Brachytherapy apparatus and methods for using them

摘要

Apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region includes an elongate body including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a tissue tract and carrying a plurality of elongate members including pathways for receiving a source of radiation. The elongate members are movable between collapsed and expanded configurations. During use, a tract is created through tissue, and the elongate body carrying the elongate members is advanced through the tract into a target location with the elongate members in the collapsed configuration. The elongate members are directed to the expanded configuration at the target location, and radiation is delivered to treat tissue at the target location, e.g., by introducing one or more radiation sources along the pathways.

主权项

1. A brachytherapy treatment apparatus for treating tissue at a target location within a patient's breast, comprising:
an elongate body comprising a proximal end and a distal end configured for introduction into a tract through tissue having a length such that, when the distal end is introduced through a patient's breast into a lumpectomy cavity, the elongate body proximal end remains outside the patient's breast adjacent the breast; one or more coil members on the distal end, each coil member comprising a lumen defining a spiral pathway for receiving a source of radiation therealong, the one or more coil members movable between a collapsed configuration for introduction through a tissue tract to a target location, and an expanded configuration at the target location; an actuator comprising a proximal end adjacent the elongate body proximal end and a distal end coupled to the one or more coil members, the actuator translatable at least one of rotationally and axially for directing the one or more coil members between the collapsed and expanded configurations within the lumpectomy cavity; and an HDR source of radiation introduceable through each lumen for delivering radiation to the target location.