CUSTOMIZABLE RADIOACTIVE CARRIERS AND LOADING SYSTEM

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A treatment method comprising: determining one or more dimensions of a surgically created cavity; determining a quantity of carriers based at least on the one or more dimensions and a radiation dose of the carriers, wherein each of the carriers comprises: a collagen-based substrate having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a substantially uniform thickness of between about two to seven millimeters therebetween; and one or more radionuclide seeds embedded in the collagen-based substrate; and positioning the carriers on exposed surfaces of the surgically created cavity to apply radioactive energy from the radionuclide seeds to at least some mammalian tissue forming the surgically created cavity.

2. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein at least some of the carriers include one or more indicator lines marking locations to cut the carriers to create a smaller sized radioactive seed carrier.

3. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein the radionuclide seeds comprise Cesium-131.

4. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein the radionuclide seeds comprise radioisotopes emitting gamma, beta or alpha particles.

5. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein the radionuclide seeds are positioned within respective carriers such that a longitudinal axis of the radionuclide seeds is substantially parallel to the first surface of the respective carrier in which the radionuclide seed is embedded.

6. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are substantially circular.

7. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are substantially rectangular.

8. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein each of the carriers comprises a textural feature on either the first surface or the second surface.

9. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the carriers further comprises: a substrate including a therapeutic agent.

10. The treatment method of claim 9, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises one or more of gamma particles, beta particles, alpha particles, chemotherapy agent, tumoricidal agent, viral vector agent, or immunotherapeutic agent.

11. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein the carriers are positioned with reference to one another to form a preplanned dosimetrically customized implant configured to optimize a therapeutic index of the implant.

12. The treatment method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the carriers further comprises a radiation shielding layer.

13. The treatment method of claim 12, wherein the radiation shielding layer comprises one or more of tantalum, tungsten, titanium, gold, or silver.

14. The treatment method of claim 12, wherein the radiation shielding layer comprises a high Z material.

15. The treatment method of claim 12, wherein the radiation shielding layer is positioned on the first surface of the of the collagen-based substrate.

16. A method of producing a dosimetrically customizable implant, the method comprising: (a) determining one or more dimensions of a surgically created cavity; (b) providing a plurality of carriers each comprising: a collagen-based substrate having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a substantially uniform thickness of between about two to seven millimeters therebetween; and one or more radionuclide seeds embedded in the collagen-based substrate; (c) positioning a first carrier on an exposed surface of the surgically created cavity; (d) determining whether a dosimetric need is satisfied; (e) in response to determining that the dosimetric need is not satisfied, positioning an additional carrier on the exposed surface of the surgically created cavity adjacent an already placed carrier; and (f) repeating (d) and (e) until the dosimetric need is satisfied.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein an orientation of the first carrier and an orientation of at least one of the additional carriers are non-planar.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first carrier is positioned on a bottom of the surgically created cavity and at least one of the additional carriers is positioned on a side of the surgically created cavity.

19. A treatment method comprising: determining one or more dimensions of a surgically created cavity; providing a plurality of carriers each comprising: a collagen-based substrate having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a substantially uniform thickness of between about two to seven millimeters therebetween; one or more radionuclide seeds embedded in the collagen-based substrate; and providing a radiation shielding layer comprising a high Z material; and positioning the carriers and the radiation shielding layer on exposed surfaces of the surgically created cavity to apply radioactive energy from the radionuclide seeds to at least some mammalian tissue forming the surgically created cavity.

20. The treatment method of claim 19, wherein the radiation shielding layer is positioned adjacent at least a first of the plurality of carriers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The principles of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like components:

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodied carrier device in a tile form.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a front plan view of another embodied carrier device in a tile form.

[0028] FIG. 3. Comprises a perspective view of another embodied carrier device in tile form wherein the tile further includes a metal foil at the antipodal surface distal to the treatment zone.

[0029] FIG. 4 comprises FIGS. 4A and 4B which show two perspective views of alternative shape designs for tile carriers.

[0030] FIG. 5 represents a drawing in which embodied individual tiles are shown in use in a post-operative cavity after tumor debulking.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another contemplated carrier system in tile form.

[0032] FIG. 7 comprises FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C which are front plan views of three embodied carrier systems in gore form and in a 2-dimensional form.

[0033] FIG. 8 comprises FIGS. 8A and 8B which are front plan views of the gore carrier shown from 7B when in 3-dimensional forms.

[0034] FIG. 9 comprises FIGS. 9A and 9B which are perspective views of more embodied gore carriers in different shapes.

[0035] FIG. 10 comprises FIGS. 10A and 10B which represents two views of an embodied carrier in gore form.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodied carrier in gore form.

[0037] FIG. 12 comprises FIGS. 12A and 12B wherein FIG. 12A shows an embodied needle radionuclide seed loading device contemplated and FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of a carrier device with proper radionuclide seed placement.

[0038] FIG. 13 comprises FIGS. 13A, 13B and FIG. 13C wherein FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a lid to an embodied loading device; FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of the base of an embodied loading device; and FIG. 13C shows a perspective view of and an embodied loading device with the lid in its secured position on the base.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodied carrier in tile form placed in a loading device for enhanced radionuclide loading capabilities.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an embodied carrier in gore form placed in a loading device for enhanced radionuclide loading capabilities.

[0041] FIG. 16 illustrates exemplary preoperative shapes and locations and tumors to be treated with one or more of the embodied devices of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 17 illustrates exemplary the shape and location of various post-operative cavities to be treated with one or more of the embodied devices of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 18 comprises FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E each show different applications and configurations of the carrier systems for treating variable target treatment areas.

[0044] The principles of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like components:

[0045] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the base of an embodied loading device.

[0046] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a lid of an embodied loading device which would fit with the base of FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 21 shows an alternative shorter lid with enhanced properties and a tooth mechanism that would also mate with the lid of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative loader base.

[0049] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the base of an embodied loading device with a tile carrier in the loading bed and an enhanced lid.

