US20020193656A1 - Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge - Google Patents
Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020193656A1 US20020193656A1 US10/211,535 US21153502A US2002193656A1 US 20020193656 A1 US20020193656 A1 US 20020193656A1 US 21153502 A US21153502 A US 21153502A US 2002193656 A1 US2002193656 A1 US 2002193656A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seed
- implantation device
- outer sleeve
- seeds
- needle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M37/00—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
- A61M37/0069—Devices for implanting pellets, e.g. markers or solid medicaments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
- A61N5/1001—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy using radiation sources introduced into or applied onto the body; brachytherapy
- A61N5/1007—Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/30—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B2090/306—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure using optical fibres
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/36—Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
- A61N5/1001—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy using radiation sources introduced into or applied onto the body; brachytherapy
- A61N5/1007—Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
- A61N2005/101—Magazines or cartridges for seeds
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
- A61N5/1001—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy using radiation sources introduced into or applied onto the body; brachytherapy
- A61N5/1007—Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
- A61N2005/1011—Apparatus for permanent insertion of sources
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/10—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy
- A61N5/1001—X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy using radiation sources introduced into or applied onto the body; brachytherapy
- A61N5/1027—Interstitial radiation therapy
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of medical implantation devices and, more particularly, to an improved fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge.
- seed is intended to broadly mean an object or body to be implanted within a patient, including, but not limited to radioactive seeds used in brachytherapy procedures.
- seed handling in connection with brachytherapy has not changed since the inception of this therapeutic approach thirty years ago. Seeds may be ordered from a distributor and typically arrive loose in a protective leadlined pig. Seed strength and number of seeds are generally communicated on the appropriate paperwork accompanying the seeds. Following delivery of the seeds, however, all further seed handling duties are typically accomplished manually by the radiation oncologist or related technical staff.
- These duties include seed counting; loading seeds into the appropriate cartridge, needle, or magazine; sterilizing the seeds in their receptacle for use in the operating suite; keeping a running tally of the number of dispensed seeds in the operating room with paper and pencil; surveying of the operating suite following the procedure in order to track possible loose or stray seeds; and frequent switching of empty seed cartridges, needles, and magazine due to limited seed capacity.
- Such an advance in seed implantation technology as a result of the present invention will broaden the applicability of interstitial implantation to include those patients who undergo fiberoptic-guided tumor biopsy and ordinarily would be sent for external beam radiotherapy thereafter; patients who medically cannot tolerate a large incisional wound; patients who are poor operative candidates based on technical considerations, such as those who have been previously irradiated with external beam therapy and whose tissues would heal poorly with additional radical surgery; patients with recurrences following either surgery or radiation therapy; or patients in whom minimally-invasive interstitial implantation is deemed advantageous.
- the unique features of the implantation technique and manual applicator according to the present invention including its fiberoptic guidance, minimally-invasive surgical requirement, automatic firing mechanism, gravity-independent posture, and integral dispensed/remaining seed visual indicator all serve to enhance the attractiveness and utility of interstitial brachytherapy, in general, and of this novel system in particular.
- a fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator or implantation device.
- a method and system is provided for interstitial implantation into or around neoplasms of tumoricidal or tumoristatic doses of radiation carried by radioactive seeds whose placement is guided via an intrinsic fiberoptic or optical component, potentially, but not necessarily, enhanced by laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, bronchoscopic, cystoscopic, or other types of assisted surveillance including direct vision.
- the FOGISMA device according to the present invention may require minimally invasive surgery in order to introduce the applicator through a small incision into the target tissue, rather than the wide open incision required by previous techniques.
- the FOGISMA device may also be used for percutaneous seed implantation, such as through the transperineal route for implanting the prostate gland.
- the same automatic firing mechanism and precision needle positioning as with the minimally invasive technique would apply, with the advantage of knowing the exact location of the needle tip by fiberoptic guidance.
- the radioactive seeds are introduced one at a time from a shielded seed magazine down the a barrel of the applicator into the target tissue using a gravity-independent automatic firing mechanism instead of the conventional manual plunger, and the introducing needle is automatically withdrawn the desired amount by the precision FOGISMA device. Seeds may be placed sequentially along a given needle track and/or in separate needle tracks, while maintaining an integral visual numerical indication of all dispensed/remaining seeds.
- an implantation device for implanting seeds within or adjacent to a target area, such as a tumor, located within a patient.
- the implantation device comprises an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle.
- the needle bore is adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough into the target area.
- An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area.
- An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.
- the FOGISMA implantation device of the present invention may also comprise: (1) a multi-seed cartridge, either pre-packaged or loaded ad hoc, which is inserted into the proximal end of the device; (2) an operational/controlling proximal end with a grip that allows the user, manually or with robotic assistance, to adjust and guide each motion related to seed placement; (3) a rotating loading barrel in the mid portion of the device that assures precise transfer of each individual seed from the loading chamber into the firing chamber; (4) an introducer needle attached to the distal portion of the device that is effectively exposed from a protective sheath, enabling the needle to be driven into or around the tumor, thus providing a channel for seed insertion; (5) an outer sheath that functions as a protective housing for the introducer needle in its resting position and is adjustable to appropriate shorter lengths as required to permit a given length of the introducer needle to protrude for desired tissue penetration.
- a Brachytherapy Interstitial Seed Cartridge is provided in accordance with the present invention to hold a plurality of seeds for use with an implantation device of the type having a seed alignment channel, a hollow needle and a moveable plunger that causes seeds within the device to pass through the hollow needle and be implanted within or adjacent to a target area, such as a tumor, located within a patient.
- the seed cartridge comprises an elongated cylindrically-shaped core member having a seed conduit extending longitudinally therethrough, the seed conduit being adapted to retain the plurality of seeds in end-to-end aligned relation prior to feeding the seeds into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device.
- Locking means are provided to releasably connect the core member to the implantation device so that the seed conduit is in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel of the implantation device.
- An elongated seed advancement push rod is slidably received within the seed conduit to move longitudinally within the seed conduit to cause the seeds contained within the seed conduit to advance into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device from the seed cartridge.
- the BISC seed cartridge may be a preloaded, self-contained seed cartridge for brachytherapy or other operators and is adaptable for a host of implant applicators.
- This delivery system comprises of a protective outer casing that stores a pre-sterilized cartridge containing the seeds.
