BRACHYTHERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD USING ROTATING RADIATION SOURCE

摘要

A brachytherapy applicator and method of use involve a source guide that assumes a desired curving, non-linear configuration when inserted into an inflated balloon of the applicator. A flexible source catheter follows the shape of the source guide when inserted into the balloon. Radiation dose received in various tissue areas can be better controlled using the invention, and the ratio of cavity surface dose to prescription depth dose can be lowered. With rotation of the curving source guide coupled with translation of the source via longitudinal movement of the catheter, the applicator can approximate a spherical source, through either stepped or continuous movement of the source and source guide.