[0050] FIG. 24 shows a plan view of an embodied needle radionuclide seed loading device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

[0051] In order to facilitate an understanding of the systems and methods discussed herein, a number of terms are defined below. The terms defined below, as well as other terms used herein, should be construed to include the provided definitions, the ordinary and customary meaning of the terms, and/or any other implied meaning for the respective terms. Thus, the definitions below do not limit the meaning of these terms, but only provide exemplary definitions.

[0052] For the purposes of the present disclosure, Brachytherapy is defined as radiation treatment in which the source of the radiation is placed close to the surface of the body or within the body or a body cavity a short distance from the area being treated.

[0053] For the purposes of the present disclosure, Teletherapy is defined as radiation treatment in which the source of the radiation is at a distance from the body.

[0054] For the purposes of the present disclosure, High Dose Rate is considered to be defined as the treatment with radiation doses above 12,000 cGy/hr.

[0055] For the purposes of the present disclosure, Low Dose Rate is considered to be defined as the treatment with radiation in the dose range of 400-2000 cGy/hr

[0056] For the purposes of the present disclosure, High Z Materials are considered to be defined as any element with an atomic number greater than 20, or an alloy containing such materials.

[0057] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term Hot is considered to be a material that is Radioactive and the term Cold is considered to mean a material is low in radioactivity; or not radioactive.

[0058] For the purposes of the present disclosure, Dosimetry is defined as the process of measurement and quantitative description of the radiation absorbed dose (rad) in a tissue or organ.

[0059] For the purposes of the present disclosure, a Tile Carrier sometimes also referred to as a GammaTile is defined as a type of radionuclide carrier that is planar and maintains a two-dimensional planar geometry when placed in use to treat tumors.

[0060] For the purposes of the present disclosure, a Gore Carrier sometimes also referred to as a GammaGore is defined as a type of radionuclide carrier that, while initially planar, will assume a 3-dimensional shape when arranged and placed into an operative cavity or similar space and conform to the treatment environment while maintaining the geometry necessary for an effective implant.

[0061] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term Interstitial is defined as pertaining to parts or interspaces of a tissue.

[0062] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term Tumor: is defined as an abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells; which can be benign or malignant.

[0063] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term Malignant is defined as tumors having the potential for or exhibiting the properties of anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis.

[0064] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term Cancer is defined as any malignant, cellular tumor.

[0065] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term Chemotherapy is defined as a cancer treatment method that uses chemical agents to inhibit or kill cancer cells.

[0066] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Application of Embodied Carriers in Central Nervous System Tumors

[0067] Despite meticulous surgical technique, tumors metastatic to the brain or spine often recur at or near the site of resection. This is because it is rarely feasible to resect these tumors with pathologically negative margins, especially in the more eloquent regions or where lesions are adjacent to vascular structures or nerves. Radiation therapy, utilizing an increasingly large variety of techniques, has been shown to be the single most effective adjuvant treatment to help prevent recurrence of malignant brain tumors. Interstitial brachytherapy combined with surgical resection of central nervous system tumors has been in use for several decades. Various types of radioactive sources are inserted under direct visualization during the surgery, as potentially more cost effective and less time-consuming therapy, without compromising outcomes.

[0068] Nevertheless, techniques for interstitial brachytherapy (BT) of central nervous system tumors have remained relatively crude. The brachytherapy device and methods embodied in the present disclosure, improve the delivery of radiation by creating a carrier system to create combinations of carriers (tiles and/or gores) each with radioactive sources contained within. These carriers, known as tile carriers or “GammaTiles” (GT's) and gore carriers or “GammaGores” (GG's) can be positioned to fit into operative beds by customizing them to the shape and size of individual operative cavities. The GTs can be tailored to protect sensitive normal structures, such as nerves or normal brain, while delivering desired high doses of radiation to the precise locations at highest risk of recurrence. The GTs may also be used as carriers for short-range radioisotopes emitting beta or alpha particles or for delivery of other therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapeutic agents, viral treatments, targeted therapies, and/or DNA damage repair inhibitors. They may also be designed to contain high Z materials and/or biocompatible spacers to afford significant directionality to the radiation treatment.

Application of Embodied Carriers Outside the Central Nervous System

[0069] Brachytherapy has been used to treat many tumors of extracranial sites such as head and neck, lung, soft tissue, gynecologic, rectum, prostate, penis, esophagus, pancreas and skin. Brachytherapy (BT) can be used alone or in combination with external beam radiotherapy and/or surgery. Patient outcomes are critically dependent upon proper patient selection and implantation technique. In general, patients with tumors that are intimately associated with critical normal structures to be preserved such as nerves, vessels, cosmetically apparent areas or visceral organs cannot be completely resected without undue morbidity or mortality. These tumors may be good candidates for BT performed in conjunction with surgical resection. Currently available techniques to produce the reliable source spacing needed for optimal geometry and subsequently radiation dosimetry, require catheters and shielding that are relatively bulky and therefore poorly conforming to the treated area. Consequently, they require considerable capital investment and the presence of a team of experts for effective use; and when preformed intraoperatively must be undertaken in a specially shielded operating room to avoid irradiation of adjacent staff and patients. These shortcomings limit the availability of these therapies to very few centers and compromise outcomes by decreasing tumor control and increasing complications from therapy. The brachytherapy device and methods contemplated in the present disclosure, facilitates achieving optimal radioactive source arrangements for permanent low dose rate (LDR) BT in a user-friendly, readily available and cost-effective manner, by using a carrier system of geometrically customizable carriers (GTs/GGs) to contain radioactive sources to be placed into tumors or tumor beds.

[0070] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure, also enables users to preferentially spare sensitive normal tissue without compromising the ability to deliver high dose radiation customized to both tumor and patient anatomy.

[0071] Additional embodiments of the tile and or gore carriers may include the ability of the tile and or gore carriers to deliver other cytotoxic agents, such as chemotherapy drugs or very short range radioactive sources such as Y-90 and alpha particles for placement directly into tumors, while maximally sparing normal tissue.

