METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING TARGETED THERAPY TO A PATIENT

摘要

An applicator for delivering targeted radiation brachytherapy to a portion of tissue defining a cavity of a patient. The applicator includes a balloon adapted for introduction to the cavity of the patient, wherein the balloon has a deflated state in which the balloon is adapted for insertion into the cavity and an inflated state in which the balloon is enlarged for at least partially filling the cavity of the patient. The balloon moves from the deflated state to the inflated state upon introduction of pressurized fluid to an interior of the balloon. The applicator also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon for introducing pressurized fluid to the interior of the balloon to move the balloon from the deflated state to the inflated state, and a catheter extending over at least a portion of the balloon for delivering treatment from at least one treatment source to the tissue adjacent the cavity. A movable steering device is also provided to move the balloon with respect to the portion of tissue to be subjected to therapeutic treatment. The radiation source may be a plurality of radiation sources located in a localized area on the balloon.