A rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) apparatus includes a radiation source, at least one applicator, a catheter, a catheter drive assembly, a robotic positioning system, and a connection system. The applicator(s) is configured to be inserted or implanted into a patient. A distal end portion of the catheter has at least one radiation shield and is configured to receive a wire-mounted radiation source. The catheter drive assembly causes helical motion of the catheter and engages the proximal end portion of the catheter to selectively rotate the catheter about a longitudinal axis. The robotic positioning system aligns the catheter drive assembly, in both position and angular orientation at a modifiable rate, with the applicator(s), or to any programmed point in space. The connection system couples the catheter drive assembly to the applicator(s), and further decouple the catheter drive from the applicator(s). When the applicator(s) is coupled to the catheter drive assembly, the catheter can be advanced into, and out of, the at least one applicator at a variable rate through operation of the catheter drive a

The present invention provides a brachytherapy applicator device having: an elongate body defining a plurality of brachytherapy needle channels, each adapted and configured to receive a brachytherapy needle; a proximal end defining a plurality of proximal openings, each in communication with one of the plurality of brachytherapy needle channels; and a distal end defining a plurality of distal openings, each in communication with one of the plurality of brachytherapy needle channels, wherein at least some of the plurality of brachytherapy needle channels are curved away from a central axis of the elongate body at the distal end such that a brachytherapy needle inserted therethrough will engage with tissue lateral to a cross-sectional profile of the distal end of the elongate body.

Carriers for embodying radioactive seeds, as well as a device for loading and customizing brachytherapy carriers based on the principles of optimizing a more precise and predictable dosimetry, and adaptable to the geometric challenges of a tumor bed in a real-time setting. The present disclosure relates to a specialized loading device designed to enable a medical team to create a radionuclide carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.

Carriers for embodying radioactive seeds, as well as a device for loading and customizing brachytherapy carriers based on the principles of optimizing a more precise and predictable dosimetry, and adaptable to the geometric challenges of a tumor bed in a real-time setting. The present disclosure relates to a specialized loading device designed to enable a medical team to create a radionuclide carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.

A device for loading brachytherapy seeds and spacers into a sleeve. The device holds two or more seed or spacer cartridges of different radioactive species and dosage. The user rotates a selector for selecting a desired cartridge and, with each depression of a spring-biased plunger, pushes a seed or spacer into a channel in an inspection area. The process is repeated for the desired number and order of seeds and spacers in sequence to form a strand. The strand can be seen in the channel with the unaided eye through a transparent window. Once the strand is arranged as desired, it is pushed into a sleeve that is held in a removable sleeve holder. If desired, the end portions of the filled sleeve may be cut off using a sleeve cutter to shorten the filled sleeve. The filled sleeve is implanted into patient using a needle.

A transparent loading apparatus (also referred to herein as a “loader”) may partially or entirely comprise transparent material that allows light to pass through the loader and provides the viewer (whether manual or automated) a view of a radioactive seed, a seed carrier, a loading needle, etc. within the loader. In some embodiments, carrier material (e.g., collagen and/or other biocompatible material) and radioactive seeds (e.g., including a metal shielding and radioactive isotope) may transmit light to different degrees. For example, certain carriers, such as collagen carriers, may be translucent, while seeds may be opaque (or mostly opaque) to light. The systems discussed herein allow a viewer to detect location of a seed within a loader, and even within a carrier, because of these different light transmissivity characteristics.

A loading apparatus is usable to embed radioactive seeds into carriers, while limiting exposure of the user to radioactive energy from the radioactive seeds. The loading apparatus facilitates accurate positioning of radioactive seeds within a carrier. The illustrated loaders generally comprise two components, a base and a lid, although in other embodiments the loaders may be separated into additional components.

A loading apparatus is usable to embed radioactive seeds into carriers, while limiting exposure of the user to radioactive energy from the radioactive seeds. The loading apparatus facilitates accurate positioning of radioactive seeds within a carrier. The illustrated loaders comprise two components, a base and a lid, although in other embodiments the loaders may be separated into additional components.

A transparent loading apparatus (also referred to herein as a loader) may partially or entirely comprise transparent material that allows light to pass through the loader and provides the viewer (whether manual or automated) a view of a radioactive seed, a seed carrier, a loading needle, etc. within the loader. In some embodiments, carrier material (e.g., collagen and/or other biocompatible material) and radioactive seeds (e.g., including a metal shielding and radioactive isotope) may transmit light to different degrees. For example, certain carriers, such as collagen carriers, may be translucent, while seeds may be opaque (or mostly opaque) to light. The systems discussed herein allow a viewer to detect location of a seed within a loader, and even within a carrier, because of these different light transmissivity characteristics.

A casing holding one or more brachytherapy seeds for implanting in a patient, which in turn carry atoms of a radioactive element for radiotherapy treatment is filled with a viscous liquid in a manner preventing radiation from the one or more brachytherapy seeds from exiting the casing. The casing may include a metallic or non-metallic elongated tube configured for insertion into tissue or a vial for delivering a seed to a physician for insertion into a needle.