[0072] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of brevity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions such as compliance with regulatory, system-related, and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another, must be made to achieve the specific goals. Moreover, such a developmental effort might be complex and time-consuming but with the benefit of this disclosure, would be a routine undertaking for those skilled in the art of radiation therapy.

Carrier Systems

[0073] Generally the carrier systems described herein and exemplified in FIGS. 1-11 involve the utilization of small individual implantable carriers in the form of tiles (as shown in FIGS. 1-6) and gores (as shown in FIGS. 7-11) designed to be bearers of therapeutic agents such as radioactive seeds to produce a dosimetrically customizable implant in real time for each patient and lesion.

[0074] The carrier systems are designed to: create a carrier which allows for more precise and predictable dosimetry; an improved geometry with a better orientation of seeds to one another especially in the settings of real-time, intraoperative environments; is fully customizable to adjust to size/volume, location, and tumor type; and can provide differential dosing of tumor/tumor bed vs. normal tissues.

[0075] The carrier systems embodied are generally made of biocompatible materials known in the art and more specifically may be made of gelatin based or collagen based biocompatible materials.

Example 1

Tile Carrier Embodiment

[0076] FIGS. 1-6 show various exemplifications of carrier devices in tile form embodied in the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodied carrier device 100 in a tile form wherein the tile 101 serves as a loadable shieldable spacer for a radioactive seed 199 and wherein the embodied tile 101 comprises a pre-formed loading channel 150 which runs from a proximal end 103 through to a distal end 105. Additionally, there is an antipodal surface 110 opposite of the treatment surface 120. The approximate dimensions contemplated of a tile as shown here would be a square with each side about 1 cm and the depth of the device as measured as the distance from the antipodal surface 110 to the treatment surface 120 may be about 2-7 mm, with 3-6 mm preferred, 4-5 mm more preferred, and 4 mm most preferred. A loading channel 150 may be preformed as shown or created at time of radioactive seed 199 placement. The seed 199 will generally be placed in the center of the loading channel 150 and there are various ways to insure proper placement of the seed 199 within the channel. Furthermore the antipodal surface 110 may additionally comprise various colored markers, indicators and textural features which may further insure proper orientation of the tiles 101 when being placed.

[0078] FIG. 2 shows a proximal 203 or end view of another embodied tile form carrier 201 and demonstrates the positioning of the loading channel 250 in respect to the tile 201. In this example the loading channel 250 itself may be offset within the tile 201 such that the channel 250 is located closer to either the antipodal 210 or the treatment 220 surface depending on the exposure wanted and or the shielding constraints desired with the radionuclide seed 199 (not shown) within the loading channel 250. In the case shown there is a thin layer of material 230 on the antipodal side 210 and a thicker layer 240 in which the loading channel 250 is formed.

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodied tile 301 wherein the tile further includes a metal foil 311 on the antipodal surface 310. One or more surfaces can include a metal foil layer 311 on the antipodal surface 310 such as gold to block rads from escaping and/or redirect them or focus them towards the target treatment area. Some of the metals contemplated for use include a layer of tantalum, tungsten, titanium, gold, silver, or alloys of these or other high Z materials on the antipodal aspect (additionally the metal layers may be located internally between spacing layers in either GammaTile or GammaGores not presently shown) to provide sparing of normal tissue in portions of brain and elsewhere where there is very limited physical space. Additionally, the embodied tile 301 may include a loading channel 350 which may be located between an upper spacer layer 330 which may be the thicker portion located away from the treatment surface 320 and a lower spacer 340 which is the thinner portion located adjacent to the treatment surface 320.

[0080] The present disclosure, contemplates of carrier construction using differential thicknesses of biocompatible materials below and/or above the radiation sources (as shown in FIG. 3 above) to achieve differential radiation dose delivery with relative sparing of normal tissue along with the use of a layer of tantalum, tungsten, titanium, gold, silver, or alloys of these or other high Z materials on the antipodal aspect (side away from the tumor) or internal to the Tiles or Gores to provide sparing of normal tissue in portions of the body such as the brain, and anywhere there is very limited physical space.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of two alternative tile shapes including a circular tile 401 and a square tile 501 in any given tile contemplated in the present disclosure, the loading channel 450, 550 may be preformed or may be marked for loading with a sharp instrument such as a needle, or may be blank and the channel may be formed wherever the user determines makes the most sense from a dosimetry, geometry and or orientation standpoint.

[0082] FIG. 5 represents a drawing in which embodied individual tiles 501 are shown in use in a post-operative cavity after tumor debulking. In this case four individual or interconnected tiles 501 are placed within the cavity adjacent to the tissue margins where the debulking occurred wherein the radionuclide seeds 599 target the tissue around the lesion margin and the tile 501 shields the other tissues and void space from the radionuclide exposure. The treatment surface 520 lies closest to the tumor bed and the antipodal surface 510 faces the void space. Further embodiments contemplated but not shown include the use of notches, matched tongue and groove, slot/groove, key lock, logo-block or similar mating/matching type systems to secure and it the tiles 501 next to each other to provide optimal geometry and orientation and increase the customization to a broad realm of effective treatment possibilities.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another contemplated carrier system 600 in tile 601 form. The example tile 601 shown may be considered a tile sheet that includes three equal size tiles. The carrier system 600 is marked with indicator lines 659, which would allow users to trim/shape tiles 601 to the needed size but still maintain desired spacing for the dosimetry. The use of tiles 601 of certain precise dimensions allow for the carrier to guide the user to maintain the precise and preplanned dosimetry needed to produce effective and safe outcomes. For example a contemplated device may be 1.0 cm on center spacing between seeds in tile, and 0.5 cm spacing to tile edge. So the next tile, if added, maintains overall 1.0 cm spacing pattern and the preprinted “cut here” lines 659 shown may be 0.5 cm between each seed so a 2×3 linear carrier could be size-trimmed to a 2×2 tile or 2×1 tile in the operating room. Additionally, the antipodal surface 610 of FIG. 6 includes a top differentiator with the markings 659 and 657 provided. In this case there are trim lines loading channel orientation lines 655, seed location markings 657 and trim lines 659. Additional concepts for differentiating the tops (antipodal surface 610) from bottoms (treatment surface 620) of the carriers in the operating room/operative field; can utilize color, texture, glossy/dull, etc, to maintain correct orientation, and therefore, optimal dosimetery. Additionally, both ends 603 and 605 of the tile or just the proximal end 603 may be marked with loading channel placement guides 651 for tiles 601 fully customizable and not including a preformed loading channel 650 (not present in this tile).

