 Linkage steering mechanism for deflectable catheters |
| What is claimed is: 1. A rotationally-actuated mechanism for deflectable catheters, comprising: a ... |
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| Epoxide resin-modified polyester coat with alkyd topcoat |
| We claim: 1. A coating composition applied to a substrate comprising an alkyd resin based topcoat ... |
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| Apparatus and methods for radiotherapy |
| What is claimed is: 1. A radioactive body suitable for temporary or permanent implantation in a ... |
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| Rotary pump |
| OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 depicts the preferred embodiment of the pump of the instant invention. The ... |
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| Catheter having two coaxial lumens |
| The catheter of the present invention includes a generally cylindrical inner tube inserted within a ... |
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| Multilumen catheter |
| OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the multilumen catheter ... |
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| Surgical drainage tube system |
| It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved wound drainage system ... |
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| Method for introducing cardioplegia solution into the coronary sinus |
| In its broader aspects, the invention comprises a catheter for supplying liquid to the coronary ... |
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| Catheter system for the isolation of a segment of blood vessel |
| In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a catheter for isolating a segment of a ... |
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| Device for treating tissues with an electromagnetic field |
| What is claimed is: 1. A method for normalising biological functions of living tissues by action of ... |
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Brachytherapy seed deployment system
| Details |
Inventors: Lowery, Guy Russell; Bowman, Eric E.;
Assignee: Bard Brachytherapy, Inc. (Carol Stream, IL)
Primary Examiner: Hindenburg; Max F.
Assistant Examiner: Szmal; Brian
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Disclosed is a brachytherapy seed deployment system for use in any of a variety of medical procedures such as radiation treatment of the prostate gland. The system includes at least two seeds secured together by a filament, which may be rigid or flexible. Also provided are methods of assembling the seeds and filaments, and methods of treating cancerous tissue using the seeds and filaments. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION A preferred embodiment of the present brachytherapy seed deployment system comprises at least two seeds and a filament joining the at least two seeds.
The seeds may be attached to the filament with, for example, adhesive or cylindrical collars.
The coilars may be heat shrunk around the seeds.
More than one filament may be provided.
To maintain proper spacing between adjacent seeds, spacers may be positioned between the seeds.
A distal end of the filament may include an anchor, such as a knot in the filament, a hook or a T bar.
A distal seed may also include an anchor, such as a barb, instead of or in addition to the anchor on the filament.
The filament may comprise a material that is rigid outside the human body and flexible inside the human body.
For example, the filament may comprise a material that is rigid at temperatures below normal human body temperature and flexible at normal human body temperature.
Alternatively, the filament may comprise a material including a matrix that is rigid outside the body and flexible within the body.
Another preferred embodiment of the present brachytherapy seed deployment system comprises at least two seeds, a filament joining the at least two seeds, a sleeve including a central lumen for containing the seeds and filament, and a needle including a central lumen for containing the sleeve.
The system may further comprise an obturator insertable through a proximal end of the sleeve for ejecting the seeds and filament from the sleeve.
The sleeve may further comprise a hub, and the needle may also further comprise a hub.
Another preferred embodiment of the present brachytherapy seed deployment system comprises a method of assembling a brachytherapy seed deployment system.
The method comprises the steps of providing a fixture including a longitudinal slot, securing a filament within the slot, pulling the filament taut, sliding at least one cylindrical collar onto the filament, inserting a seed into the at least one collar, locating the seed and collar at a desired point along a length of the filament, and securing the seed and collar to the filament
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Heart Surgery 