- the easy-lock and unloading of the seed cartridge facilitates implantation by: (1) precluding exposure to staff before the implant; (2) ensuring a verified seed count; (3) eliminating the potential for seed spills or inadvertent loss due to seed manipulation in the brachytherapy hot room or operating suite; (4) efficient use of physician and operating room time by eliminating the need for autoclaving of the seeds/cartridge before use in the operating suite; (5) allowing rapid deposition of seeds that are preloaded with many more seeds per cartridge than the standard number allowed by today's seed magazines; and (6) limiting the potential for seed jamming or other misapplication through the smooth mechanical action of the seed cartridge.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating implantation of interstitial seeds using the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3 is also a side elevation view further illustrating the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the roticulator ring and outer sheath of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the seed transfer barrel mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is also an exploded view of the seed transfer barrel mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the multichamber seed transfer barrel illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the advancing pin and ring mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the advancing pin and ring mechanism and seed transfer barrel mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the seed biasing mechanism and fiberoptic plunger of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIGS. 12 A- 12 C are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the multichamber seed transfer barrel and advancing pin and ring mechanism in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 13 is a side elevational view illustrating the seed lock mechanism of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 14;
- FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along line 1 - 1 shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken along line 2 - 2 shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 14 illustrating the operation of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator when the control lever is depressed from point A to point B;
- FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 14 illustrating operation of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator when the control lever is depressed from point B to point C;
- FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 14 illustrating operation of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator when the control lever is released from point C back to point A;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a seed cartridge in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a core member of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 18;
- FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a proximal end cap of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 18;
- FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a distal end cap of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 18;
- FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the seed cartridge in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating attachment of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 22 to the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator;
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the alignment adaptor/seed repository used to attach the seed cartridge to the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator;
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the alignment adaptor/seed repository illustrated in FIG. 24;
- FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of the seed cartridge illustrated in FIG. 22;
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the seed cartridge illustrated in FIG. 26;
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a push rod for use with the seed cartridges illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 22;
- FIGS. 29 A- 29 H illustrate the sequence of events when loading a full seed cartridge into the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 30 illustrates the seed cartridge operably connected to the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 31A is a segmented sectional view illustrating the film bayonet used to pierce a film dam associated with the seed cartridge during the loading of seeds into the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 30;
- FIG. 31B is a segmented sectional view illustrating the advancement of a hollow push rod associated with the seed cartridge during the loading of seeds into the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 30;
- FIGS. 32 and 32A are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a seed biasing mechanism for use with the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 33 A- 33 E illustrate various brachytherapy procedures accomplished using the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is illustrative of the general purpose of the FOGISMA device 1 ; e.g., to implant one or more seeds 3 , 3 a, 3 b, . . . 3 n in or around a tumor or other target tissue 2 within a patient.
- the present invention is not intended to be limited solely to brachytherapy procedures for implanting radioactive seeds, and may be utilized for performing other medical implantation procedures where small bodies or objects are implanted within or near target tissue of a patient (e.g., chemotherapy).
- the term “seed” as used herein is intended to broadly mean an object or body to be implanted within a patient, including, but not limited to radioactive seeds used in brachytherapy procedures.
- the FOGISMA device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises an outer sheath 10 and a hollow introducer needle 12 that is longitudinally displaceable relative the outer sheath 10 for implanting seeds 3 , 3 a, 3 b, . . . 3 n .
- the distal end 13 of the outer sheath 10 is illustrated as being in generally apposed or abutting relationship to the tumor 2 .
- Numerous “unfired” seeds 3 a, 3 b, . . . 3 n that have not yet been implanted or deposited within or near the tumor 2 are also illustrated in FIG. 1 as being in aligned end-to-end relation to each other within the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the FOGISMA device 1 includes a distal end 13 (which is also the distal end of the outer sheath 10 ) and a proximal (control) end 15 .
- distal is intended to generally refer to the relevant portion of the FOGISMA device 1 that is closest to the distal end 13 (and furthest away from the proximal end 15 ) of the device 1
- proximal is intended to generally refer to the relevant portion of the FOGISMA device 1 that is furthest away from the distal end 13 (and closest to the proximal end 15 ) of the device 1 .
- a housing 20 that facilitates handling and control of the device by the surgeon or other operator thereof.
- the housing 20 is preferably made of any suitable molded material (e.g., plastic or stainless steel) that is acceptable for such medical procedures and may be formed in two complimentary halves that may be fastened or otherwise joined together to facilitate construction of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the housing 20 may be formed in a variety of different configurations, it is preferred that the housing be of a generally L-shaped pistol configuration for convenient and ready control and operation of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the preferred housing 20 therefore includes a handle or grip portion 21 to be held by the surgeon or operator of the device 1 . At least a portion of the handle may be lined or coated with a thin layer of radiation insulating material (e.g., lead) to prevent or minimize radiation exposure to the surgeon or operator of the device 1 .
- a thin layer of radiation insulating material e.g., lead
- one embodiment of the housing 20 comprises a seed advancement trigger 23 and an implantation lever 25 for controlling the operation of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the trigger 23 and lever 25 are each mounted proximate the handle portion 21 so that the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 may actuate the trigger 23 and/or the lever 25 to control operation of the device 1 with the same hand that the surgeon or operator is using to hold the handle portion 21 .
- a supplemental handle 27 may also be integrally formed or separately mounted on the housing 20 , which supplemental handle 27 may be used by the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 to transport and/or further steady the FOGISMA device 1 during operation.
- the supplemental handle 27 is illustrated as preferably being mounted on the top of the housing 20 .
- the outer sheath 10 of the FOGISMA device 1 is movably attached to the housing 20 using a roticulator ring 30 positioned between the outer sheath 10 and the housing 20 .
- the roticulator ring 30 is rotatably mounted on a forward end of the housing 20 in a conventional manner.
- the roticulator ring 30 includes a bore therethrough of a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the outer sheath 10 in order to permit the outer sheath to snugly pass therethrough during assembly of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- Internal threads 32 are formed within the bore of the roticulator ring 30 for interlocking engagement with external circumferential threads 11 formed in at least a portion of the exterior circumferential surface of the outer sheath 10 .
- the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 is able to precisely control or modulate the depth of the introducer needle 12 within the target tissue 2 by rotating the roticulator ring 30 either clockwise for shallower insertions of needle 12 or counterclockwise for deeper insertions of needle 12 .
- the outer sheath 10 is intended to abut against the tumor, tissue wall, template or grid during operation of the device 1 , it is the length of introducer needle 12 protruding beyond the outer sheath 10 when the insertion lever 25 is fully depressed that determines the relative needle length and thereby dictates the depth of insertion.
- Calibrated markings or indicia 31 on the roticulator ring 30 permit the surgeon or operator to precisely set the depth of the introducer needle 12 according to the desired specification. That is, the indicia 31 indicate the relationship between the distal end 13 of the outer sheath 10 and the distal tip 12 a of the introducer needle 12 .
- the outer sheath 10 extends from the handle 20 to the distal end 13 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the outer sheath 10 is preferably a rigid, elongated, hollow, tubular member.
- the outer sheath 10 be a flexible or deflectable tubular member.
- the portion of the outer sheath 10 proximate the distal end 13 of the device 1 is substantially enclosed to protect or cover the components of the FOGISMA device 1 (including introducer needle 12 ) located within the outer sheath 10 .
- An exit port 19 is formed in the end of the outer sheath 10 (proximate the distal end 13 of the device) in aligned relation to the introducer needle 12 to permit at least a portion of the needle 12 to pass therethrough during operation of the FOGISMA device 1 at the time of implantation of a seed 3 .
- a rigid, elongated, hollow, tubular inner sheath 34 may be located within the outer sheath 10 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the length and outside diameter of the inner sheath 34 is less than the length and inside diameter of the outer sheath 10 to facilitate assembly of the inner sheath 34 within the outer sheath 10 .