[0084] The present carriers may include the use of differential color codes to mark end seeds with higher radiation strength than the middle seeds for improved radiation dose distribution for use with limited size and irregular shape targets.

[0085] Additional carriers may include the use of markers (color coded dots, arrows, etc) to indicate proper orientation of the tiles. For example, as seeds have both a long and short axis that may not be readily apparent once in the tile, and tiles may be square, or adjacent to other tiles, “green arrow to green arrow, red arrow to red arrow” could indicate both correct seed orientation, and give another guide to precise line-up during placement.

[0086] The carriers may be manufactured in multiple size and shape prefabricated tiles of various shapes and sizes (e.g., 1×1 cm, 2×2 cm, 1×3 cm, 2×3 cm, 1×4 cm); these may be preloaded (hot) with the radioactive seeds, or cold to allow for the radioactive seeds to be placed within the tumor or bed just prior to the procedure, which simplifies manufacture of tile for greater variety of carriers, reduces the waste of unused “hot” carriers, and reduces the radiation exposure of the staff.

[0087] Additional carriers may also have an impermeable membrane, bio-compound, high Z material or other barrier, which acts to prevent or impede the migration of the compound(s) or agents from the side(s) of the carrier(s) adjacent to the resected tumor to the antipodal side(s) of the carrier(s)(adjacent to normal tissue) and vice versa to create a differential therapeutic impact on the operative bed vs. adjacent tissues.

[0088] Additional carriers may use differential thickness of tissue equivalent material below and/or above the tiles and/or a construction of differing high z materials (or just the seed “tube” built into the tile) to achieve the desired radiation dose delivery or normal tissue sparing targeting.

Example 2

Gore Style Carriers

[0089] FIGS. 7-11 show various exemplifications of carrier devices in gore form embodied in the present disclosure.

[0090] One problem associated surgeons and oncologists often face when treating a subject include a subject with spherical and semispherical intracranial lesions which are common and thus so are similarly shaped postoperative cavities. Any useful carrier and coverage will need to adapt to this shape while being able to be implanted into the brain, and still maintain “ideal” or nearly ideal geometry. One solution embodied by the present disclosure, includes the creation of two-dimensional gores that act as carriers, and when loaded with seeds and placed in the cavity conform to the three-dimensional environment while maintaining geometry of implant. In addition to the three-dimensional nature of the carrier, the carrier may possess additional possible properties previously mentioned including spacing function, differential thickness, and the possibility of combining with high-z materials for radiation protection. These carriers may also be designed so as to be compatible with placement of adjacent tiles or gammatiles as needed for additional intraoperative flexibility.

[0091] Additionally the gore-type carrier may be pre-manufactured in specific dimensions and available in a variety of sizes and/or capable of being trimmed to make smaller or combined to make bigger at time of use. The dimensions decided upon can be customized by the user based upon the tumor/cavity size and characteristics to achieve the necessary geometry.

[0092] Although certain design shapes are shown as exemplary products in FIGS. 7-11, other geometric shapes such as regular or irregular polyhedrons also may be used as gore-style carriers.

[0093] FIG. 7 comprises FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C which are front plan views of three embodied carrier systems in gore form and in a 2-dimensional form. The general gore designs include petals, flaps, and/or a combination of petals and flaps. FIG. 7A shows a 2 dimensional gore design 701 with comprising petals 744 and flaps 746. FIG. 7B shows a gore 801 with petals 844 and flap 846 but in the design the flaps have an extended length to provide for a different geometrical or size application. FIG. 7C shows a gore 901 with a Bi-concave design with double petals 944.

[0094] FIG. 8 shows FIGS. 8A and 8B which are front plan views of the gore carrier 801 shown in FIG. 7B when in 3-dimensional forms. FIG. 8A shows the gore 801 rolled up to cover a 3-dimensional space which in more cylindrical and FIG. 8B shows the gore 801 rolled up with the petals 844 folded inward which creates a closed cylinder with a rounded top 3-dimensional conformation.

[0095] The proportions are generally fixed by height, width and length, and set by need to maintain ideal implant geometry of seed spacing. The exact length and width depends upon the cavity size but the gore carrier itself may be pre made and/or pre-sized. The gore-type carrier additionally may have seed location presets.

[0096] FIG. 9 includes FIG. 9A which shows a 2-dimensional gore designs 1001, with petals 1044, and flaps 1046. The antipodal surface 1010 is viewable and the treatment surface 1020 is hidden. The gore 1001 further includes marking identifiers on the antipodal surface 1010 including loading channel orientation lines 1055 and seed location markings 1057. Additionally, both ends 1003 and 1005 of the gore or just the proximal end 1003 may be marked with loading channel placement guides 1051. FIG. 9B shows a gore 1101 with petals 1144 and flap 1146 but in this design the flaps have an extended length to provide for a different geometrical or size application. For example, the extended length flaps may provide a better fit in a larger cavity. In both FIGS. 9A and 9B the gore is rolled inward and the antipodal sides 1010 and 1110 respectively are not viewable once the gore is placed in its rolled up 3-dimensional configuration.

[0097] FIGS. 10A and 10B show another embodied gore 1201 wherein FIG. 10A shows a perspective view with the antipodal surface 1210 viewable and FIG. 10B is a plan view of the treatment surface 1220 which shows the seed 1299 distribution within the gore 1201. The gore is designed to roll up and the treatment surface 1220 faces the tumor or treatment bed and the antipodal surface 1210 faces the interior of the 3-dimensional sphere-like gore. This bi-concave design with double petals, may best be used in more spherical type cavities.

