US20070270627A1 - Brachytherapy apparatus for asymmetrical body cavities - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a brachytherapy apparatus, system and method that delivers partial breast irradiation treatment for post-lumpectomy patients via introduction of a catheter-like device through a trocar. The apparatus may be introduced post-surgically with local anesthesia under image guidance into the previous excision site and into a cavity by a surgeon. The brachytherapy apparatus includes one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources, at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation, a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/305,437, titled “Brachytherapy Apparatus,” filed on Dec. 16, 2005, with the same inventors as in the present application.
BACKGROUND
• 1. Field
• The present disclosure relates to radiation treatment and more particularly, to an apparatus and method that allows cancer patients to receive a low dose radiation treatment after removal of a tumor.
• 2. Description of Related Art
• Today, a number of treatment options exist for patients who are diagnosed with cancer. With respect to breast cancer, mastectomies commonly have been used. A mastectomy involves removal of all or a part of the breast tissue, and sometimes also involves removal of the underlying pectoral muscles and lymph nodes around the breasts. Mastectomies may be accompanied by significant scarring, thus adversely affecting the aesthetic appearance or cosmesis of the breast and surrounding tissue. Moreover, removal of all or large regions of the breast may have an associated significant physical trauma as well as psychological trauma.
• Various alternative treatment options have been developed to address adverse affects associated with mastectomies. These alternative treatment options may involve a breast-sparing lumpectomy. A lumpectomy tends to involve removal of only the portion or “lump” of the breast that contains tissue having tumors. The remaining tissue outside the removed lump may be treated subsequently with breast irradiation that is designed to treat abnormal or suspect tissue that surrounds the removed tumor.
• One of the various lumpectomy options involves full breast irradiation. While this option incorporates the breast-sparing lumpectomy, the treatment time may last for several weeks, with several treatments a day during those weeks. At times, the number of treatments may be as much as thirty treatments. Such a high number of treatments may be not only inconvenient for the patient, it may also be expensive since each time the patient sees a doctor, a charge may follow. Even for insured patients, all of the charges may not be covered by the patient's insurance.
• Moreover, lumpectomies involving full breast irradiation may result in significant surface tissue damage of healthy tissue since the entire breast is being irradiated. Likewise, the cosmesis or aesthetic appearance of the breast may be compromised since the entire breast is being irradiated. Moreover, because more tissue is affected, the risk of complications may increase with full breast irradiation.
• In order to address the consequences of full breast irradiation procedures, partial breast irradiation procedures have been developed. These options may incorporate high dose radiation. With high-dose irradiation, significant patient discomfort may result since multiple needles and catheters are placed into the breast. Moreover, there is a greater chance that surface tissue damage may occur, resulting in scarring and sensitivity due to the use of the multiple needles and catheters.
• Another example of a treatment option that has been developed incorporating partial breast irradiation is one developed by Proxima Therapeutics, Inc., and known as the MAMMOSITE™ radiation therapy treatment system. This system appears to be designed to address some of the drawbacks associated with full breast irradiation while also addressing some of the drawbacks associated with high-dose radiation. The procedure involves inflating a balloon so that it fills the empty cavity and inserting a high-dose radiation source for delivery inside the cavity. The treatment time may be twice a day for five (5) days, for a total of ten (10) treatments. However, the patient selection criteria may be limited in that patients with small breasts may not be good candidates. For example, the breast may be too small to allow proper inflation of the balloon since the balloon relies on air for expansion.
• Recently, brachytherapy has been used for partial breast irradiation to deliver a more localized treatment of tumor cells after a lumpectomy. Partial breast irradiation is used to supplement surgical resection by targeting the residual tumor margin after resection, with the goal of treating any residual cancer in the margin. Radiation therapy can be administered through one of several methods, or a combination of methods, including external-beam radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and permanent or temporary interstitial brachytherapy. Owing to the proximity of the radiation source, brachytherapy offers the advantage of delivering a more localized dose to the target tissue region.
• There is a need for an instrument and associated procedure which can be used to deliver radiation from a radioactive source to target tissue with a desired intensity and without over-exposure of body tissues disposed between the radiation source and the target.
• There is further a need for an instrument and associated procedure that has broad patient selection criteria with reduced office visits.
• There is yet further a need for an irradiation procedure that is appropriate not only for breasts, but may be used in treatment regimens for other areas of the body, such as the brain and prostate.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• The present disclosure addresses the deficiencies noted hereinabove by providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus that may be implanted in a single visit, thereby reducing the number of office visits and providing a more convenient treatment regimen.
• In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a brachytherapy apparatus is provided for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, where the tissue removal results in a body cavity surrounded by remaining tissue. The apparatus comprises one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources. The apparatus further comprises at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation, and a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity. Moreover, the apparatus comprises an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity.
• In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a brachytherapy apparatus is provided for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity surrounded by remaining tissue. The apparatus comprises one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources, and at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation. The apparatus further comprises a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity, and an expansion element configured to be engaged to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity. The apparatus further comprises a center core. After the expansion element is engaged, the thin-walled tubes are arranged in two substantially concentric circles around the center core. The apparatus further comprises an opening corresponding to each thin-walled tube, the opening being configured to permit insertion of the at least one radiation source into each of the one or more thin-walled tubes during or after surgical implantation of the plurality of thin-walled tubes.
• In accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a brachytherapy system is provided for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity surrounded by remaining tissue. The brachytherapy system comprises one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources, and at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation. The system further comprises a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity, an expansion element configured to be engaged to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity. The system further comprises at least one whisk clip configured to secure the thin-walled tubes and center core in place to resist a shape and/or size change of thin-walled tubes when expanded, wherein the at least one whisk clip includes a locking mechanism.
• In yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity. The method comprises creating access to the cavity. The method further comprises providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus which includes one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radiation sources. The apparatus used in the method further includes at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation, a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to the shape and/or size of the body cavity. Using this apparatus to perform the method, the method further includes placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity, expanding outwardly the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus so that it substantially conforms to the shape and/or size of the cavity, inserting the at least one radiation source into the outwardly expanded thin-walled tubes, clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient, leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus.
• In still yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure, another method is provided for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity. The method comprises creating access to the cavity, and providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus that includes one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources. The apparatus further includes at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation, a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity, an expansion element configured to be engaged to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity, a center core; and wherein, after the expansion element is engaged, the thin-walled tubes are arranged in two substantially concentric circles around the center core. The apparatus further comprises an opening corresponding to each thin-walled tube and/or center core, the opening being configured to permit insertion of the at least one radiation source into each of the one or more thin-walled tubes during or after surgical implantation of the plurality of thin-walled tubes. In accordance with the method, this interstitial brachytherapy apparatus is placed into the cavity, and expanded outwardly so that it substantially conforms to the shape and/or size of the cavity. The method further includes inserting the at least one radiation source into the outwardly expanded thin-walled tubes, clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient, leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus.
• These, as well as other objects, features and benefits will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a brachytherapy apparatus in a collapsed state in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 1B is an embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1A in its expanded state.
• FIG. 2 is a breast brachytherapy apparatus having a clamp and in its collapsed state in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3A is the brachytherapy apparatus ofFIG. 2 as it is used in a brachytherapy procedure.
• FIG. 3B is the apparatus ofFIGS. 2 and 3A in its expanded state in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3C is the apparatus ofFIG. 3B showing the process of radioactive strands being placed into the openings.
• FIG. 3D is the apparatus ofFIG. 3C when the tubes are held tightly in place.
• FIG. 3E is a post-implantation embodiment of the brachytherapy apparatus ofFIG. 3D.
• FIG. 3F is a post-implantation embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus with a post-implantation cap on its end.
• FIG. 3G is an embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus after an obturator has been inserted.
• FIG. 3H is an embodiment where the tubes are collapsed.
• FIG. 3I is an embodiment showing how the brachytherapy apparatus may be removed from a patient, leaving the suture disk in place temporarily.
• FIG. 3J is an illustration of the apparatus having been removed fully from the breast.
• FIG. 4A is the brachytherapy apparatus as stacked, substantially elliptical, expandable tubes and in a collapsed state in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 4B is the apparatus4A in its expanded state.
• FIG. 5 is a single spiral tube strand brachytherapy apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 6 is an expandable mesh brachytherapy apparatus in its expanded state in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a stent embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus in a collapsed and expanded state in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 8 is a multi-tube spiral embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a bandoleer-configured brachytherapy apparatus in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 10 is an extruded multi-lumen embodiment of a brachytherapy in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 11 is a bendable tube configuration that includes a sleeve configured to slide toward the tubes to reduce the length of the tubes to control the expansion volume.
• FIG. 12 is a multi-lumen brachytherapy apparatus having tubes that are snugly fit from side-to-side.
• FIG. 13 is a multi-lumen tube that could also be configured for expansion at the time of use through the use of molded “knives” at the interior surface of a sleeve of the apparatus.
• FIG. 14A is a side view of a brachytherapy apparatus that includes a cap joined to the tubes.
• FIG. 14B is a top view of the cap described inFIG. 14A.
• FIG. 14C is a dimensional representation of the cross section of the tubes ofFIG. 14A.
• FIG. 15 is a dual-sleeved proximal end portion of a brachytherapy apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 16 is a brachytherapy apparatus having a threaded sleeve and clamp in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 17 is the proximal end portion of a brachytherapy apparatus that includes a tapered wedge and collet in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 18 is the proximal end portion of a brachytherapy apparatus that includes clamps for each individual tube as well as a clamp for the center tube.
• FIG. 19 is the proximal end portion of a brachytherapy apparatus having a key hole-type toggle mechanism for the center tube.
• FIG. 20 is the proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a spiral-type spring mechanism used to hold the lumen in place.
• FIG. 21 is the proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a pin mechanism used to hold the lumen in place.
• FIG. 22 is another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a collet system similar to that shown inFIG. 17.
• FIG. 23 is also another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a collet system similar to that shown inFIG. 17.
• FIG. 24 is another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a screw mechanism for expanding and collapsing the brachytherapy tubes.
• FIG. 25 is still another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a spring mechanism for expanding and collapsing the brachytherapy tubes.
• FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate an embodiment of a split nut and bump configuration used to hold a center tube in place.
• FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate a brachytherapy apparatus having a ball of seeds at its end.
• FIG. 28A is another embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus that includes supports for the tubes.
• FIG. 28B shows the apparatus in a collapsed state.
• FIG. 28C shows yet another position for the apparatus inside a cavity.
• FIG. 29A is a perspective view of the cutting apparatus.
• FIG. 29B a front view of the cutting apparatus with the scissor members in an open configuration.
• FIG. 29C shows the scissor members released.
• FIG. 29D shows the scissor members in a locked state.
• FIG. 30 is another clamp with cutter in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 31 is a cone clamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 32A-32G illustrate an embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus having a twist dial expansion apparatus and a gauge to meter the volume of expansion.
• FIG. 33A is an introducer apparatus and other components that may be used to gain access to the post-lumpectomy cavity.
• FIG. 33B shows a brachytherapy apparatus, including the sleeve ofFIG. 33A that was left in the patient, as well as a plurality of thin-walled tubes.
• FIG. 33C is a brachytherapy apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 33D is the brachytherapy apparatus ofFIG. 33C with a cutter for removing the portion of the apparatus that is outside of the patient, after implantation of the portion of the brachytherapy apparatus that includes the thin-walled tubes used to deliver radiation to the tissue that remains after the lumpectomy.
• FIG. 33E is the brachytherapy apparatus or catheter ofFIG. 33D with a cap placed on its proximal end.
• FIG. 33F is a brachytherapy apparatus with a seed transporter in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 33G is a brachytherapy catheter and a whisk removal tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 34 is a brachytherapy apparatus having a conformable applicator and tubes configured in two substantially concentric circles in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 35A and 35B show a brachytherapy apparatus having tubes that form two substantially concentric circles in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 35C and 35D show a one-way mechanism that prevents the center core from moving in a first direction, and its counterpart release mechanism that permits movements of the center core in a second direction.
• FIG. 36 is an adaptor device designed to facilitate insertion of radiation sources into the lumen of the center core and/or the tubes ofFIGS. 35A and 35B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
• Cancer patients are often diagnosed via an initial biopsy. The treating surgeon may then refer the patient to a medical oncologist, who may assist in determining a treatment regimen and inform the patient of various treatment options. In the case of breast cancer, the cancerous tissue is removed via a lumpectomy
• While the present disclosure is described in terms of breast cancer, it should be understood that the apparatus described in the present disclosure could also be used as part of a wide variety of other treatment regimens, including those for prostate cancer, brain cancer and other situations where a cavity is created by removal of a tumor.
• The present disclosure provides a brachytherapy apparatus that delivers a low dose, partial breast irradiation treatment for post-lumpectomy patients via introduction of a catheter-like device through a cannula. The device is designed to be introduced post-surgically with local anesthesia under image guidance into the excision site by a surgeon. For purposes of the present disclosure, low-dose radiation may be construed as a dosage that would allow a patient to receive a prescribed dose if the low-dose radiation source remains in the patient's body over the course of 3, 5 or 7 days.
• Referring now toFIG. 1A, illustrated is abrachytherapy apparatus10 in a collapsed state in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, theapparatus10 includes a plurality oftubes100 at its distal end. Thetubes100 are thin-walled. The wall thickness can be as small as between 7/1000 of an inch and 12/1000 of an inch. Thetubes100 are disposed within asleeve110. Sleeve could simply be thin-walled heat shrink tubing, and the walls of sleeve could be as thin as 3/1000 of an inch. Each of this plurality oftubes100 is configured to contain therein a plurality of low-dose radioactive seed strands. The tubes have a distal end and a proximal end, and are bundled together at the distal end and at the proximal end inside sleeve.
• Thesleeve110 in which thetubes100 are disposed is, in turn, passed throughdisk120.Disk120 contains a plurality of openings which may be used to suture theapparatus10 onto a patient so that theapparatus10 may be left in the patient's breast or other body part upon completion of the surgical procedure to insert theapparatus10. At the proximal end ofdisk120, also illustrated iscap130 which may be used to cover the cut ends of thetubes100 when the patient wears theapparatus10 after completion of the surgical procedure for implanting theapparatus10.
• When in use, the plurality oftubes100 ofapparatus10 may be expanded so that the radioactive seeds (not shown) disposed within the tube may be placed more closely to the tissue within the post-lumpectomy cavity.
• Referring now toFIG. 1B, illustrated is an embodiment of theapparatus10 ofFIG. 1A in its expanded state. As shown, theapparatus10 includes eight (8)tubes100; however, it should be understood that there may be a greater number of tubes or fewer tubes. The number of tubes may be dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, the size of the cavity into which theapparatus10 is inserted, the amount of radiation needed for the patient and the locations in which the radiation is needed. The size of the cavity as well as the amounts and locations of radiation needed may be determined based on radiation therapy planning, which may be performed using software specifically designed to develop such a radiation plan.
• As shown inFIG. 1B, thetubes100 may expanded to conform to the post-lumpectomy cavity. The size of the sphere may be largely dependent upon the size of the cavity into which theapparatus10 is inserted. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, thesleeve110 may be pulled toward the operator so that thetubes110 expand. An actuator orcenter tube140, which extends along the length of theapparatus10 from its distal end to its proximal end, further assists with expanding and collapsing theapparatus10.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, illustrated is another embodiment of abreast brachytherapy apparatus200 in a collapsed state in accordance with a embodiment of the present disclosure.
• As shown inFIG. 2, thisembodiment200 includes a plurality of substantially pie-shapedtubes205, the proximal ends of which are bundled into acollar210.Collar210 is connected todisk220 through which sutures may be disposed in order to suture theapparatus200 in place once it has been positioned within the patient. The apparatus further includes aconical piece240 which assists in expansion and also may be used to insert the radioactive seeds, therapeutic elements or diagnostic elements. The seeds may be separated by one or more spacers to create a radioactive seed strand.Lock screw235 may be used to tighten thecenter tube250 and hold the center tube in position with respect totubes205. The obturator also assists in expansion and collapse of theapparatus200, when the obturator is held steady and theconical piece240 is pushed in.
• In operation, first, the physician uses a cannula or trocar to enter the original scar site that was created at the time of the original tumor removal or resection. In the case of the breast, this scar site may have resulted from a lumpectomy.
• Referring now toFIG. 3A, illustrated is the brachytherapy apparatus ofFIG. 2 as it is used in a brachytherapy procedure. In a first step, a physician may place theapparatus200 through theoriginal incision site203 of thebreast202 that was originally used to perform the lumpectomy. Thetubes205 may be placed into thecavity204 of thebreast202 that remains after the lumpectomy.Disk220 is kept outside the patient'sbreast202 so that it may be later sutured onto the patient. Theclamp230 will assist with expansion and tightening of thetubes205.
• Referring now toFIG. 3B, theapparatus200 may be expanded much like an umbrella when the physician loosens thelock screw235, restrains thecentral tube250 and pushesmember240 in a distal direction. These motions would cause expansion of the plurality oftubes205 so that thetubes205 almost fill thecavity204 ofbreast202.
• The physician may use visual and other surgical aids to better assess the position of thetubes205inside breast202. Such aids may be beneficial since thetubes205 may not be readily seen once they are insidecavity204. An ultrasound is one such example of visual or surgical aid. The ultrasound may be used to detect the position of thetubes205 in relation tocavity204. When the tubes are touching the walls ofcavity204, the physician may see this being illustrated on an ultrasound. In some situations, an ultrasound may not be available. In lieu of—and/or in addition to—using visual or surgical aids, the physician may use his or her senses to determine when resistance is felt resulting from thetubes205 pushing against the one or more inner surfaces ofcavity204. Once the tubes are against the inner surfaces ofcavity204, the physician may tighten theclamp230 to hold the position oftubes205.
• Referring now toFIG. 3C, illustrated is theapparatus200 wherein radioactive seed strands or other therapeutic or diagnostic elements may be placed intotubes205 through openings located inconical member240. The openings are numbered, each number corresponding to one of the plurality oftubes205. Once thetubes205 are in position, seed strands may be inserted into the tubes via the openings usingstrand placement tube270. The openings serve as funnel holes for the tubes.
• As mentioned hereinabove, the apparatus of the present disclosure may be suitable for use with common surgical aids. One such surgical aid is a CAT scan which may be used to determine whether the seed strands have been accurately positioned in accordance with the radiation therapy plan. As hereinabove mentioned, the radiation therapy plan may be created with surgical aids such as software designed to form an isodose profile. The appropriate isodose profile may call for the seeds to be inserted in a number of ways so as to vary the applied radiation level. For example, in some situations, the isodose profile may not require that any seed be inserted into one of the plurality oftubes205. In some situations, two or more different seeds used on a single patient may have different activity levels so that some seeds are stronger than others. Low-dose radioactive seeds, e.g., iodine125 isotope, may be used in conjunction with breast irradiation.
• Under some circumstances, the physician may wish to test proper seed insertion prior to actual insertion by inserting dummy or imitation seeds instead of actual radioactive seeds. This process allows the physician to avoid potentially damaging the real seeds, yet this process may be more time-consuming than placing the actual seeds.
• Referring now toFIG. 3D, the seed placement tube has been removed andtubes205 are now held tightly into place with the radioactive seeds having been placed according to the radiation therapy plan.
• Referring now toFIG. 3E, illustrated is a post-implantation embodiment of abrachytherapy apparatus200 of the present disclosure. As shown, thetubes205 may be cut leavingdisk220 just outside the breast so that the sutures may be disposed through openings indisk220. The cutting may be performed with a surgical instrument such as a scalpel. Alternatively, theapparatus200 may be self-cutting using a blade configured to travel across the base of theclamp230. Acap280 may be attached to the suture disk to protect the ends of the tubes since the patient may wear thepost-implantation apparatus200 for several days before treatment ends and theapparatus200 is removed.
• Referring now toFIG. 3F, illustrated is the post-implantation embodiment with apost-implantation cap280 on its end. It is possible that thecap280 would be secured so that the patient could not remove thecap280 and disrupt the protocol. At this point, the patient may be sent home with a radiopaque shield (e.g., a lead bra) for several days, e.g., 3-5 days.
• The apparatus may be removed after a minimum prescribed dose of radiation has been delivered. As shown inFIG. 3G, thecap280 has been removed and theobturator260 has been inserted. Theclamp230 would need to be loosened so as to allow the tubes to collapse.
• Referring now toFIG. 3H, thetubes205 are collapsed. Theapparatus200 may be removed from the site ofinsertion203 or other point deemed appropriate by the physician. Referring now toFIG. 3I, theapparatus200 may be removed from the patient, leaving thesuture disk220 in place temporarily. Referring now toFIG. 3J, theapparatus200 has been removed fully from the breast.
• Referring now toFIG. 4A, illustrated is thebrachytherapy apparatus400 as stacked, substantially elliptical, expandable tubes and in a collapsed state in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated,apparatus400 includes a plurality of stacked expandingtubes410,420,430,440,450,460 and470.Uppermost tube410 is shown above a number of other tubes includingmiddle tubes430,440 andlowermost tube470. Themiddle tubes430,440 have a greater width (w) thanuppermost tube410 andlowermost tube470.
• Referring now toFIG. 4B, illustrated is theapparatus400 ofFIG. 4A in its expanded state. Each tube has a top tube section, a middle tube section and a lower tube section. As illustrated,connection mechanisms415,417 connect the top tube section oftube420 to the bottom tube section oftube410. Likewise,connection mechanisms425,427 connect the top tube section oftube430 to the bottom tube section oftube420. Connection mechanisms connect the top tube sections of each remaining tube to the bottom tube section of the tube above. However,uppermost tube410 has no tube above it, and therefore, no connection mechanisms connect theuppermost tube410 to the bottom tube section of the above it since there is no tube aboveuppermost tube410.
• Referring now toFIG. 5, illustrated is a single spiral tubestrand brachytherapy apparatus500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a single spiral tube strand is wound around aspiral tube support520.Spiral tube support520 may be configured to lengthen so that, when lengthened, the spiral tube strand is elongated and expanded to fill a cavity.
• Referring now toFIG. 6, illustrated is an expandablemesh brachytherapy apparatus600 in its expanded state in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, theapparatus600 includes a plurality of tubes that are configured in a first direction. For example,tubes610,620 and630 extend diagonally from a northwesterly direction to a southeasterly direction. A second set of tubes are configured in a second direction. For example,tubes640,650 and660 extend from a northeasterly direction to a southwesterly direction such thattubes640,650 and660 intersect withtubes610,620 and630. Radioactive seeds or other therapeutic elements are disposed within the plurality of tubes. The diameter ofapparatus600 is greater in the middle section than in the upper and lower sections.
• Referring now toFIG. 7A, illustrated is a stent embodiment of abrachytherapy apparatus700 in a collapsed state in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a plurality of tubes are interconnected to define a conical shape when the tube is in its collapsed state.
• Referring now toFIG. 7B, illustrated is the stent embodiment ofFIG. 7A in an expanded state. As illustrated the diameter of700 is greater in the middle section than in the upper and lower sections.
• Referring now toFIG. 8, illustrated is a multi-tube spiral embodiment of abrachytherapy apparatus800 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, theapparatus800 includes a plurality of tubes that spiral in the same direction. The tubes are joined at the top and converge near the bottom.
• Referring now toFIG. 9A, illustrated is a bandoleer-configured brachytherapy apparatus in accordance with still a further embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, multiple expandable ribbons with cross tubes attached910,920 and930 are configured to contain a plurality of seeds or other therapeutic elements. Thecross tube ribbons910,920,930 are threaded through atube940 into the cavity.FIG. 9B illustrates howradioactive seeds922,924,926,928 or other therapeutic elements may be inserted into thecross tubes920.
• At times, a brachytherapy apparatus may need to be re-sized to fill the cavity that remains after a surgical resection. It may also be desirable that this re-sizing is performed by the surgeon who is also responsible for implanting the brachytherapy apparatus into a patient. It may be further desirable that the tube bundle be rigid in order to facilitate insertion.
• Referring now toFIG. 10, illustrated is an extruded multi-lumen embodiment of abrachytherapy apparatus1000 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated,webs1010 hold tubes together in collapsed state, when tube expanded could be slit to the length required so that the tubes may be individually presented. Theapparatus1000 could be manufactured to include theslit webs1010, and the length of the slits could correspond to the size of aparticular sphere1020 of theapparatus1000. Alternatively, the surgeon could perform this slitting process. Moreover, a special cutter could be provided for the tubes, or the tubes could be marked or gauged to determine the appropriate length.
• Other means may be provided in order to control the length of the tubes in the brachytherapy apparatus so that different cavity sizes are accommodated. Referring now toFIG. 11, illustrated is a bendable tube configuration that includes asleeve1110 configured to slide toward thetubes1120 to reduce the length of the tubes, thus accommodating smaller cavities. Thesleeve1120 may be slid towarddisk1130 to lengthen thetubes1120, thus accommodating larger cavities. If thetubes1120 are shortened, it may be desirable to cut any exposed portion of thetubes1120 extending fromend section1140 orsleeve1110.
• A multi-lumen tube could also be configured so that its tubes fit side-to-side when the tube is in its collapsed state. Such an embodiment could enhance stability of the apparatus. Referring now toFIG. 12, illustrated is amulti-lumen brachytherapy apparatus1200 having tubes that are snugly fit from side-to-side.
• Referring now toFIG. 13, a multi-lumen tube could also be configured for expansion at the time of use through the use of molded “knives”1310 at the interior surface of asleeve1320 of theapparatus1300.
• To further facilitate spherical expansion inside the tubes, the tubes may be molded or welded to a cap. Referring now toFIG. 14A, illustrated is a side view of abrachytherapy apparatus1400 that includes acap1410 joined to thetubes1420.Cap1410 may be molded or welded to thetubes1420 in order to facilitate spherical expansion of thetubes1420.
• Referring now toFIG. 14B, illustrated in a top view of thecap1410 described inFIG. 14A. As shown, thecap1410 has a smooth surface that could further facilitate insertion of theapparatus1400 into the cavity of a patient when in use. Referring now toFIG. 14C, illustrated is a dimensional representation of the sphere formed by one of thetubes1420 ofFIG. 14A. In order to control the bend radius of the a tube through which the radioactive seeds or other therapeutic elements will pass, the x dimension could be increased or decreased. To gain greater control over expansion by keeping the tubes equally distributed radially, the y dimension may be adjusted. This sizing will affect the catheter size and the maximum diameter depending upon the maximum distance between the seeds allowable to maintain the appropriate prescribed dose.
• Referring now toFIG. 15 illustrated is a dual-sleeved proximal end portion of abrachytherapy apparatus1500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. This proximal end portion has twosleeves1510,1520 withsleeve1510 adapted to be slid proximally towarddisk1530. Accordingly,sleeve1510 could be slid into, and thus disposed inside,sleeve1520 to lengthen any attached tubes, thus accommodating a larger cavity.
• Referring now toFIG. 16, illustrated is abrachytherapy apparatus1600 having a threaded sleeve and clamp in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, theapparatus1600 includes a threadedsleeve1610 adapted to receive a plurality oftubes1605. Thesleeve1605 protects the tissue against pressure when thetubes1605 need to be opened up. If desired, a physician performing brachytherapy could cut the sleeve to the desired size or the sleeves could be manufactured to a certain length. At the proximal end ofdisk1615, just proximal to clamp1620,sleeve portion1625 can be seen as it protrudes fromclamp1620.Clamp1620 squeezes tubes. An obturator is placed into hole of center tube and physically connected to the luer fitting on the end of tube1640.Lock screw1650 can be used to hold the center tube in place. General operation of this apparatus is similar to that shown inFIG. 2.
• Referring now toFIG. 17, illustrated is the proximal end portion of abrachytherapy apparatus1700 that includes a tapered wedge and collet in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The tapered wedge and collet may be used to secure the eight-lumen tube1710 andcenter tube1730 to the apparatus. As shown, an eight-lumen tube1710 having webs, such asweb1715, protrudes fromsleeve1720.Center tube1730 can be seen extending from the middle of the eight-lumen tube1710. Tapered wedge could be inserted on the inside diameter ofsleeve1720 to secure the eight-lumen tube1710. Thecollet1750 could be used to secure thecenter tube1730. Once secured, thecenter tube1730 would be clamped into place bycollet1750.
• Referring now toFIG. 18, illustrated is the proximal end portion of abrachytherapy apparatus1800 that includes clamps for each individual tube as well as a clamp for the center tube. Thecenter tube1810 may be clamped by squeezingcenter tube1820 using forceps or other devices so that centertube clamp structure1815 holdscenter tube1810 into place. Each individual clamp may be clamped using individualtube spring member1830 to hold the individual clamp in individual clamp structure1840. When thisspring member1830 is squeezed, it releases the tube in place.
• Referring now toFIG. 19, illustrated is the proximal end portion of abrachytherapy apparatus1900 having a key hole type toggle mechanism for the center tube. The key hole-type toggle mechanism1910 would be turned in one direction to clamp the center tube in place. The toggle mechanism would be turned in a second direction to unclamp the center tube.
• Referring now toFIG. 20, illustrated is the proximal end of abrachytherapy apparatus2000 having a spiral-type spring mechanism used to hold the lumen in place. The spiral-type spring mechanism2010 could be released to collapse thebrachytherapy apparatus2000.
• Referring now toFIG. 21, illustrated is the proximal end of abrachytherapy apparatus2100 having a pin mechanism used to hold the lumen in place. Thepin mechanism2110 could be inserted through aweb2130 of the eight-lumen tube2120 and through thecenter tube2140 to hold the center tube in place as well.
• Referring now toFIG. 22, illustrated is another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus2200 having a collet system similar to that shown inFIG. 17. Thecollet2210 may be ribbed so that pressure is applied only to the web of the lumen tube. This would leave the inside diameter undistorted so that the radioactive seeds or strands may pass freely.
• Referring now toFIG. 23, illustrated is another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus2200 having a collet system similar to that shown inFIG. 17. However, in this embodiment, thecollet2310 includes ahandle2320 so that thecollet2310 may be released.
• Referring now toFIG. 24, illustrated is yet another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a screw mechanism for expanding and collapsing the brachytherapy tubes. As shown, between the outer set oftubes2410 and2412, thecenter tube2414 may be held in place withscrew2416. When thescrew2416 is turned to move in a distal direction, thecenter tube2416 is advanced so that the outer sets oftubes2410,2412 expand. When thescrew2416 is turned to move in a proximal direction, thecenter tube2416 recedes so that the outer sets oftubes2410,2412 collapse.
• Referring now toFIG. 25, illustrated is still another view of a proximal end of a brachytherapy apparatus having a spring mechanism for expanding and collapsing the brachytherapy tubes. At one end, thespring mechanism2510 may be attached to cap2512, while at the other end,spring mechanism2510 may be attached tosuture disk2514. Thespring mechanism2510 may be pulled to expand thetubes2520. Thespring mechanism2510 may be pushed to release thetubes2520.
• Referring now toFIG. 26A, illustrated is a centertube having bumps2610 to facilitate holding the center tube in place. As shown inFIG. 26 B, the bumps may fit into asplit nut2620 joined by ahandle2630 to hold thecenter tube2640 in place.
• Referring now toFIG. 27A, illustrated is abrachytherapy apparatus2700 having a ball of seeds at its end. The apparatus is shown inFIG. 27B is shown as it is inserted into a cavity.
• Referring now toFIG. 28A, illustrated is yet another embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus that includes supports for the tubes. As illustrated, a cable may be pulled to expand thetubes2830 disposed inside a cavity.FIG. 28B shows the apparatus2800 in a collapsed state.FIG. 28C shows yet another position for the apparatus inside a cavity.
• FIGS. 29A-29D illustrate a scissor-type clamp apparatus for the thin-walled tubes.FIG. 29A is a perspective view of theapparatus2900.FIG. 29B is a front view of theapparatus2900 with thescissor members2910,2920 in an open configuration.FIG. 29C shows thescissor members2910,2920 released.FIG. 29D shows thescissor members2910,2920 in a locked state.
• Referring now toFIG. 30, illustrated is yet another clamp with cutter in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, theclamp member3000 includesblades3010,3020 that may be used to cut the thin-walled tubes.
• Referring now toFIG. 31, illustrated is acone clamp3100 designed for use in a brachytherapy apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, thecone clamp3100 is designed to be squeezed and inserted into aconical member3110, thus holding a center tube into place. If the center tube is pulled in a distal direction, theclamp3100 would be more tightly squeezed. In order to release theclamp3100, theclamp3100 would be squeezed again.
• Referring now toFIG. 32A, illustrated is an embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus3200 having a twistdial expansion apparatus3210. When thetwist dial apparatus3210 is turned clockwise, a wire orstrip3220 expands the plurality oftubes3230 of the apparatus3200. When the twist dial apparatus is turned in a counterclockwise direction, a wire orstrip3220 may collapse so that the plurality oftubes3230 also collapse.
• Referring now toFIG. 32B, illustrated is another view of the twistdial expansion apparatus3210.Dial3240 may be used to expand the apparatus.
• Referring now toFIG. 32C, illustrated is a cross-sectional view of the twistdial expansion apparatus3210. As shown, a threadedflexible screw3250 may advance when the twistdial expansion apparatus3240 is turned to expand the apparatus.
• Referring now toFIG. 32D, illustrated is a single twist dial expansion apparatus having multiple tube openings.
• Referring now toFIG. 32E, illustrated is a view of the brachytherapy apparatus withopenings3260 and aseed strand3270 being disposed therethrough.
• Referring now toFIG. 32F, illustrated is the brachytherapy apparatus with agauge3270 to meter the volume of expansion. When the twistdial expansion apparatus3240 is turned, thegauge3270 may show the volume of expansion.
• Referring now toFIG. 32G, illustrates is agauge3280 that may be used in conjunction with a brachytherapy apparatus. The gauge shows the volume of expansion in terms of cubic centimeters.