- the distal end of the inner sheath 34 (proximate the distal end 13 of the device 1 ) is substantially enclosed to protect or cover the components of the FOGISMA device 1 located within the inner sheath 34 .
- An exit port 38 is formed in the distal end of the inner sheath 34 (proximate the distal end 13 of the device) in aligned relation with the exit port 19 of the outer sheath 10 and the introducer needle 12 to permit at least a portion of the needle 12 to pass therethrough during set up and operation of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the distal end 12 a of the introducer needle 12 project just slightly through the exit port 38 formed in the inner sheath 34 .
- the inner and outer sheaths 34 and 10 are made from any suitable material that is capable of withstanding conventional medical instrument sterilization techniques (e.g., autoclave, radiation, x-ray, or ethylene oxide gas sterilization) and is acceptable for such medical procedures (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.).
- conventional medical instrument sterilization techniques e.g., autoclave, radiation, x-ray, or ethylene oxide gas sterilization
- is acceptable for such medical procedures e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.
- the introducer needle 12 and a seed transfer barrel housing 40 are located within the inner and outer sheaths 10 and 34 .
- the introducer needle 12 is hollow throughout its entire length to allow seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n to pass therethrough. Accordingly, the diameter of the bore or hollow through the needle 12 is generally slightly larger than that of the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . 3 n .
- the introducer needle 12 preferably includes a flanged proximal end 12 b and a tapered or sharpened point at its distal end 12 a to facilitate injection into body tissue.
- the flanged proximal end 12 b of the needle 12 is preferably formed having internal threads for convenient attachment (e.g., threaded engagement) to mating threads formed on the circumference of the threaded flange 42 of the seed transfer barrel housing 40 , as will be discussed further below.
- the needle 12 may be attached to the seed transfer barrel housing 40 using a conventional Luer-Lok connection.
- the seed transfer barrel housing 40 is shown mounted within the inner and outer sheaths 10 and 34 .
- the seed transfer barrel housing 40 is generally cylindrical in shape having a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the inner sheath 34 .
- Projecting from one end 40 a of the barrel housing 40 is the threaded flange 42 for securing the introducer needle 12 to the barrel housing 40 .
- the threaded flange 42 may contain male threads or other means (e.g., Luer-Lok connection) for engagement with female threads formed on the proximal end 12 b of the introducer needle 12 .
- the proximal end 12 b of the introducer needle 12 could alternatively be formed with male threads that screw into and engage threads formed within a female portion (e.g., aperture) of the barrel housing 40 .
- a plurality of different interchangeable introducer needles 12 should be available to the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- These needles 12 may, for instance, range from 1-20 cm in length and from 0.2-15 mm in diameter. Depending upon the particular application, therefore, the surgeon or operator of the device 1 may select the appropriate sized introducer needle 12 from the available selection of interchangeable needles and conveniently attach the selected needle 12 to the threaded flange 42 of the seed transfer barrel housing 40 .
- the opposing or proximal end of the barrel housing 40 (opposite end 40 a ) is preferably open so that the barrel housing 40 has a longitudinally extending bore running substantially therethrough to the end 40 a.
- a longitudinally extending aperture is formed through flange 42 and end 40 a of the barrel housing 40 , which aperture is in aligned relation with the bore or hollow through the introducer needle 12 when the needle is secured to the flange 42 .
- the diameter of the aperture extending through flange 42 and end 40 a is generally slightly larger than that of the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . 3 n to facilitate transfer of the seeds through the aperture in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5.
- a cylindrically-shaped cover 43 having an opening formed therein is secured in a conventional manner to the open end of barrel housing 40 .
- the opening in cover 43 is of such size as to permit introduction of elongated, longitudinally extending member 60 through the opening and partially into the bore of barrel housing 40 .
- the elongated member 60 is preferably a rigid, generally cylindrical member (e.g., injection molded plastic) having one end located within the bore of barrel housing 40 and an opposing end proximate the proximal end 15 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the elongated member may be lined or coated with a thin layer of radiation insulating material (e.g., lead) to prevent or minimize radiation exposure to the surgeon or operator during operation of the device 1 .
- Extending through the elongated member 60 are two parallel longitudinally extending channels, a fiberoptic channel 61 and a seed alignment channel 62 .
- Fiberoptic channel 61 is aligned with the bore or hollow through the introducer needle 12 and the aperture through the flange 42 .
- a plunger 65 which preferably contains a fiberoptic scope or other optical means, is positioned within the fiberoptic channel 61 and is movable within the channel 61 in response to movement of the lever 25 .
- a fiberoptic port 80 is provided in the proximal end 15 of the FOGISMA device 1 to facilitate connection of a fiberoptic scope or other optical means (not shown) to the plunger 65 , as is illustrated in FIG. 3.
- a plunger 65 containing a fiberoptic scope is utilized to provide visual assistance to the surgeon for implant guidance and to transfer the seed 3 from the multi-chamber transfer barrel 45 through the introducer needle 12 and into the tumor 2 .
- other conventional optical means may be substituted for the fiberoptic scope, such as a rod lens scope, Hopkins type scope, laparoscope, endoscope, etc.
- the fiberoptic scope or other optical means may be inserted through a longitudinal bore through the plunger 65 for providing such visual assistance.
- the seed alignment channel 62 formed within the elongated member 60 is generally slightly larger than the diameter of the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . 3 n to facilitate transfer of the seeds in end-to-end aligned relation through the seed alignment channel 62 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 5.
- a seed transfer barrel 45 is positioned within the bore of the barrel housing 40 and is rotatable relative the housing 40 .
- the seed transfer barrel 45 is generally cylindrical in shape with a centrally positioned, longitudinally extending opening therethrough.
- a mounting pin 47 supported on one end by the end 40 a of the barrel housing 40 and on the opposing end by the elongated member 60 is received within the opening in the barrel 45 in order to rotatably support the barrel.
- the seed transfer barrel 45 also comprises a plurality of parallel, equally spaced apart seed chambers 48 , each of which extends longitudinally through the barrel 45 .
- seed chambers 48 In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 , four seed chambers 48 are shown, each of which is equally spaced apart at 90° from the preceding and subsequent chambers 48 .
- the length and diameter of each chamber 48 is such as to permit only one seed 3 to enter a given chamber 48 at one time. It is understood, however, that a greater or lesser number of seed chambers 48 may be utilized in accordance with the invention.
- the seed transfer barrel 45 could be provided with only two seed chambers 48 spaced apart from one another by 180°.
- the barrel housing 40 , cover 43 , seed transfer barrel 45 , advancing pin and ring mechanism 50 , and elongated member 60 are preferably made in a conventional manner (e.g., injection molded) from any suitable material that is capable of withstanding conventional medical sterilization techniques (e.g., autoclave, radiation, x-ray, or ethylene oxide gas sterilization), is acceptable for such medical procedures (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.) and may be manufactured to suitable tolerances.
- These components and/or the outer or inner sheaths 10 , 34 may also be lined or coated with a thin layer of radiation insulating material (e.g., lead) to prevent or minimize radiation exposure to the surgeon or operator of the device 1 .
- a seed biasing member 70 removably mounted on the housing 20 biases the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . 3 n within the seed alignment channel 62 toward the seed transfer barrel 45 .