[0098] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodied carrier in gore 1301 form wherein the treatment surface 1320 includes an additional layer 1313 which may be used to provide for a localized delivery of radioactive materials such as gamma or beta irradiation or alpha particles along with chemotherapy agents or tumoricidal/targeted/immunotherapeutic or viral/viral vector agent(s) on the side(s) of the carrier(s) adjacent to the tumor.

[0099] The carriers of the present disclosure may also provide for the use of a small implantable individual carrier constructed for the localized delivery of radioactive materials such as gamma or beta irradiation or alpha particles along with radiation sensitizing agents and/or radiation damage repair inhibitors on the side(s) of the carrier(s) adjacent to the tumor.

[0100] The carriers of the present disclosure may also provide for the use of a small implantable individual carrier constructed for the localized delivery of radioactive materials such as gamma or beta irradiation or alpha particles with or without other radiation protection compounds on the side(s) of the carrier(s) antipodal to the radiation source and/or tissue growth promotion/healing factor compounds on the side(s) of the carrier(s) antipodal to the radiation source.

[0101] The general gore designs include petals, flaps, and/or a combination of petals and flaps. The proportions are generally fixed by height, width and length, and set by need to maintain ideal implant geometry of seed spacing. The exact length and width depends upon the cavity size but the gore carrier itself may be pre made and/or pre-sized. The gore-type carrier additionally may have seed location presets. When the gore-type material is similar to the petal flap system found in FIG. 9A the petals and flaps offset to maintain seed spacing. The seed spacing contemplated may range from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, with 0.75 cm to 1.25 cm preferred, 0.8 cm to 1.2 cm more preferred and 1.0 cm a most preferred seed spacing interval between seeds.

[0102] Certain embodiments of the systems and methods discussed herein also may include the use of a small implantable individual carrier constructed for the localized delivery of radioactive materials such as gamma or beta irradiation or alpha particles along with chemotherapy agents or tumoricidal/targeted/immunotherapeutic or viral/viral vector agent(s) on the side(s) of the carrier(s) adjacent to the tumor.

[0103] Certain embodiments of the systems and methods discussed herein also may include the use of a small implantable individual carrier constructed for the localized delivery of radioactive materials such as gamma or beta irradiation or alpha particles along with radiation sensitizing agents and/or radiation damage repair inhibitors on the side(s) of the carrier(s) adjacent to the tumor.

[0104] Certain embodiments of the systems and methods discussed herein also may include the use of a small implantable individual carrier constructed for the localized delivery of radioactive materials such as gamma or beta irradiation or alpha particles along with radiation protection compounds on the side(s) of the carrier(s) antipodal to the radiation source and/or tissue growth promotion/healing factor compounds on the side(s) of the carrier(s) antipodal to the radiation source.

[0105] The tiles and or gores in the present disclosure include the adaptability of the carrier system to be isotope specific and manage the radionuclide strength and exposure to users and normal (non-targeted) tissues with a variety of measures including differential thicknesses as shown above, seed-tubes (not shown), shielding materials, or spacing facilitators to place radiolabeled seeds in best place in regards to treatment of target and non-treatment of non-target.

[0106] The carriers may be MRI compatible and/or visible on fluoroscopy and CT to facilitate accurate intra- and post-operative assessment.

[0107] The small individual implantable tiles and/or gores are designed to be carriers for radioactive seeds used to produce a dosimetrically customizable implant in real time for each patient and tumor.

Radionuclide Seed Loading

[0108] FIG. 12A demonstrates the use of a loading needle apparatus 2000 contemplated in the present disclosure. The apparatus 2000 comprises a needle 2010 attached to a specific vicryl thread 2021 and at least one radionuclide seed 2099 in a strand depending on the carrier and conditions to be loaded. The vicryl thread 2021 comprises a regular color section of thread 2023 and an offset color portion of thread 2030. When the offset color portion of thread 2030 is visible out of either end of a gore carrier, tile carrier or carrier loader the visual presence is indicative that the seed is not placed in its proper location. FIG. 12B exemplifies the use of a needle apparatus 2000, the needle apparatus is used to penetrate the tile carrier 2001 and create a loading channel 2050 through the tile 2001. When the seed is placed at the proper depth all of the offset color 2030 (such as purple) vicryl disappears inside of the tile device and the regular color thread 2023 is trimmed away.

[0109] Certain embodiments of the systems and methods discussed herein may use a variation of seeds in any carrier in order to provide the best dosimetry for the patient tumor and space. Additionally, the loading strands may include one or more of the same seeds or various combinations of well-known low energy radioactive seeds such as Cs 131, Ir 192, I 125, Pd 103 or others commonly known in the art. The seeds placed within the carriers are generally placed as a therapeutic agent in the form of permanent implants intra-operatively following surgical resection, but there may be instance where implants are interchanged removed or replaced.

[0110] In other possible loading carriers (Not shown) the carrier may include an “up” or “top” designation on the side opposite of the target zone surface. The hot seed may be encased in a plastic cartridge and loaded into the device with a colored vicryl or similar thread, such that when the seed is loaded into the appropriate position within the tile only certain thread colors are visible, once the alignment is complete the strings on both sides may be pulled, thus pulling the two halves of the plastic cartridge shielding the hot seed. And thus allowing the unshielded hot seed to reside in its proper position within the tile device.

Loading Devices

[0111] The present disclosure, also includes a specialized loading device designed to enable the medical team to create a carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.

[0112] FIGS. 13-15 demonstrate the use of a specialized loader system for loading the carriers of various embodiments with radioactive seeds. Certain embodiments of the systems and methods discussed herein may be used with the carriers either to create prepackaged hot carriers or to load “cold” carriers just prior to use.

[0113] The embodied loaders can be single or multi-use, sterilizable, and shielded if desired. They are designed to load either standard or high-Z material carriers in an accurate, efficient, and real-time manner. The loaders are of similar designs, dimensionally specific, and each consists of two components, the base and the lid.

