Anchored brachytherapy device

Abstract

Aspects herein are directed to an anchorable brachytherapy device configured to be permanently implanted in a tumor bed at the time of operative removal of the tumor. In exemplary aspects, the brachytherapy device may comprise a plurality of hollow tubes that form a spherical or ellipsoid shape. Protrusions or grooves may be formed on an outer surface of the tubes to help anchor the brachytherapy device in the tumor bed. Radioactive seeds or strands may be positioned within the tube channels to provide radiation to the tumor bed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A brachytherapy device comprising:
 a bioabsorbable or a biocompatible material arranged in a spherical or ellipsoid form having a fixed diameter;   a channel extending from a first location on the brachytherapy device, through the brachytherapy device, to a second location on the brachytherapy device; and   one or more active elements positioned within the channel, wherein the brachytherapy device is configured to be completely enclosed within a tumor bed.   
     
     
         2 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more active elements include one or more of a pharmaceutical agent, a radiopaque marker, and a radioactive agent. 
     
     
         3 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 2 , wherein the radioactive agent includes one or more of radioactive seeds and radioactive strands. 
     
     
         4 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 1 , wherein the second location is opposite the first location. 
     
     
         5 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 1 , wherein the channel extends across a maximum diameter of the brachytherapy device. 
     
     
         6 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 5 , wherein the maximum diameter of the brachytherapy device is one of about 2 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm, or 7 cm. 
     
     
         7 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material is polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polyether ether ketones, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 1 , wherein the bioabsorbable material is polyglycolic acid, L polylactic acid, D polylactic acid, or mixtures of L polylactic acid and D polylactic acid. 
     
     
         9 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more additional channels that extend through the brachytherapy device. 
     
     
         10 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the channel is from about 0.7 mm to about 1.2 mm. 
     
     
         11 . A brachytherapy device comprising:
 a bioabsorbable or a biocompatible material arranged in a spherical or ellipsoid form having a fixed diameter;   a central column extending through a center of the brachytherapy device, the central column including a continuous channel extending at least partially along a length of the central column; and   one or more active elements positioned within the central column, wherein the brachytherapy device is configured to be completely enclosed within a tumor bed.   
     
     
         12 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more active elements include one or more of a pharmaceutical agent, a radiopaque marker, and a radioactive agent. 
     
     
         13 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 12 , wherein the radioactive agent includes one or more of radioactive seeds and radioactive strands. 
     
     
         14 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 11 , wherein the length of the central column is generally equal to a diameter of the brachytherapy device. 
     
     
         15 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 14 , wherein the diameter of the brachytherapy device is one of about 2 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm, or 7 cm. 
     
     
         16 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 11 , wherein the biocompatible material is polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polyether ether ketones, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 11 , wherein the bioabsorbable material is polyglycolic acid, L polylactic acid, D polylactic acid, or mixtures of L polylactic acid and D polylactic acid. 
     
     
         18 . The brachytherapy device of  claim 11 , wherein a first end of the central column terminates at a first pole of the brachytherapy device, and wherein a second end of the central column terminates at an opposite second pole of the brachytherapy device.