- the seed biasing member 70 preferably comprises an elongated hollow body 71 that is closed on one end by a locking cap 72 .
- a piston 73 is slidingly received within the hollow body 71 .
- the piston 73 includes a piston rod 75 that projects longitudinally through an opening in the distal end of the hollow body 71 .
- a biasing member 74 such as a compression spring, is positioned within the hollow body 71 and biases the piston 73 away from the locking cap 72 .
- the elongated body 71 of the seed biasing member 70 is received within a seed insertion port 81 extending through the housing 20 in alignment with the seed alignment channel 62 of the elongated member 60 .
- the locking cap 72 is removably secured to the proximal end 15 of housing 20 in a conventional manner, such as via a tongue-in-groove arrangement.
- the distal end of the piston rod 75 engages the last seed 3 n within the seed alignment channel 62 . Because the biasing member 74 biases the piston 73 and rod 75 toward the distal end 13 of the FOGISMA device 1 , the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . .
- each seed chamber 48 can only accommodate one seed 3
- the second seed 3 a within the seed alignment channel 62 may only advance after the seed transfer barrel 45 rotates so that an empty seed chamber 48 becomes aligned with the alignment chamber 62 .
- cam portions 46 On the circumference of the seed transfer barrel 45 are formed a plurality of equally spaced cut-out sections or cam portions 46 , as is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 , 8 , 10 and 12 A- 12 C. As will be explained further below, these cam portions 46 are used to selectively rotate or drive the transfer barrel 45 relative the barrel housing 40 in order to feed one seed 3 at a time into the introducer needle 12 .
- the transfer barrel 45 is driven in response to longitudinal movement of a substantially rigid barrel advancing pin and ring assembly 50 positioned within the bore of the barrel housing 40 .
- the advancing pin and ring assembly 50 preferably comprises a generally cylindrical-shaped ring portion 52 and a longitudinally extending advancing pin or member 51 .
- An aperture is formed through the ring portion 52 for slidably receiving the distal end of the elongated member 60 .
- the outside diameter of the ring portion 52 is preferably slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the bore within the barrel housing 40 to facilitate sliding movement of the advancing pin and ring assembly 50 in the direction of arrow A relative the barrel housing 40 and transfer barrel 45 .
- the barrel advancing pin and ring assembly 50 is biased toward the transfer barrel 45 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5 by a spring member 58 (e.g., a compression spring).
- the spring member 58 is preferably positioned within the bore of the barrel housing 40 between the cover 43 and the ring portion 52 .
- the outside diameter of the spring member 58 is smaller than the inside diameter of the bore in the barrel housing 40 to facilitate insertion of the spring member 58 into the housing 40 .
- the inside diameter of the spring member 58 is larger than the outside diameter of elongated member 60 to permit the member 60 to be inserted through the inside diameter of spring member 58 .
- a linking shaft 55 is also located within the inner and outer sheaths 10 and 34 and, in one embodiment, extends longitudinally therein between the ring portion 52 of the barrel advancing pin and ring assembly 50 and a seed advancement trigger 23 located in a housing 20 at the proximal end 15 of the FOGISMA device 1 , which will be described further below.
- the distal end of the linking shaft 55 is connected in a conventional manner to the ring portion 52 in order to control the longitudinal movement of the barrel advancing pin and ring assembly 50 within the barrel housing 40 relative the seed transfer barrel 45 .
- two linking shafts 55 operatively connected to the seed advancement trigger 23 may be utilized to control the longitudinal movement of the advancing pin and ring assembly 50 .
- an aperture may be formed within the cover 43 enclosing the barrel housing 40 to permit the linking shaft 55 to freely move through the cover 43 .
- the advancing pin 51 of the barrel advancing pin and ring assembly 50 projects longitudinally from the ring portion 52 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5.
- a first barrel advancing tooth 51 a is formed on and projects downwardly from the advancing pin 51 proximate the distal end of the pin.
- a second barrel advancing tooth 51 b is formed on and projects downwardly from the advancing pin 51 proximate the ring portion 52 .
- the first and second barrel advancing teeth 51 a and 51 b are configured to interlock with and engage cam portions 46 a and 46 b, respectively, on the transfer barrel 45 .
- the transfer barrel 45 is provided with a total of eight equally spaced cam portions 46 .
- Four identical proximal cam portions 46 b are circumferentially located proximate the proximal end of the transfer barrel 45 and four identical distal cam portions 46 a are circumferentially located proximate the distal end of the transfer barrel 45 .
- the distal cam portions 46 a are equally spaced along the circumference of the transfer barrel 45 at 90 intervals and the proximal cam portions 46 b are similarly equally spaced along the circumference of the transfer barrel 45 at 90 intervals, but are shifted 45 . along the circumference of the transfer barrel 45 from the distal cam portions 46 a.
- a relieved portion 41 is formed in the end 40 a of the seed transfer barrel housing 40 proximate the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a of the advancing pin 51 .
- the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a is received within the relieved portion 41 and is disengaged from the distal cam portion 46 a of the transfer barrel 45 , while the second barrel advancing tooth 51 b is in interlocking engagement with the proximal cam portion 46 b of the transfer barrel 45 .
- a seed 3 a located within alignment chamber 62 is biased by the seed biasing member 70 into the empty seed chamber 48 of the transfer barrel 45 that is aligned with the chamber 62 .
- a seed 3 is also illustrated in FIG. 12A as being located within the adjacent seed chamber 48 .
- the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a moves out of the relieved portion 41 and engages a distal cam portion 46 a of the transfer barrel 45 , while the second barrel advancing tooth 51 b disengages from the proximal cam portion 46 b of the transfer barrel 45 .
- Engagement of the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a with one of the distal cam portions 46 a causes the seed transfer barrel (and seed 3 a ) to rotate a predetermined amount. In the preferred embodiment having a total of eight equally spaced cam portions 46 , this rotation of the multichamber transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution.
- seeds 3 and 3 a are illustrated in FIG. 12B as having rotated with transfer barrel 45 precisely 45° in the counterclockwise direction.
- the spring member 58 biases the advancing pin and ring mechanism 50 back to its original position with the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a again received within the relieved portion 41 and disengaged from the distal cam portion 46 a of the transfer barrel 45 , while the second barrel advancing tooth 51 b engages with one of the proximal cam portions 46 b of the transfer barrel 45 . Engagement of the second barrel advancing tooth 51 b with one of the proximal cam portions 46 b causes the seed transfer barrel 45 to further rotate a predetermined amount.
- this further rotation of the multichamber transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution (or a total of one quarter a revolution from depression of the trigger 23 to release thereof).
- the next or subsequent seed 3 b (not shown) within alignment chamber 62 that was adjacent to ejected seed 3 a is biased by the seed biasing member 70 into the empty seed chamber 48 of the transfer barrel 45 that is aligned with the chamber 62 .
- seeds 3 and 3 a have rotated with transfer barrel 45 another 45° in the counterclockwise direction.