[0114] The base of the loaders functions to: 1) guide the initial path of the loading needle for seed placement in the carrier; 2) provide dimensional stability to the soft carrier during the loading process; 3) center the carrier left-right within the base during the loading process; and 4) shield the user.

[0115] The lid of a contemplated loader function to: 1) guide the final path of the loading needle, entirely through the carrier; 2) provide dimensional stability to the soft carrier during the loading process; 3) position the carrier superior-inferiorly within the base during the loading process; 4) position the carrier front to back within the base during the loading process; and 5) shield the user.

[0116] The loader designs of the present disclosure, can be made to accommodate a wide variety of GammaTile and GammaGore dimensions and styles. They are illustrated to accommodate seed-in-suture, but can be easily adapted for loose seeds or other configurations.

[0117] When loading a seed in suture a needle longer than the loader is used and pulled through the loader channel holes on the proximal end of the base and the distal of the lid. Once the needle protrudes it is pulled the rest of the way with clamps or a needle-nose plier. For example, if the user uses a 60 mm loader the user would want to use a 70 mm needle to feed through the loader channels and deposit the seeds within the carrier.

[0118] FIG. 13 includes FIGS. 13A and 13B wherein FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a lid 3020 to an embodied loading device 3000. FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of the base 3010 of an embodied loading device 3000. And FIG. 13C shows a perspective view of an embodied loading device 3000 with the lid 3020 in its secured position on the base 3010. The lid 3020 has a bottom surface 3007 and a top surface 3009, a proximal end 3023 and a distal end 3025, and a loading bed insert 3071 located on the bottom surface 3007 and running from the proximal end 3023 to the distal end 3025. Additionally, there are loading channel exit holes (not shown) extending through the distal end 3025 of the lid. The base 3010 as shown in FIG. 13B comprises of the proximal end 3013 and a distal end 3015, a proximal end loading channel 3051 and a loading channel support structure 3055, which provides enough depth to guide a needle in a consistent and accurate pathway as the needle tip travels through any loading material if present, and exits out a loading channel exit hole 3053. Additionally, the loader 3000 comprises a loading bed 3070 in which appropriately sized carrier material is placed to be loaded. Once a carrier is placed into the loading bed 3070 to be loaded, the lid 3020 is placed onto the base 3010 such that the loading bed insert 3071 located on the bottom surface 3007 of the lid 3020 engages with the loading bed 3070 portion of the base 3010. The depth of the loading bed insert 3071 is chosen so that it is deep enough to sandwich and the carrier material in place during the process of loading, but not too much depth which crushes the carrier, and repulses the ability of the loading needle to extend through a loading channel 3050.

[0119] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodied tile carrier 601 previously shown in FIG. 6 when placed in the loading bed 3070 of the loading device 3000 of FIG. 13. FIG. 14 shows the tile 601 is placed within the loading bed 3070 portion of the loader 3000. The lid 3020 portion of the loader has been removed so that the tile 601 is visible and one can see that the orientation lines 655 of the tile 601 align directly with the proximal end loading channel 3051 such that when a needle loader enters through the proximal end loading channel 3051 and extends through the loading channel support structure 3055 and enters into the loading bed portion 3070 of the base 3010 where a carrier tile 601 is in a secured position; the loading needle enters into the predetermined placement on the tile 601 based on dosimetry needs for treatment. And if the lid 3020 were present, the needle would extend through the loading channel exit hole 3053 and exit out of the device leaving the loaded carrier 601 behind.

[0120] When the needle loading apparatus is one such as that described in FIG. 12A, the needle apparatus 2000 feeds through the proximal end loading channel 3051 and extends through the loading channel support structure 3055 and enters into the loading bed portion 3070 of the base 3010 where carrier tile 601 is in its secured position. The needle apparatus 2000 feeds through the tile carrier 601 and exits out the loading channel exit hole 3053. Once the tip of the needle 2010 of the needle apparatus extends through the exit hole 3053 the needle 2010 is grasped with a needle-holder and pulled through until the thread 2021 provides a visual determination that the carrier is loaded properly and the seeds are in their proper location. When the seed is placed at the proper depth all of the offset color 2030 (such as purple) thread disappears inside of the tile 601 and loader device and the regular color thread 2023 is trimmed away.

[0121] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an embodied gore carrier 1201 similarly shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B when placed in the loading bed 3070 of loader device 3000 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 shows the gore 1201 is placed within the loading bed 3070 portion of the loader 3000. The lid 3020 portion of the loader has been removed so that the gore 1201 is visible and one can see that the orientation lines 1255 of the gore 1201 aligns directly to the loading channel support structure 3055 such that when a needle loader enters through the proximal end loading channel 3051 and extends through the loading channel support structure 3055 and enters into the loading bed portion 3070 of the base 3010 where a carrier gore 1201 is in a secured position the loading needle enters into the predetermined placement on the gore 1201 based on dosimetry needs for treatment. The gore 1201 loaded the same as described for the the 601 in FIG. 14. Once the gore 1201 is loaded, it may be trimmed along the trim lines 1259 present on the antipodal surface 1210 of the gore 1201 if necessary.

Application and Treatment with Customized Radionuclide Carrier Systems

[0122] The specialized carriers of the present disclosure may provide for certain precise dimensions to allow the carriers to guide users (neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, general surgeons, dermatologists, radiation oncologists, urological surgeons, veterinarians or other qualified providers) in maintaining precise and preplanned dosimetry needed to produce effective and safe outcomes.

[0123] The dosimetrically customizable implants of the present disclosure may be used as a means of treating, curing, ameliorating, or slowing the progression of various tumors of the body, including but not limited to; tumors of the central nervous system, head and neck, spine, soft tissues, bone, liver, lung, breast, skin, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, rectum, prostate, pancreas, retroperitoneal space, kidney, bladder, pelvis, ovary, cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.

[0124] The embodied carrier systems may be used in methods to facilitate intracavitary, intraluminal, interstitial, and external surface brachytherapy used with and without surgical resection of the tumors.

