RADIOACTIVE THERAPEUTIC SEEDS

摘要

Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a two part seed capsule (10), a radioactive isotope (18) and, preferably, a radiopaque marker (16). According to the invention, the seed capsule (10) has an outer part (12), and an inner part (14) which fits into the outer part (12), and which carries the radioactive isotope (18). The capsule (10) is sealed by welding the end(s) of the inner part (14) to the end(s) of the outer part (12). According to one embodiment, the outer part (12) of the seed capsule (10) is a cylinder with one open end (22), and one closed end (20). The inner part (14) of the seed capsule (10) has a reduced diameter portion (24) which carries the isotope (18) and a larger diameter portion (26) that mates with the open end (22) of the cylinder.