- the FOGISMA device 1 is ready for firing when the seed chamber 48 (containing a single seed 3 ) of the multichamber seed transfer barrel 45 rotates 180° from the point where seed 3 was initially biased into the chamber 48 (i.e., when chamber 48 was aligned with seed alignment channel 62 ) to a position where chamber 48 containing that seed 3 is aligned with fiberoptic channel 61 and the bore through introducer needle 12 .
- a reducible seed lock 85 is preferably provided in the longitudinal opening of the threaded flange 42 of the barrel housing 40 , as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 13.
- the reducible seed lock 85 preferably comprises a spring member 86 .
- Spring member 86 may be a flat, elongated metal or plastic spring having a distal end 86 a and a proximal end 86 b.
- a portion 87 of the threaded flange 42 is relieved within the longitudinal opening passing through the threaded flange 42 for receiving the distal and proximal ends 86 a and 86 b of the spring member 86 .
- the relieved portion 87 is sufficiently large to permit the ends 86 a and 86 b to expand longitudinally when spring member 86 is compressed.
- FIGS. 14 - 17 A second embodiment of the FOGISMA device 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 14 - 17 .
- a cross-section of a housing 20 and the proximal portion of the outer sheath 10 of the FOGISMA device 1 are illustrated.
- the housing 20 of the second embodiment is preferably L-shaped and may be injection molded from a suitable plastic that is capable of maintaining accurate dimensional stability during and after repeated use and sterilizations.
- the housing 20 may be formed in two complimentary halves that may be fastened or otherwise joined together to facilitate construction of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the outer sheath 10 of this second embodiment is similar to that described above with respect to the first embodiment.
- a distal portion 10 a of outer sheath 10 includes a first bore extending longitudinally through the distal end 13 of the device 1 in a similar manner to the outer sheath of the first embodiment.
- a proximal portion 10 b of the outer sheath 10 having a second bore is connected to the distal portion 10 a.
- the is second bore of outer sheath portion 10 b is preferably larger than the first bore of outer sheath portion 10 a so that the proximal portion 10 b may slidingly receive at least the distal end of the housing 20 .
- a control lever 125 is pivotally mounted proximate the handle portion 21 so that the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 may actuate the lever 125 to control operation of the device 1 with the same hand that the surgeon or operator is using to hold the handle portion 21 .
- Control lever 125 is pivotally mounted to housing 20 by pin 150 .
- the control lever 125 comprises an arcuate, first pinion section 101 within housing 20 having a plurality of gear teeth formed thereon.
- a spring 151 having one end affixed to handle portion 21 and the opposing end affixed to the control lever 125 biases the control lever about pin 150 to a neutral position A, as illustrated in FIG. 15.
- a first rack 102 which is supported and longitudinally displaceable within the housing 20 , includes a plurality of gear teeth for interlocking engagement with the pinion section 101 of the control lever 125 .
- a first gear 103 is rotatably mounted within housing 20 and has gear teeth that interlockingly engage the gear teeth of first rack 102 .
- a second gear 104 is attached to first gear 103 so that the first and second gears rotate together and do not rotate relative to one another.
- the first and second gears 103 , 104 may, for instance, be mounted on the same supporting shaft or be formed integrally together as a single unit.
- second gear 104 is generally H-shaped, having a first set of gear teeth circumferentially formed on its major outside diameter and having a second set of centrally located gear teeth circumferentially formed on its minor outside diameter.
- a proximal portion of the plunger 65 is illustrated in FIG. 15. It is understood that the distal end of the plunger 65 continues longitudinally through the fiberoptic channel 61 within portion 10 a of the outer sheath 10 toward the distal end 13 of the device 1 .
- the plunger 65 is substantially hollow 106 from end-to-end to facilitate insertion of a fiberoptic scope (rigid or flexible) or other optical means (e.g., rod lens scope, Hopkins type scope, laparoscope, endoscope, etc.) therein.
- the plunger 65 passes through an opening or fiberoptic port 80 in the proximal end 15 of the housing 20 , as illustrated in FIG. 3, and terminates at its proximal end within a scope rest 160 .
- the scope rest 160 is used to support the fiberoptic or optical scope, including the eyepiece, light guide post, camera head and light guide cable (not shown).
- a geared portion 105 of the plunger 65 proximate the second gear 104 has formed thereon a plurality of gear teeth for interlocking engagement with the second set of gear teeth centrally located on the second gear 104 .
- a third gear 107 of generally H-shaped configuration comprises an outer set of gear teeth 107 a circumferentially formed on the major outside diameter of the third gear 107 and an inner set of centrally located gear teeth 107 b circumferentially formed on the minor outside diameter of the third gear.
- the outer teeth 107 a engage the first set of teeth on second gear 104 and the inner teeth 107 b engage the teeth formed on second rack 108 , which second rack extends and is displaceable longitudinally within housing 20 .
- the second rack 108 is preferably rectangular in shape and has a proximal and a distal end.
- the second rack 108 includes a bore extending longitudinally from the proximal end of the rack 108 at least substantially to the distal end thereof.
- the distal end of an outer sheath adjustment rod 155 is received within the bore and rotatably connected to the second rack 108 .
- the proximal end of the rod 155 extends through an opening in the proximal end 15 of the housing 20 and terminates in an adjustment knob 156 .
- a plurality of pawls or gear teeth 109 are supported by the rod 155 proximate its distal end and project outwardly through an opening formed in the second rack 108 .
- a fourth gear 110 is rotatably mounted within housing 20 and is rotatable in only one direction.
- the fourth gear 110 is of generally H-shaped configuration comprising an outer set of gear teeth 110 a circumferentially formed on the major outside diameter of the fourth gear 110 and an inner set of centrally located gear teeth 110 b circumferentially formed on the minor outside diameter of the fourth gear.
- the inner set of centrally located gear teeth 110 b interlockingly engage pawls 109 of the second rack 108 for driving the fourth gear 110 in a first direction.
- pawls 109 disengage from the teeth 110 b of the fourth gear 110 when the fourth gear is driven in the opposite direction.
- the second rack 108 , pawls 109 and the fourth gear 110 generally act as a continuous ratchet type assembly wherein longitudinal movement of the second rack 108 in one direction causes the fourth gear 110 to rotate in that direction, while longitudinal movement of the second rack 108 in the opposite direction disengages pawls 109 from the fourth gear 110 without moving the fourth gear.
- a one way clutch could also be operatively connected to the fourth gear 110 to permit the gear to be driven in only one direction (i.e., clockwise direction) by pawl 109 of the second rack 108 .
- the proximal portion 10 b of the outer sheath 10 includes a set of gear teeth 112 that project inwardly within the second bore of portion 10 b.
- the outer set of teeth 110 a formed on the fourth gear 110 partially project through an opening or slot formed in the housing 20 in order to interlockingly engage the inwardly projecting gear teeth 112 formed on the proximal portion 10 b of the outer sheath 10 so that rotation of the fourth gear 110 causes the outer sheath 10 to move longitudinally relative the housing 20 .
- the distal portion 10 a of outer sheath 10 has a first bore extending longitudinally to the distal end 13 of the device 1 in a similar manner to the outer sheath of the first embodiment.
- the second embodiment of the FOGISMA device 1 comprises at least the introducer needle 12 , seed transfer barrel housing 40 , seed transfer barrel 45 , advancing pin and ring assembly 50 , linking shaft 55 , elongated member 60 , plunger 65 and seed lock 85 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 13 with respect to the first embodiment. These components are located within the first bore of the distal portion 10 a of the outer sheath 10 proximate the distal end 13 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the linking shaft 55 has a distal end that is operatively connected to the advancing pin and ring mechanism 50 for controlling the longitudinal movement of the mechanism 50 relative to the multichamber seed transfer barrel 45 .
- the proximal end of the linking shaft 55 is illustrated in FIG. 15 as being operatively connected to a hook member 117 .
- Hook member 117 is preferably an elongated bar or rod having an upwardly extending flexible hook 117 a projecting therefrom.
- the hook member 117 is located within and slidably supported by the housing 20 between the third and fourth gears 107 , 110 .
- a fifth gear 114 is located within and rotatably supported by housing 20 proximate the second rack 108 .
- the fifth gear 114 includes a set of gear teeth circumferentially formed thereon for interlockingly engaging a corresponding set of gear teeth 108 a formed on at least a portion of the second rack 108 .
- the gear teeth on the fifth gear 114 also interlockingly engage corresponding gear teeth formed on a third rack 115 .
- the third rack 115 is also located within and slidably supported by the housing 20 between the third and fourth gears 107 , 110 .
- a flexible hook or tooth 116 projects downwardly from the third rack 115 so that when the third rack 115 is driven longitudinally toward the hook member 117 , the downwardly extending hook 116 in the third rack temporarily engages the upwardly extending hook 117 a in the hook member 117 .
- control lever 125 and gears 103 , 104 , 107 , 110 may be rotatably mounted within the housing 20 in a conventional manner, such as by mounting each gear on a shaft or pin and rotatably supporting the shaft by a pair of suitable bearings or bushings mounted within the housing 20 .
- hook member 117 and racks 102 , 108 , 115 may be slidably supported within the housing using suitable journals or bearings mounted within the housing 20 .
- the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 is able to precisely set and control the longitudinal distance that the outer sheath 10 travels or advances relative the housing 20 each time the control lever 125 is fully actuated. That is, the surgeon or operator is able to precisely adjust the timing when pawls 109 engage the gear teeth of the fourth gear 110 .
- control lever 125 is capable of being actuated by the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 from neutral position A to position B (actuated approximately 60° from position A) to position C (actuated approximately 75° from position A) and back to position A.
- the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means received within the bore 106 ) is advanced through the seed transfer barrel 45 to the distal end 12 a of the introducer needle 112 .
- the lever 125 is further actuated from point B to point C as is illustrated in FIG.
- the outer sheath 10 is advanced a predetermined distance (as set by the surgeon or operator using the adjustment knob 156 ).
- the lever 125 is released by the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 and automatically returns from point C to point A by virtue of control lever spring 151 as illustrated in FIG. 15, the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) are withdrawn from the needle 12 and seed transfer barrel 45 toward the proximal end 15 of the device 1 and the seed transfer barrel 45 is indexed a predetermined amount.
- second gear 104 is fixed to the first gear 103 , the second gear 104 is also caused to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.
- Such counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 104 causes the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means retained therein) to move longitudinally toward the distal end 13 of the device 1 due to the interlocking engagement of the first set of centrally located gear teeth on the second gear 104 with the gear teeth 105 formed on the plunger 65 .
- Such longitudinal movement of the plunger 65 also compresses plunger return spring 123 with sufficient force to overcome the opposing biasing force of spring 123 .
- the fiberoptic scope or other optical means (e.g., rod lens scope, Hopkins type scope, laparoscope, endoscope, etc.) (not shown) that is preferably retained within the bore 106 through the fiberoptic plunger 65 , permits the surgeon or operator of the device 1 to view the proximal end of the seed 3 to ensure that the “fired” seed 3 exits the introducer needle 12 into the tumor 2 or other tissue.
- the fiberoptic scope or other optical means also facilitates visual inspection of the implanted seed 3 within the tumor 2 or other tissue. Such visual inspection of the implanted seed 3 permits the surgeon or operator of the device 1 to verify that the seed 3 had been implanted in the proper location of the tumor 2 or tissue. Such visual verification may be quite valuable where, for instance, there exists the possibility that the introducer needle 12 has penetrated beyond the tumor or tissue wall whereby implanted seeds 3 might otherwise be deposited in undesirable locations or orifices within the patient.
- Such longitudinal movement of the second rack 108 in the proximal direction causes: (1) the fifth gear 114 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction due to the interlocking engagement of gear teeth on the second rack 108 and fifth gear 114 ; and (2) pawls 109 to move longitudinally with the second rack in the proximal direction into contact with the inner gear teeth centrally located on the fourth gear 110 (but does not yet cause the fourth gear 110 to rotate).
- the fifth gear 114 is driven in the counterclockwise direction by the second rack 108
- the fifth gear 29 114 causes the third rack 115 to move longitudinally toward the distal end 13 of the device 1 due to the interlocking engagement of gear teeth on the fifth gear 114 and the third rack 115 .
- Such longitudinal movement of the third rack 115 causes the engaging hook 116 on the third rack 115 to move toward (but not yet engage) the hook 117 a of hook member 117 .
- the plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or optical means) does not advance further longitudinally in the direction of the distal end 13 of the FOGISMA device 1 . However, the distal end of the plunger 65 remains in its advanced position at the distal end 12 a of the introducer needle 12 (with spring 123 remaining in a compressed state).
- the continued counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 104 drives the second rack 108 further in the longitudinal direction toward the proximal end 15 of the device 1 .
- Such further movement of the second rack 108 drives the fifth gear 114 in the clockwise direction, thereby driving the third rack 115 longitudinally toward the hook member 117 so that the engaging hook 116 on the third rack 115 releasingly engages the hook 117 a of the hook member 117 .
- the hooks 116 , 117 a are made of a flexible, resilient material, the hooks deform slightly to permit the engaging hook 116 to travel slightly beyond and engage hook 117 a.
- the hooks 116 , 117 Upon engagement with one another, the hooks 116 , 117 a resiliently return to their original shape to maintain such locking engagement until a sufficient releasing force is applied to again deform the hooks when the third rack 115 is moved longitudinally away from hook member 117 in the proximal direction.
- the continued longitudinal movement of the second rack 108 (and therefore of the pawls 109 ) in the direction of the proximal end 15 of the device 1 causes pawls 109 to engage the centrally located inner gear teeth 110 b formed in the fourth gear 110 , thereby causing the fourth gear 110 to rotate in the clockwise direction (fourth gear 110 is only permitted to rotate in the clockwise direction).
- the outer sheath 10 is caused to precisely move or advance longitudinally relative housing 20 toward the distal end 13 of the device 1 due to the interlocking engagement of the outer circumferential gear teeth 110 a formed in the fourth gear 110 with the gear teeth 112 formed on the interior of the outer sheath 10 .
- the distal end 13 of the outer sheath 10 is intended to abut the wall of the tumor 2 or other body tissue of the patient, a template or a grid during operation of the FOGISMA device 1 , the above-described longitudinal movement of the outer sheath 10 in the distal direction relative housing 20 (and therefore relative introducer needle 12 ) will cause the introducer needle 12 to withdraw a predetermined distance from the tumor 2 or other tissue in which the needle has penetrated, thereby leaving a seed 3 (previously advanced by plunger 65 through the implantation needle 12 ) implanted in the tumor 2 .
- the predetermined distance that the needle 12 moves relative the outer sheath 10 due to advancement of the outer sheath relative the housing 20 controls the spacing between implanted seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n within the tumor 2 and is established by the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 by turning the adjustment knob 156 as described above to adjust the timing when pawls 109 engage the fourth gear 110 .
- the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) remains in the advanced position at the distal end 12 a of the introducer needle 12 and the outer sheath 10 has been advanced a predetermined distance toward the distal end 13 of the device 1 relative the housing 20 , thereby partially withdrawing the needle 12 from the tumor 2 by that predetermined distance.
- second gear 104 causes the gear teeth formed on the second gear 104 to once again engage the gear teeth 105 formed on the fiberoptic plunger 65 , thereby driving (with the assistance of spring 123 ) the plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) longitudinally in the direction of the proximal end 15 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the distal end of the plunger 65 is returned to its original position and no longer extends within the introducer needle 12 or seed transfer barrel 45 .
- the clockwise rotation of the second gear 104 also drives the second rack 10 in the longitudinal direction back to its original position toward the distal end 13 of the device 1 .
- Such return movement of the second rack 108 also causes pawls 109 to disengage and move away from the fourth gear 110 .
- the fourth gear 110 which can only rotate in the clockwise direction, is not driven by the disengaging pawls 109 when the second rack moves longitudinally toward the distal end 13 of the device 1 .
- the outer sheath 10 does not move when the control lever 125 returns from point C to the neutral position at point A and the control lever 125 remains in the advanced position which occurred when the lever 125 was previously actuated from point B to point C.
- the return movement of the second rack 108 also drives the fifth gear 114 in the counterclockwise direction, thereby driving the third rack 115 longitudinally away the hook member 117 to its original position. Because of the engagement of hooks 116 , 117 a, the movement of the third rack 115 toward the proximal end 15 of the device 1 causes the hook member 117 to also move longitudinally in the proximal direction.
- Such longitudinal movement of the hook member 117 causes the advancing pin and ring assembly 50 to similarly move longitudinally relative the seed transfer barrel 45 toward the proximal end 15 of the FOGISMA device 1 due to the connection of the hook member 117 with the advancing pin and ring assembly 50 by the linking shaft 55 , thereby compressing spring member 58 located within the seed transfer barrel housing 40 .
- the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a formed on the assembly 50 moves out of the relieved portion 41 and engages a distal cam portion 46 a of the transfer barrel 45 , while the second barrel advancing tooth 51 b disengages from the proximal cam portion 46 b of the transfer barrel 45 .
- Engagement of the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a with one of the distal cam portions 46 a causes the seed transfer barrel (and seed 3 a contained therein) to rotate a predetermined amount, as is illustrated in FIG. 12B.
- a preferred embodiment of the seed transfer barrel 45 includes a total of eight equally spaced cam portions 46 , so that the predetermined rotation of the multichamber transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution.
- the third rack 115 continues to be driven in the proximal direction back to its original position and the spring member 58 biases the advancing pin and ring mechanism 50 distally back to its original position with the first barrel advancing tooth 51 a again received within the relieved portion 41 and disengaged from the distal cam portion 46 a of the transfer barrel 45 , while the second barrel advancing tooth 51 b again engaging one of the proximal cam portions 46 b of the transfer barrel 45 .
- Engagement of the second barrel advancing tooth 51 b with one of the proximal cam portions 46 b causes the seed transfer barrel to further rotate a predetermined amount.
- this predetermined rotation of the multichamber seed transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution (or a total of one quarter of a revolution from actuation of the control lever 125 to release thereof), as illustrated in FIG. 12C.
- the next or subsequent seed 3 b (not shown) within alignment chamber 62 , which seed 3 b was adjacent to the seed 3 a previously loaded into the adjacent seed chamber 48 , is biased into the empty seed chamber 48 of the transfer barrel 45 that is now aligned with the seed alignment channel 62 .
- the seed chamber 48 containing seed 3 as illustrated in FIG. 12C has rotated 90° so that the seed chamber 48 containing seed 3 is now aligned with fiberoptic channel 61 , plunger 65 , the bore through introducer needle 12 and the aperture through flange 42 .
- the seed 3 illustrated in FIG. 12C is now in position to be fired or driven by the plunger 65 into the tumor 2 when the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 once again actuates the control lever 125 from point A to point B.
- seed channels 48 and cam portions 46 in the seed transfer barrel 45 may vary depending upon the application and that the above-described embodiment of the seed transfer barrel 45 having eight cam portions and four seed transfer channels is illustrative of one preferred arrangement.
- Another possible arrangement could include two seed chambers 48 spaced 180° apart from one another and four cam portions 46 (each providing 45 . rotation of the seed transfer barrel 45 when engaged by one of the advancing pin teeth 51 a, 51 b of the advancing pin and ring assembly 50 ).
- the present invention is not limited to any particular tooth configuration of the various gears, pinions and racks described herein. However, it is preferable that the teeth of these gears, pinions and racks be very fine and precise to facilitate accurate control and operation of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- These gears, pinions and racks may preferably be manufactured in a conventional manner from any suitable material that is capable of withstanding conventional medical instrumentation sterilization techniques (e.g., autoclave, radiation, x-ray, or ethylene oxide gas sterilization) and is acceptable for such medical procedures (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.).
- a first disengagement lever 124 having a wedge-shaped portion may also be provided on the housing 20 to selectively disengage the third gear 107 from the second rack 108 , as is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Selective actuation of the first disengagement lever 124 will cause the gear 107 to move slightly away from the second rack 108 , or vice versa, just enough to disengage their respective gear teeth.
- the surgeon or operator of the device 1 can actuate the control lever 125 to move the fiberoptic plunger 65 longitudinally through the device 1 without operating any of the other components of the device 1 .
- the advanced plunger 65 may be used as a stylet to prevent introduction of tissue into the bore of the needle 12 and for viewing the implantation site prior to implantation.
- the first disengagement lever 124 may be actuated to return to its original position wherein the third gear 107 and second rack 108 are again in meshing engagement with one another.
- a second disengagement lever 122 having a wedge-shaped portion may also be provided on the housing 20 to selectively disengage the fourth gear 110 from the gear teeth 112 formed on the interior of the outer sheath 10 , as is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Selective actuation of the second disengagement lever 122 will cause the fourth gear 110 to move slightly away from gear teeth 112 on the outer sheath 10 just enough to disengage the two from one another.
- the surgeon or operator of the device 1 can manually adjust the longitudinal location of the outer sheath 10 relative the housing 20 .
- This may be useful during set-up of the FOGISMA device 1 , for instance, to set the desired starting position of the outer sheath 10 .
- Calibrated markings or indicia may be provided on the housing 20 relative the proximal end of the outer sheath 10 to precisely set the depth of the introducer needle 12 according to the desired specification.