[0125] The embodied carrier systems may be used in methods specifically for treating extracranial, interstitial, intra-cavitary, surface or visceral site irradiation treatment of various primary and metastatic tumors.

[0126] The custom radionuclide carrier systems of the present disclosure may be used for implantation within the central nervous system and include a radiolabeled implant for interstitial implantation comprising a substantially rigid implantable matrix design to be a carrier for radioactive seeds to produce a dosimetrically customizable implant in real-time for each patient and lesion.

[0127] The dosimetrically customizable implants described herein may be used to treat, cure ameliorate or slow-down the progression and thus provide a defense against various brain tumors including but not limited to, meningioma, glioma, metastatic cancer and craniopharyngioma.

[0128] The rigid implantable matrix designs may include a design wherein the matrix is an implantable tile. The methods of above with the use of low-energy radioactive seeds Cs 131, Ir 192, I125, Pd 103 or other isotopes to be used intraoperative following surgical resection as a permanent implant.

[0129] The types of tumors to be treated include primary, secondary and recurrent tumors involving the central nervous system.

[0130] A program/spreadsheet/nomogram to guide planning implants and ordering of seeds/tiles based on preoperative lesion size, shape, location, histology and number may be provided to assist the user when using the present carrier systems.

[0131] FIGS. 16-18 demonstrate some of the exemplary surgical applications and customization process that can be achieved with the tile carriers or the gore carriers or combinations of the two carriers.

[0132] FIG. 16 shows the pre-operation shape and locations of tumors in three common places and geometries. In position A the tumor is rounded in shape and located at or very near the brain surface. In position B there are two tumors shown as rounded in shape but the tumors have different accessibilities in that the tumors may be deeper into the brain tissue for B1 than B2. In position C there are two variable lesions C1 and C2 where there is an irregular tumor bed shape and the lesion may be in any variety of shape and depth.

[0133] FIG. 17 shows the post-operation cavity shape location associated with each of the above pre-op positions. The position A is considered concave in shape with a surface flair. The position B1 post-op is considered concave deep and stovepipe. The position B2 post-op is considered a Bi-concave bed. The position C1 is now considered regular with an irregular bed. And position C2 is considered irregular, with an irregular bed and variations.

[0134] For each of these tumors/tumor beds there is a high variability of size shape and location but the options for the surgeon with the carriers of the present disclosure, are almost unlimited in creating coverage possibilities with the tiles or gores or a combination of the two.

[0135] FIG. 18 shows embodied carrier solutions for each of the above tumor beds. The carrier solution for the position A tumor bed that is considered concave in shape with a surface flair would be for the user to use a petal and flap gore with an extended flap such as gore carrier 1101 shown in FIG. 9B. The carrier solution for the position B1 post-op which is considered concave deep and stovepipe would be for the user to use a petal and flaps gore such as the gore carrier 1001 shown in FIG. 9A. The carrier solution for the position B2 post-op which is considered a Bi-concave bed would be for the user to use a double petal gore such as the gore carrier 1201 shown in FIG. 10. The carrier solution for the position C1 which is considered regular with an irregular bed would be for the user to use one or more gores to fit and then additional tile configurations to fill as needed. The carrier solution for the position C2 which is considered irregular, with an irregular bed and variations would be for the user to use just the tile carriers because of the lack of space for a full gore implant.

[0136] This invention would also be useful in veterinary oncology, either alone or in combination with surgery. Fractionated radiation therapy is logistically more difficult and costly in animals, which require anesthesia prior to delivery of each fraction. Customizable BT, utilizing this invention, will enable delivery of effective and efficient treatment in properly selected tumors.

[0137] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above example, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.

Loading Devices

[0138] The present disclosure includes a specialized loading device designed to enable the medical team to create a radionuclide carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.

[0139] FIGS. 19-23 further illustrate various embodiments and possible features of loader systems for loading carriers with radioactive seeds. The loaders of the present disclosure may be used with the carriers either to create prepackaged hot carriers or to load “cold” carriers just prior to use.

[0140] The embodied loaders can be single or multi-use, sterilizable, and shielded if desired. They are designed to load either standard or high-Z material carriers in an accurate, efficient, and real-time manner. The loaders are of similar designs, dimensionally specific, and each consists of two components, the base and the lid.

[0141] The loader designs of the present disclosure, can be made to accommodate a wide variety of GammaTile and GammaGore dimensions and styles. They are illustrated to accommodate seed-in-suture, but can be easily adapted for loose seeds or other configurations.

[0142] When loading a seed in suture a needle longer than the loader is used and pulled through the loader channel holes on the proximal end of the base and the distal of the lid. Once the needle protrudes it is pulled the rest of the way with clamps or a needle-nose plier. One example is wherein you have a 60 mm loader you would want to use a 70 mm needle to feed through the loader channels and deposit the seeds within the carrier.

Example Loader Systems

[0143] The Gamma Tile loader (GT-loader) is conceived as a sterilizable single or multi-use device for manual or automated loading (in real time or for pre-loading) of carriers such as but not limited to GammaTiles (GT) or GammaGores (GG) with radioactive seeds such as 1125, Cs131 or Pd111 or other materials. The loaders may be constructed of metal, plastic or composite material, and manufactured by casting, molding, stamping, forming or 3D printing. Embodiments of the loaders contemplated may include shielding either by way of construction with a high Z material, or with other materials with a sufficient dimension (thickness) to provide the necessary dose attenuation for a user.

[0144] Alternative embodiments may remain unshielded, and be made of materials suitable for the purpose including but not limited to tungsten, stainless steel, nylon or plastic.

[0145] The embodied Loader device generally has two components, a base and a lid. But each component has multiple and specialized functions when used to load radionuclide carriers.

The Base

[0146] In some embodiments, the base has a “bed” or a space into which a preformed radionuclide or brachytherapy carrier (GT or GG) is placed. This bed area is of a fixed dimension specific to the loader, and loaders are contemplated in multiple sizes identified for this purpose by the bed size. Bed sizes contemplated may be almost any dimension that falls between 1 cm×1 cm and 4 cm×4 cm (for example 1×2 cm, 2×3 cm and 3×4 cm).

