306074B1 (en) * 1994-10-27 2001-10-23 Novoste Corporation Method and apparatus for radiation treatment of a desired area in the vascular system of a patient
US5556898A (en) * 1995-01-11 1996-09-17 Elf Atochem North America, Inc. Radiation-shielding polymeric compositions
US5550383A (en) * 1995-04-17 1996-08-27 Haskell; Douglas A. Remoldable thermoplastic radiation shield for use during radiation therapy
US6013020A (en) * 1996-09-23 2000-01-11 Novoste Corporation Intraluminal radiation treatment system
US5860909A (en) * 1996-10-18 1999-01-19 Mick Radio Nuclear Instruments, Inc. Seed applicator for use in radiation therapy
US6007474A (en) * 1997-10-20 1999-12-28 Ablation Technologies, Inc. Radioactive and/or thermal seed implantation device
US6213932B1 (en) * 1997-12-12 2001-04-10 Bruno Schmidt Interstitial brachytherapy device and method
US6323501B1 (en) * 1999-03-12 2001-11-27 Theragenics Corporation Container for storing and shipping radioactive materials
US20010008950A1 (en) * 1999-07-26 2001-07-19 Dario Vitali Brachytherapy seed cartridge
US6358195B1 (en) * 2000-03-09 2002-03-19 Neoseed Technology Llc Method and apparatus for loading radioactive seeds into brachytherapy needles
US20020120174A1 (en) * 2001-02-23 2002-08-29 Steele Martin T. Radioactive seed-holding device
US6911000B2 (en) * 2002-01-25 2005-06-28 Mick Radio-Nuclear Instruments, Inc. Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8353812B2 (en) 2008-06-04 2013-01-15 Neovista, Inc. Handheld radiation delivery system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6911000B2 (en) 2005-06-28
EP1476215A4 (en) 2006-04-19
AU2003216103A1 (en) 2003-09-02
WO2003063944A2 (en) 2003-08-07
WO2003063944A3 (en) 2004-03-18
US20030144571A1 (en) 2003-07-31
EP1476215A2 (en) 2004-11-17
CN1622841A (en) 2005-06-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050256362A1 (en) Disposable and shielded seed magazine and spacer magazine assembly
DE60116633T2 (en) AUTOMATIC CARDBOARD CARRIER FOR RADIO ISOTOPES
RU2612543C2 (en) Composite assembly of source for brachytherapy
US7988611B2 (en) After-loader for positioning implants for needle delivery in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy
KR20010071512A (en) Brachytherapy Device Including An Anti-Static Handle
US11673002B2 (en) Transparent loading apparatus
EP1208871A2 (en) Method and applicator for positionning and/or ejecting radiation sources in biological tissue through hollow needles
US7922646B2 (en) Plastic brachytherapy sources
US20040097780A1 (en) Cartridge for marker delivery device and marker delivery device
US6440058B1 (en) Radioactive seeds and method for using same
US6503186B1 (en) Radioactive seed with multiple markers and method for using same
WO2000051493A1 (en) Localising unit for imaging and locating appliances
DE60310571T2 (en) Apparatus for testing the positioning of a radioactive source and its method of use
US20080269540A1 (en) Seed cartridge adaptor and methods for use therewith
Meigooni Recent developments in brachytherapy source dosimetry
Brezovich et al. Assaying line sources using a standard length well chamber
Hay et al. A simple percutaneous inserter for radiopaque gold seeds used in radiotherapy treatment planning
Hawliczer et al. A new device for interstitial 125 iodine seed implantation
Walker A review of permanent interstitial implant radiotherapy using radon‐222 and iodine‐125
Deginder et al. Novel and inexpensive system for interstitial 125I seed implants
Jolliff Research to develop and test an advanced Resorbable Brachytherapy seed research for controlled delivery of Yttrium-99 microspheres in cancer treatment
Sioshansi RADIOCOIL: a coiled wire brachytherapy source
Fog et al. On the use of Kodak CR film for quality assurance of needle loading in I-125 seed prostate brachytherapy
AU2012263063A1 (en) Brachytherapy source assembly

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION