Brachytherapy systems and methods

Abstract

A system for brachytherapy is provided. The system includes an implantation device having a spacer and a socket at opposing ends of the spacer. The device further includes a seed securely positioned within the socket. A plurality of spacers and seeds may be joined into an assembly. The device may be deployed at an implantation site by use of a delivery mechanism, such as needle. The presence of the spacers minimizes movement of the seeds subsequent to deployment, so as not to alter dose distribution for subsequent irradiation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An implantable device for radiation therapy comprising: 
 a substantially cylindrical member having opposing ends, a central section positioned between the opposing ends, and a socket at each of the opposing ends; and    a radioactive source having a blunt end and being partially positioned within one of the sockets, such that the blunt end on the radioactive source is exposed.    
     
     
         2 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the central section is integral with the sockets at each of the opposing ends of the cylindrical member.  
     
     
         3 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the central section includes a plug distinct from and relatively shorter than the cylindrical member, such that difference in length between the plug and the cylindrical member defines the socket at each of the opposing ends of the cylindrical member.  
     
     
         4 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each of the sockets includes an inner diameter sufficiently sized to securely retain the radioactive source therein.  
     
     
         5 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each of the sockets includes a depth sufficient to retain a portion of the radioactive source, so as to minimize movement of the radioactive source after implantation.  
     
     
         6 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical member is made from a flexible material.  
     
     
         7 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical member is made from a bioresorbable material.  
     
     
         8 . A device as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the bioresorbable material includes a formulation which permits relatively minimal resorption over a defined period with subsequent substantially complete resorption thereafter.  
     
     
         9 . A device as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the bioresorbable material includes poly-(L-lactide), poly-(DL-lactide), polyglycolide, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         10 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the radioactive source is a substantially elongated segment.  
     
     
         11 . A device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the radioactive source includes one of iodine-125, palladium-103, cesium-137, and iridium-192.  
     
     
         12 . An assembly for radiation therapy comprising: 
 a plurality of cylindrical members, each having opposing ends, a central section positioned between the opposing ends, and a socket at each of the opposing ends;    a radioactive source positioned between two cylindrical members, such that the radioactive source is partially retained within one socket of each cylindrical member, to permit joining of the cylindrical members in series along a common axis.    
     
     
         13 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 12 , further including a radioactive source partially positioned within a distalmost socket of a distalmost cylindrical member in the series.  
     
     
         14 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the radioactive source positioned within the distalmost socket includes an exposed blunt end.  
     
     
         15 . A method for manufacturing a brachytherapy implant, the method comprising: 
 providing a cylindrical member having opposing ends, a central section positioned between the opposing ends, and a socket at each of the opposing ends;    placing a radioactive source within a socket; and    securing the radioactive source within the socket.    
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 15  further comprising: 
 placing a second radioactive source with the opposing socket; and  
 securing the second radioactive source within the opposing socket.  
 
     
     
         17 . A method for manufacturing a brachytherapy implant, the method comprising: 
 providing a tubular member having opposing ends;    placing within the member a plug having a length relatively shorter than that of the member, such that the difference between the plug and the tubular member defines a socket at each of the opposing ends of the tubular member;    positioning a radioactive source within a socket; and    securing the radioactive source within the socket.    
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 17  further comprising: 
 positioning a second radioactive source with the opposing socket; and  
 securing the second radioactive source within the opposing socket.  
 
     
     
         19 . A method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the step of placing includes securing the plug to the tubular member.  
     
     
         20 . A method for treating pathological tissues, the method comprising: 
 identifying a site having pathological tissues;    providing an implantable device comprising at least one substantially cylindrical member having opposing ends, a central section positioned between the opposing ends, a socket at each of the opposing ends, and at least one radioactive source positioned within one of the sockets;    positioning the implantable device within a lumen of delivery mechanism;    inserting the delivery mechanism at the site having the pathological tissues to a depth which permits access to the pathological tissues; and    delivering the implantable device from the lumen of the delivery mechanism to the site of pathological tissues.    
     
     
         21 . A method for treating pathological tissues, the method comprising: 
 providing an implantable device comprising at least one substantially cylindrical member having opposing ends, a central section positioned between the opposing ends, a socket at each of the opposing ends, and at least one radioactive source positioned within one of the sockets;    surgically exposing a site having pathological tissues;    positioning the implantable device within the exposed site; and    closing the exposed site to retain the implantable device therein.