• The brachytherapy apparatus of the present disclosure may take several forms. For example, the brachytherapy apparatus may be adjustable by a physician or other health care practitioner so that it accommodates the size of an asymmetrical body cavity. For the brachytherapy apparatus of the present disclosure, post-lumpectomy patients may be selected based on the size and shape of their surgical cavity.
• The brachytherapy apparatus may be implanted into the patient prior to implanting the radioactive or therapeutic elements, e.g., radioactive seeds. In order to begin the implantation process for the brachytherapy apparatus, the physician may administer a local anesthetic to the patient.
• The entry site into the patient may be chosen based on access convenience and cavity geometry. Entry to the cavity may be gained in a number of ways. Referring now toFIG. 33A, illustrated is anintroducer apparatus3300 and other components that may be used to gain access to the post-lumpectomy cavity. Atrocar3305 which may be, e.g., a 9 millimeter trocar, may be inserted into a cavity.Sleeve3310 may be left in the patient when thetrocar3305 is withdrawn from the patient, thus creating a conduit to the cavity.
• Referring now toFIG. 33B, illustrated is abrachytherapy apparatus3315, including thesleeve3310 that was left in the patient and a plurality of thin-walled tubes3320.Brachytherapy apparatus3315 includes a whisk ortube adjuster3325, acenter core clamp3330 and acenter core3335.Tube adjuster3325 may be used to adjust the length of each of the plurality of thin-walled tubes3320 as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.Center core clamp3330 may be used to clampcenter core3335.Center core3335 may be used to support the various thin-walled tubes3320 and may extend from the distal end near the thin-walled tubes3320 to the proximal end.
• A cutter (not shown) may also be provided to cutsleeve3310 to a length that matches the skin to a cavity distance. Thesleeve3310 may then be sutured to the patient viasuture disk3375.
• The brachytherapy apparatus orapplicator3315 may be introduced into the patient through thesleeve3310 until the distal tip of theapparatus3315 reaches the far end of the cavity. Using an imaging device, e.g., computerized tomography (CT) or an ultrasound which are known in the art, the physician may expand the distal portion of theapplicator3315 into a symmetrical “whisk” with twelve (12) tubes. It should be understood that the number of tubes may vary depending upon a particular design and patient's needs.
• The physician may expand thetubes3320 when he/she pulls thecenter core3335 in order to extend outwardly the plurality of thin-walled tubs3320 into a substantially circular configuration around thecenter core3335 at the distal end. The thin-walled tubes3320 may be configured in two substantially concentric circles. If greater length is needed for the thin-walled tubes3320 in order to accommodate a larger cavity, thesleeve3310 may be pulled in a proximal direction in order to create a longer set of tubes. If desired, the physician again may pull thecenter core3335 in a proximal direction to increase the diameter of the two substantially concentric circles.
• Referring now toFIG. 33C, illustrated is the brachytherapy apparatus ofFIG. 33B in its expanded state. For patients with asymmetrical cavities, the lengths of the individual tubes also may be adjusted to accommodate the size and/or shape of the cavity. This adjustment action may be accomplished when the physician pushes one of the raised projections, e.g.,3365 along and within one of the guides, e.g.,3370 to advance the individual tube, thus lengthening the tube to accommodate the cavity's larger sections. Each individual tube may have a corresponding raised projection as well as a guide.
• After confirming the placement of the plurality of thin-walled tubes3320, the physician may lock thetubes3320 to thesleeve3310. The physician may have determined that the tubes were sufficiently expanded outwardly based on the pressure and/or resistance he or she feels when the brachytherapy apparatus touches the wall of the cavity. It should be noted thatsleeve3310 also has asuture disk3375 near its proximal end. Thesuture disk3375 may be used later to suture the thin-walled tubes3320 of the brachytherapy apparatus inside a patient. At this point, the physician has locked thetubes3320 to thesleeve3310 by the tube clip or “whisk clip”3340.
• The physician may use a cutter to remove the portion of the apparatus that is outside of the patient. Referring now toFIG. 33D, illustrated is the brachytherapy apparatus of Fig,33C with acutter3345 that may be used for these purposes.
• Referring now toFIG. 33E, illustrated is the portion of the brachytherapy apparatus ofFIG. 33D that remains after the tubes have been cut. This portion of the apparatus may be referred to as thebrachytherapy catheter3323 and may include the thin-walled tubes3320 and thecenter core3335 that remains after the tubes have been cut. As shown, thecatheter3323 has appended thereto acap3350 at its proximal end. Thecap3350 may be affixed onto thecatheter3323 when the patient is sent home. Thecatheter3323 may remain in the cavity, along with its accompanying components until the patient returns for further treatment or thebrachytherapy catheter3323 and accompanying components are removed.
• The patient may be sent home with wound care instructions. The patient may return to have the radioactive seeds or sources implanted at a later date. Before the patient returns, a physician or other health care professional may develop a treatment plan based on the image of the expanded brachytherapy apparatus that includes the plurality of thin-walled tubes3320. One ormore tubes3320 may be radiopaque and have a different color from the others for purposes of identification during the imaging process.
• The radioactive sources may arrive pre-stranded in a radiation-shielded seed transporter. Referring now toFIG. 33F, illustrated is abrachytherapy catheter3323 with aseed transporter3355 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Theseed transporter3355 may have a substantially cylindrical body with anopening3390 along a side. The physician may engage theseed transporter3355 to thebrachytherapy catheter3323 that has been deployed and cut. At the proximal end ofseed transport3355 may beopenings3395 that correspond to each of the thin-walled tubes3320 of thebrachytherapy catheter3323. The physician may then push radioactive stranded seeds into theapparatus3315 using an obturator (not shown) and an adapter (not shown). The adapter will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.
• After the implanted radioactive seeds have been imaged and compared to the treatment plan, the excess strands—representing the tail end of the thin-walled tubes3320—outside theapparatus3320 may be trimmed to a short length, e.g., ⅛ of an inch, which may allow the physician to remove the strands at a later time. Theapparatus3315 may be recapped, and the patient may be discharged with a radiation shielding bra. Such bras are known in the art.
• The design of the brachytherapy apparatus of the present disclosure may permit the physician to remove some stranded seeds in the middle of the treatment period if desired. For example, there may be a need for reducing the dosage of radiation to certain areas of the cavity, e.g., areas close to the skin or near the chest wall. According to the treatment plan, the patient may return several days later to have theapparatus3315 and corresponding seeds removed.
• The cap may be removed by the physician, and the stranded seeds may be removed from theapparatus3315 by a pair of tweezers (not shown). The tweezers may be operated from within a shielded container. The physician may employ a whisk removal tool in order to remove theapparatus3315 from the patient.
• Referring now toFIG. 33G, illustrated is a brachytherapy catheter and a whisk removal tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. After loosening thewhisk clip3340, the physician may collapse the whisk by straightening individual thin-walled tubes3320 and attach each of the individual thin-walled tubes to thewhisk removal tool3360. The physician may then remove the apparatus from the patient.
• Referring now toFIG. 34, illustrated is a brachytherapy apparatus having a conformable applicator and tubes configured in two substantially concentric circles in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. This brachytherapy apparatus3400 may be used with both high-dose and low-dose radiation treatments.
• The conformable applicator or apparatus includeswhisk tubing3410, acenter core3420, awhisk expander3450, awhisk adjuster3430, and whisk clips3440.
• The number of thin-walled tubes3410 in this embodiment is twelve (12). However, as previously noted, the number of tubes may vary according to the needs and desires of the physician and patient.
• The thin-walled tubes3410 may be arranged into two concentric circles around thecenter core3420. For example,tube3412 is interior totube3413. The distal ends of the thin-walled tubes3410 and thecenter core3420 may be joined together, thus allowing the conformable apparatus3400 to be inserted through a small sleeve, e.g., a 9 mm sleeve in diameter, into a body cavity.
• Thewhisk expander3450 may be used to overcome the initial resistance to expansion by the plurality of thin-walled tubes3410. Once activated, thewhisk expander3450 may push the proximal ends of the plurality of thin-walled tubes3410 in a distal direction, thereby forcing the thin-walled tubes3410 to expand into the double-layered whisk as shown.
• Thewhisk adjuster3430 may permit the physician to change the shape of the thin-walled tubes3410 by moving individual tubes in a distal direction or, alternatively, in a proximal direction, which may allow the thin-walled tubes3410 to conform to shape of a body cavity.
• After the whisk adjustment is completed, the whisk clips3440 may be used to lock the thin-walled tubes3410 and thecenter core3420 together in order to resist changing the shape of the thin-walled tubes3410.
• The proximal portion of the conformable apparatus3400 that is at or just proximal to the whisk clips3440 may be cut off, thus exposing the lumens of the thin-walled tubes3410 as well as thecenter core3420. One or more radiation sources may then be inserted into the thin-walled tubes3410.
• For high dose rate (HDR) radiation treatment, the radiation source may be placed in the center core lumen and, if desired, the lumens of the inner layer in the double whisk. After each treatment, the radiation source may be removed from the patient, but the conformable apparatus3400 may remain in patient until all treatments are completed.
• For low dose rate (LDR) radiation treatment, stranded radiation sources may be inserted into the lumens of the double-layered thin-walled tubes3410 that form two substantially concentric circles. These radiation sources may remain in the patient for the duration of treatment. The patient may wear a radiation shield to prevent unwanted radiation to other people as well as other undesirable radiation exposure.
• At the end of the treatment, the radiation sources may be removed. A whisk removal tool may be attached to the conformable applicator3400, and the whisk clips3440 may be disengaged. After all the plurality of thin-walled tubes3410 is straightened by the whisk removal tool, the conformable apparatus3400 may be pulled out of the patient.
• Referring now toFIG. 35A, illustrated is another embodiment of a brachytherapy apparatus having tubes that form two substantially concentric circles. In this embodiment, thebrachytherapy apparatus3500 includes a plurality of thin-walled tubes3510, acenter core3540, awhisk adjuster3530, and whisk clips3550.
• In accordance with this embodiment and as in the earlier embodiment, the plurality of thin-walled tubes3510 numbers twelve (12). In the expanded position as shown, the thin-walled tubes3510 may be arranged in two concentric circles around thecenter core3540. The distal ends of the plurality of thin-walled tubes3510 and thecenter core3540 may be joined, thus allowing the thin-walled tubes3510 to be inserted through asleeve3520 into a body cavity. Thesleeve3520 may be small in diameter, e.g., 9-mm in diameter. Thecenter core3540 may serve as awhisk expander3560 and may be used to overcome the straight whisk tubing's initial resistance to expansion.
• Referring now toFIG. 35B, illustrated is an example of how the whisk may be expanded. The physician may place awhisk expansion tool3580 on thecenter core3540 that extends substantially from the proximal end to the distal end of theapparatus3500. By gripping thecenter core3540 with thewhisk expansion tool3580 at the portion just between thewhisk adjuster3530 and the centercore end cap3570, the physician may pull thecenter3540 in a proximal direction, and thereby push the thin-walled tubes3510 in a distal direction. In this manner, the thin-walled tubes3510 are forced to expand outwardly into the double layered whisk as shown.
• Theapparatus3500 may include a one-way mechanism that assists in preventing thecenter core3540 from traveling back in a distal direction when thewhisk expansion tool3580 is removed.Release mechanisms3560,3562 may also be included for the one-way mechanism so thecenter core3540 can be adjusted back in a distal direction. Theserelease mechanisms3560,3562 may be a set of diametrically opposed buttons configured to be pressed in order to release of thecenter core3540 so that thecenter core3540 may travel in a distal direction.
• Referring now toFIG. 35C, illustrated is side view of a one-way mechanism3575 that assists in preventing the center core from traveling back when the whisk expansion tool is removed. As shown, the one-way mechanism includesjaws3573 that prevent the center core from traveling back when the whisk expansion tool is removed. Referring now toFIG. 35D, illustrated is another view of the one-way mechanism3575 ofFIG. 35C. When therelease mechanisms3560,3562 are engaged, thejaws3573 retract, thus allowing the center core to move in a proximal direction.
• Now referring back toFIG. 35B, thewhisk adjuster3530 may permit the physician to change the shape of the expanded plurality of thin-walled tubes3510 by moving individual tubes in a distal direction or a proximal direction or a distal direction, thus allowing the expandedtubes3510 to conform to shape of the body cavity into which they have been inserted or implanted.
• Once the physician has completed the whisk adjustment, the whisk clips3550 may be used to lock thetubes3510 and thecenter core3540 together in place so that the shape of the tubes that have been expanded outwardly does not change.
• The portion of the brachytherapy apparatus that is proximal to the whisk clips3550 may then be cut off, thus exposing the lumens of thetubes3510 andcenter core3540 for insertion of the radiation source or sources.
• If high dose rate (HDR) radiation treatment is planned, the radiation source may be inserted into the lumen of thecenter core3540 after thetubes3510 have been inserted or implanted into the cavity. Moreover, if desired, one or more radiation sources may be inserted or implanted into the lumens of one or more of thetubes3510 either in lieu of or in addition to the lumen of thecenter core3540.
• Referring now toFIG. 36, illustrated is an adaptor device designed to facilitate insertion of radiation sources into the lumen of the center core and/or the tubes ofFIG. 35A. This HDR adapter is designed to facilitate the connection of HDR afterloader machines to the thin-walled tubes and/or center core. The HDR afterloader may include a computer that controls and implements insertion of a radiation source into the center core and/or thin-walled tubes of the brachytherapy apparatus. Such afterloader machines are commercially available as VARIAN™, GAMMAMED™ or NUCLETRON™ afterloader machines. The computer may then control how long the radiation source dwells in different portions of the cavity based on the isodose profile.
• This removable high-dose rate (HDR)adaptor3600 may be mounted to the brachytherapy apparatus. The HDR adapter may include thirteen flexible tubes, with thecenter tube3610 being configured to connect an afterloader device to the brachytherapy apparatus. The remaining twelveHDR adapter tubes3612,3614,3616,3618,3620,3622,3624,3626,3628,3630,3632 and3634 correlate to the twelve (12) tubes of the brachytherapy apparatus.
• After each treatment, the radiation source and theHDR adaptor3600 may removed from the brachytherapy apparatus, but the tubes of brachytherapy apparatus itself may remain in the patient until all treatments are completed.
• The brachytherapy apparatus and accompanying adapter ofFIGS. 35A and 36, respectively, may also be used in low dose rate (LDR) radiation treatment. More particularly, each desired stranded radiation source may be inserted into the thin-walled tubes and/or center core lumens individually through an LDR adapter. Alternatively, the stranded radiation sources may be stranded together through a seed transport device, which may include both a shielded shipping container and the LDR adapter. The LDR adapter or the transfer device may be removed after the LDR radiation sources are inserted into the thin-walled tubes and/or center core lumen. Since the LDR radiation sources may remain in the patient for as long as it takes to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation, the patient may need to wear a radiation shield to prevent unwanted radiation exposure. At the end of the treatment, the radiation sources may be removed, regardless of whether HDR radiation sources or LDR radiation sources are used.
• While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present invention without departing from the inventive concept.

Claims (33)

1. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:

one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources;

at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation;

a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity; and

an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity.

2. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

an opening corresponding to each of the one or more thin-walled tubes, the opening being configured to permit insertion of the at least one radiation source into each of the one or more thin-walled tubes during or after surgical implantation of the plurality of thin-walled tubes.

3. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the whisk adjuster includes:

a raised projection and a guide corresponding to each of the one or more thin-walled tubes, each raised projection being configured to be moved within the guide to adjust the length of the corresponding thin-walled tube.

4. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a sleeve disposed around the plurality of thin-walled tubes, the sleeve being configured to move either in a proximal direction or in a distal direction to accommodate the size of the cavity.

5. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the sleeve is further configured to receive a trocar therethrough in order to permit entry of the apparatus into the cavity site.

6. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the expansion element is a center core configured to be pulled in a proximal direction.

7. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the center core is configured to be gripped and pulled in the proximal direction by a whisk expansion tool.

8. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a one-way mechanism configured to prevent movement of the center core in a distal direction.

9. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 8, further comprising:

a release mechanism configured to permit movement of the center core in the distal direction.

10. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the release mechanism includes two diametrically opposed buttons positioned on the exterior of the whisk adjuster, and wherein the buttons are configured to be pushed, thus permitting movement of the center core in the distal direction.

11. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

at least one whisk clip configured to secure the thin-walled tubes and center core in place to resist a shape and/or size change of thin-walled tubes when expanded.

12. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the expansion element includes a handle configured to be gripped in order to expand outwardly the plurality of thin-walled tubes.

13. A brachytherapy apparatus for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the apparatus comprising:

one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources;

at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation;

a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity;

an expansion element configured to be engaged to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity;

a center core; and wherein, after the expansion element is engaged, the thin-walled tubes are arranged in two substantially concentric circles around the center core; and an opening corresponding to each thin-walled tube, the opening being configured to permit insertion of the at least one radiation source into each of the one or more thin-walled tubes during or after surgical implantation of the plurality of thin-walled tubes.

14. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the whisk adjuster includes:

a raised projection and a guide corresponding to each of the one or more thin-walled tubes, each raised projection being configured to be moved within the guide to adjust the length of the corresponding thin-walled tube.

15. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 13, further comprising:

a sleeve disposed around the plurality of thin-walled tubes, the sleeve being configured to move in either a proximal direction or a distal direction to accommodate the shape and/or the size of the cavity.

16. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the sleeve is further configured to receive a trocar therethrough in order to permit entry to the cavity site.

17. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the expansion element is the center core, and said center core is configured to be pulled in a proximal direction.

18. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the center core is configured to be gripped and pulled in the proximal direction by a whisk expansion tool.

19. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 13, further comprising:

a one-way mechanism configured to prevent movement of the center core in a distal direction.

20. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 19, further comprising:

a release mechanism configured to permit movement of the center core in the distal direction.

21. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the release mechanism includes two diametrically opposed buttons on the exterior of the whisk adjuster, and wherein the buttons are configured to be pushed, thus permitting movement of the center core in the distal direction.

22. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 13, further comprising:

at least one whisk clip configured to secure the thin-walled tubes and center core in place to resist a shape and/or size change of thin-walled tubes when expanded.

23. The brachytherapy apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the expansion element includes a handle configured to be gripped in order to expand outwardly the plurality of thin-walled tubes.

24. A brachytherapy system for delivery of localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity surrounded by remaining tissue, the system comprising:

one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources;

at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation;

a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity;

an expansion element configured to be engaged to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity; and

at least one whisk clip configured to secure the thin-walled tubes and center core in place to resist a shape and/or size change of thin-walled tubes when expanded, wherein the at least one whisk clip includes a locking mechanism.

25. The brachytherapy system ofclaim 24, further comprising:

a cutting apparatus configured to cut the thin-walled tubes so as to remove excess tube length that remains beyond the proximal end of the at least one whisk clip after a cavity size and/or shape has been accommodated.

26. The brachytherapy system ofclaim 24, further comprising:

a center core; and

wherein, after the expansion element is engaged, the thin-walled tubes are arranged in two substantially concentric circles around the center core.

27. The brachytherapy system ofclaim 26, further comprising:

a seed transport device configured to facilitate insertion of radioactive sources into the thin-walled tubes and/or the center core.

28. The brachytherapy system ofclaim 27, wherein the seed transport device includes:

a substantially cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end, and

an obturator cavity disposed at the distal end;

wherein the distal end of the seed transport device is configured to engage with the locking mechanism of the at least one whisk clip,

wherein the proximal end of the seed transport device includes openings corresponding to each of the plurality of thin-walled tubes and the center core in order to permit one or more radiation sources to be inserted through the openings; and

wherein the obturator cavity is configured to permit an obturator to be stored therein, the obturator being capable of inserting one or more radiation sources into the thin-walled tubes and center core.

29. The brachytherapy system ofclaim 24, wherein the radiation source is a high dose rate radiation source, and the system further comprises:

a high dose rate adapter configured to permit a computer-based afterloader machine to insert the at least one high dose rate radiation source into the one or more thin-walled tubes and/or a center core, and wherein the high dose rate adapter is further configured to permit the computer-based afterloader machine to control the movement of the at least one high dose rate radiation source within the body cavity.

30. The brachytherapy system ofclaim 29, wherein the high dose rate adapter includes:

a plurality of substantially flexible tubes, the substantially flexible tubes corresponding to each of the plurality of thin-walled tubes and the center core;

an opening at the distal end of each substantially flexible tube.

31. The brachytherapy system ofclaim 24, further comprising:

a whisk removal tool configured to remove a brachytherapy catheter after treatment is complete.

32. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a body cavity, the method comprising:

creating access to the cavity;

providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising:

one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radiation sources;

at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation;

a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity; and

an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to the shape and/or size of the body cavity;

placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity;

expanding outwardly the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus so that it substantially conforms to the shape and/or size of the cavity;

inserting the at least one radiation source into the outwardly expanded thin-walled tubes;

clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient;

leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and

removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus.

33. A method for delivering localized irradiation after surgical tissue removal, the tissue removal resulting in a cavity, the method comprising:

creating access to the cavity;

providing an interstitial brachytherapy apparatus, comprising:

one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources;

at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation;

a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity;

an expansion element configured to be engaged to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and/or size of the body cavity;

a center core; and

wherein, after the expansion element is engaged, the thin-walled tubes are arranged in two substantially concentric circles around the center core; and

an opening corresponding to each thin-walled tube, the opening being configured to permit insertion of the at least one radiation source into each of the one or more thin-walled tubes and/or center core during or after surgical implantation of the plurality of thin-walled tubes.

placing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus into the cavity;

expanding outwardly the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus so that it substantially conforms to the shape and/or size of the cavity;

inserting the at least one radiation source into the outwardly expanded thin-walled tubes and/or center core;

clamping the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus onto the patient;

leaving the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus inside the cavity for a sufficient time to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to remaining tissue that surrounds the cavity; and

removing the interstitial brachytherapy apparatus.

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