Semi-automatic brachytherapy loading assembly

Abstract

A semi-automatic brachytherapy loading assembly is disclosed that includes a setting group for positioning at least one of any isotope seed and a spacer, a loading group operatively engaging the setting group for depositing the least one of an isotope seed and a spacer, a viewing member for visualizing the at least one of an isotope seed and a spacer, and a seed receiving device holding group positioned to pass the at least one of an isotope seed and a spacer to a seed receiving device.

1 . A brachytherapy loading assembly, constructed and arranged to help load seed receiving devices, comprising: 
 a brachytherapy loading device having a seed receiving device fitting at a distal location where implantable seeds can be loaded into a seed receiving device positioned at the seed receiving device fitting, the brachytherapy loading device comprising a seed receiving conduit constructed to receive seeds and other implantation materials in a line, prior to loading into seed receiving device;    the brachytherapy loading device also including a push rod that is slidable within the seed receiving conduit; and    a stop block member constructed and arranged to selectively limit motion of the push rod within the conduit, so that when the stop block is in a first position, the push rod can extend far enough to push the seeds down the conduit but not far enough to reach the seed receiving device fitting, and when the stop block is in a second position, the stop block permits the push rod to extend to the seed receiving device fitting to eject seeds from the conduit to a seed receiving device mounted at the fitting.    
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the brachytherapy loading device is mounted on a mounting plate so that it can be rested on a work surface during seed receiving device loading.  
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the brachytherapy loading device comprises a viewing plate mounted over the conduit, located so that when the stop block member is in the first position, it permits the push rod to push the seeds to a location under the viewing plate.  
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the viewing plate includes graduations which can assist in measuring the assembly of implantation materials prior to loading into a seed receiving device.  
   
   
       5 . A brachytherapy loading assembly, comprising: 
 a seed holder having a seed guide path in which a seed can be received and travel between a proximal and a distal direction;    a loading block positioned in the guide path conduit;    at least a first and a second cartridge mounted on the loading block, the loading block disposable between at least a first and a second position, wherein material from the first cartridge is in the guide path when the loading block is in the first position and material from the second cartridge is in the guide path when the loading block is in the second position.    
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first cartridge contains radioactive seeds and the second cartridge comprises spacing material for separating seeds.  
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the assembly comprises a push rod within the seed guide path and when the loading block is in the first position, the push rod can push a radioactive seed out of the seed cartridge and when the loading block is in the second position, the push rod can push a spacer out of the non-radioactive spacer cartridge.  
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the push rod is operatively engaged with a stop member and when the stop member is in a first short position, it restricts movement of the push rod to pushing material out of the cartridge, into the guide path and when the stop member is in a second long position, it permits the push rod to extend further down the guide path to push material in the guide path to the end of the guide path into a seed receiving device at the end of the guide path.  
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first cartridge is a mick cartridge.  
   
   
       10 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the seed holder is mounted onto a mounting plate, constructed to rest on a table.  
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the loading block is constructed to slide in a direction perpendicular to the guide path when moved between the first and second positions.  
   
   
       12 . A brachytherapy loading assembly, comprising: 
 a seed guide path having a groove at the distal end formed in a guide member thereof, sized to discharge brachytherapy seeds into a seed receiving device at the distal end thereof;    a viewing member comprising a visualization plate over a distal section of the guide path groove, sufficiently transparent to permit viewing the seeds in the order in which they will be loaded out the distal end.    
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the visualization plate has a demarcation gauge that permits identification and measurement of an alignment of seeds and spacers to be loaded.  
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the visualization plate functions as a radiation shield.  
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein a loading block is slidingly mounted over the guide path, the loading block constructed to receive a cartridge thereon, and to selectively position material from the cartridge in the groove, as the block is moved back and forth with respect to the guide path.  
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the loading block is constructed to retain a Mick cartridge.