[0147] The base of the loaders may function to: 1) guide the initial path of the loading needle for seed placement in the carrier; 2) provide dimensional stability to the soft carrier during the loading process; 3) center the carrier left-right within the base during the loading process; and 4) shield the user.

[0148] The “structure” of the base may include a portion with an internal tunnel of appropriate length and diameter (e.g. 20 mm×1.2 mm) which guides the initial path of the loading needle for accurate seed placement in the carrier; and 2) sufficient material to constrain the carrier in the bed on 4 sides with; 3) exterior dimensions which may vary with the material/construction materials used; and 4) the need for a shielded or unshielded device.

[0149] An exemplary base of a loader device 1900 is shown in FIG. 19, the base 1910 has a bottom surface 1912, a top surface 1952, a proximal end 1913, and a distal end 1915. A radionuclide loading entry channel 1951 is located on the proximal end 1913 of the base 1910 and a loading channel support structure 1960 begins at the loading entry channel 1951 and extends through the base 1910 until reaching the loading bed 1970. The loading bed 1970 extends from the end of the loading channel support structure 1960 until the distal end 1915 of the base 1910.

The Lid

[0150] The lid of a contemplated loader may function to: 1) guide the final path of the loading needle, entirely through the carrier; 2) provide dimensional stability to the soft carrier during the loading process; 3) position the carrier superior-inferiorly within the base during the loading process; 4) position the carrier front to back within the base during the loading process; and/or 5) shield the user.

[0151] An additional aspect of the lid is its function as a guide for the terminal path of the loading needle through the specific placement of an opening along its far aspect to accept the tip of the loading needle and thereby assure accurate placement of the seeds. Lids is conceived of as being made of as a set for each standard base so that, as an example, a 1×4 cm base can be used to load a 1×2 cm, 1×3 cm, or 1×4 cm carrier by utilizing a lid of appropriate length.

[0152] A further feature of this design is that there is a “tooth” on the end of the less than full length lids which add further stability when loading shorter length carriers.

[0153] An exemplary lid of a loader device is shown in FIG. 20, the lid 2020 has a bottom surface 2022 a top surface 2029, a proximal end 2024, and a distal end 2025. A radionuclide loading exit channel 2053 is located on the distal end 2025 of the lid 2020. A loading bed insert 2071 is located on the bottom surface 2022 of the lid 2020 and is configured to have dimensions that mate with the loading bed 1970 of the base.

[0154] FIG. 21 illustrates another example embodiment of a lid 2120 with a bottom surface 2122 and a top surface 2124 which has real time visual enhancement features 2134 to help assist the user in the operating field to determine the correct properties of the loader being used. In this case the visual enhancement features are stamped dimensions 2132. The top surface 2124 also has an external texture feature which assists the user with handling the lid 2120 and/or coupled base in an operating field setting. In applications where the distance from the proximal end 2123, to the distal end 2125 of a lid 2120 is less than the length of the loading bed 1970 the lid 2120 is designed to mate with the loading bed (e.g., loading bed 1970) so a tooth feature 2127 is present on the distal end 2125 of the lid 2120. The tooth 2127 mates with the loading bed (e.g., loading bed 1970) at a dosimetrically advantageous place in order to create a smaller loading cavity and provide structural support for a shorter radionuclide carrier. The exit channel 2153 extends through the tooth 2127 and out into a loading bed area when coupled with a loading bed.

[0155] Another loading device which allows for variable customization is shown in FIG. 22. The loader shown in this embodiment displays the variable distance possibilities between the loader bed 2270 and the loading entry channels 2251 and is measured as distance “b”. This “b-value” can be made shorter by adding one or more bed-liners 2272 placed into the bed 2270 of the loader 2200. The bed liners can be as thin as 0.5 mm and as wide as 2.0 mm, with 0.75 to 1.5 mm preferred and 1 mm most preferred. This “b”-value variation can be used to provide various loading arrangements which allows the user to create a carrier with customized but variable depths of carrier material and allows for more precise and predictable real-time dosimetry in the operating field.

[0156] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a tile carrier 2301 when placed in the loading bed 2370 of the loading device 2300. In this example, the lid 2320 portion of the loader has been removed so that the tile 2301 is visible and one can see that the orientation lines 2355 of the tile 2301 align directly with the proximal end loading channel 2351 such that when a needle loader enters through the proximal end loading channel 2351 and extends through the loading channel support structure 2360 and enters into the loading bed portion 2370 of the base 2310 when a carrier tile 2301 is in a secured position such that the loading needle enters into the predetermined placement on the tile 2301 based on dosimetry needs for treatment. Additionally, with the lid 2320 removed, one can see that the tile carrier 2301 does not extend the full distance to the end of the loader bed 2370. In these cases, a specialized lid 2320 with a tooth portion 2327 can mate with the loader bed 2370 and the tooth portion 2327 proximity to the shortened tile 2301 provides structural support and allows the tile to be more accurately loaded.

[0157] When a needle loading apparatus is used to load the radioactive seeds into the carriers such as that described in FIG. 24, the needle apparatus 2400 feeds through the proximal end loading channel 2351 and extends through the loading channel support structure 2360 and enters into the loading bed portion 2370 of the base 2310 where a carrier tile such as 2301 is in a secured position. The needle apparatus 2400 feeds through the tile carrier 2301 and exits out a loading channel exit hole, such as in the tooth portion 2327 of lid 2320. Once the tip of the needle 2410 of the needle apparatus extends through the exit hole, the needle 2410 may grasped with a needle-puller and pulled through until the thread 2420 provides a visual determination that the carrier is loaded properly and the seeds are in their proper location. When the seed is placed at the proper depth all of the offset color 2430 (such as purple) disappears inside of the tile 2301 (or loader in some embodiments) and the loader device and the regular color thread 2425 may be trimmed away.

[0158] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above example, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0159] Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0160] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.