Brachytherapy needle with impedance measurement apparatus and methods of use

摘要

Apparatus and methods for depositing radioactive seeds into a patient's prostate are provided that include impedance measuring circuitry for detecting whether the distal end of an elongated needle extends into a patient's bladder. The elongated needle includes two conductive traces and a lumen adapted to receive a column of radioactive seeds and spacers. The impedance measuring circuitry is coupled to the conductive traces of the elongated needle and provides a display indicative of the monitored impedance.