摘要 |
A seeding needle has a detent formed near its distal end to prevent radioactive seeds and spacers from sliding out of the needle under the influence of gravity. In a first embodiment, the detent is provided in the form of a dimple that provides an interior protuberance that holds the seeds and spacers and a smooth exterior recess that does not cut tissue as the needle is advanced or retracted. In a second embodiment, a coined slot provides an interior protuberance and an exterior recess also having smooth, non-cutting edges. A third embodiment provides a plug that enables reduction of the size of the detent.
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