- Selective actuation of the second disengagement lever 122 may also be useful during set-up of the FOGISMA device 1 , for instance, to load seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n into respective chambers 48 of the multichamber seed transfer barrel 45 in order to position a seed in the firing position (e.g., in aligned relation to the plunger 65 and needle 12 ).
- the second disengagement lever 122 may be actuated to return to its original position wherein the fourth gear 110 again interlockingly engages the outer sheath gear teeth 112 .
- the housing 20 of the FOGISMA device 1 may also be provided with a seed counter indicator 9 for visually providing a numerical cumulative seed tally of implanted “fired” seeds 3 and “unfired” seeds 3 a, 3 b . . . , 3 n remaining in the device 1 .
- the seed counter 9 may preferably be a conventional gear-type counter mechanism that actuates each time a seed 3 is fired or discharged from the device 1 through needle 12 .
- the conventional gear-type counter mechanism may, for instance, be operatively connected to any one of the elements (e.g., control lever pinion section 101 , first rack 102 , first gear 103 , second gear 104 , or plunger gear teeth 105 ) that drive the plunger 65 through the needle 12 to fire or discharge a seed 3 from the device 1 .
- the seed counter indicator 9 is actuated by an actuator rod 126 that is connected to the proximal end of the second rack 108 .
- the actuator rod 126 moves into engagement with the seed counter indicator 9 and causes the seed counter indicator 9 to actuate one numerical value.
- the seed counter indicator 9 includes a visual display of the number of seeds fired from the device 1 , which visual display is preferably provided on the housing 20 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 14 and 15 .
- FIGS. 18 - 21 there is illustrated a Brachytherapy Interstitial Seed Cartridge (“BISC” or “seed cartridge”) 200 that is ideally suited for use in conjunction with the FOGISMA device 1 . It is understood, however, that the seed cartridge 200 may also be easily adapted to fit existing interstitial seed applicators.
- BISC Brachytherapy Interstitial Seed Cartridge
- a cylindrically-shaped inner core 210 is provided having multiple chambers 212 extending longitudinally therethrough.
- the inner core 210 is preferably made of either plastic or metal, and includes a plurality of substantially parallel seed chambers or conduits 212 a , 212 b , 212 c and 212 d extending longitudinally from a proximal end 214 of the core 210 to a distal end 215 of the core 210 .
- Each conduit 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , 212 d is generally slightly larger than the diameter of the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . 3 n for receiving the seeds in end-to-end aligned relation. While the length of the inner core 210 dictates the number of seeds that may be held in each seed conduit 212 , each conduit 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , 212 d preferably holds up to 25 seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n in end-to-end aligned relation.
- a longitudinal slot or opening 220 is formed in the circumference of the inner core 210 , which opening 220 extends from the proximal end 214 to the distal end 215 of the inner core 210 .
- Each opening 220 is tangential to one of the seed conduits 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , 212 d so that each seed conduit is open or slotted about the circumference of the inner core 210 .
- the inner core 210 is contained within a cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve 230 .
- the outer sleeve 230 includes a bore extending longitudinally from the proximal end 232 of the outer sleeve 230 to the distal end 233 of the outer sleeve.
- the diameter of the bore through the outer sleeve 230 is preferably slightly larger than the outside diameter of the inner core 210 so that the inner core 210 may be received within the bore of the outer sleeve 230 .
- the outer sleeve 230 is preferably made from lead or steel in order to effectively shield personnel handling the seed cartridge 200 from exposure to the seeds 3 contained therein (e.g., radioactive or chemical exposure). It is understood, however, that other materials such as plastic may be utilized in making the outer sleeve 230 and that a protective insulating layer of lead or steel may be applied or bonded to the outer sleeve 230 to provide the desired protection from radiation exposure.
- the outer sleeve 230 has a circumferential slot 235 extending from the proximal end 232 to the distal end 233 of the sleeve.
- the depth of the slot 235 is such as to terminate within the bore of the outer sleeve 230 ; that is, the slot 235 extends into the bore of the sleeve 230 .
- the slot 235 formed in the outer sleeve 230 is substantially S-shaped or curved along the circumference of the outer sleeve 230 , as is best illustrated in FIG. 21.
- the preferred slot 235 is configured so that when the inner core 210 is received within the outer sleeve 230 , only one seed 3 in any of the seed channels 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , 212 d may be visible through a conduit opening 220 of the inner core 210 in alignment with the slot 235 of the outer sleeve 230 . This configuration, therefore, effectively shields personnel from exposure to the seeds 3 contained in the seed cartridge 200 .
- the inner core 210 preferably includes four substantially parallel seed conduits 212 a , 212 b , 212 c and 212 d , it is understood that the present invention is not limited to this number of conduits.
- the inner core 210 may only include three substantially parallel seed conduits 212 a , 212 b , 212 c so that the outer sleeve 230 may be rotated relative the inner core 210 , or vice versa, to a neutral position where the slot 235 does not intersect with any conduit opening 220 in the inner core 210 .
- no seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n within seed conduits 212 a , 212 b , 212 c are visible through the opening 220 and slot 235 , thereby minimizing or preventing radiation exposure from the seeds.
- a proximal end cap 240 is releasably secured or otherwise connected to the proximal end 232 of the outer core 210 and a distal end cap 241 is releasably secured or otherwise connected to the distal end 215 of the inner core 210 . This is preferably accomplished after the inner core 210 is received within the bore of the outer sleeve 230 .
- the end caps 240 , 241 are generally cylindrical in shape and a preferred method of securing the end caps 240 , 241 to the outer sleeve 230 and inner core 210 , respectively, is by forming threads on the end caps 240 , 241 for threadedly engaging mating threads formed on the outer sleeve 230 and inner core 210 .
- the end caps 240 , 241 are preferably made from lead or steel in order to effectively shield personnel handling the seed cartridge 200 from radioactive exposure to the seeds 3 contained therein.
- a lead foil may be inserted between each end cap 240 , 241 and the inner core 210 , which foil may be penetrated by a push rod or other device 250 (FIG. 28) in order to discharge seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n out of the BISC seed cartridge 200 .
- the proximal end cap 240 includes at least one cut-out section 245 passing therethrough so that when the end cap 240 is secured to the outer sleeve 230 containing the inner core 210 , the cut-out 245 is in aligned relationship with the particular seed conduit 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , 212 d of the inner core 210 that is proximate the slot 235 of the outer sleeve 230 , as well as that portion of the slot 235 proximate the proximal end 232 of the outer sleeve 230 .
- the distal end cap 241 includes a plurality of apertures 246 formed therein.
- each aperture 246 is in aligned relationship with one of the seed reservoirs 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , 212 d and the opening 220 associated with that particular seed conduit of the inner core 210 .
- the same overall configuration of each aperture 246 is generally the same as the seed conduit 212 and corresponding opening 220 .
- the seed cartridge 200 is assembled by inserting the inner core 210 (containing seeds 3 , 3 a, . . .
- the assembled BISC seed cartridge 200 may then be operably connected to the FOGISMA device 1 by aligning the distal end cap 241 with the seed insertion port 81 formed in the housing 20 of the device 1 .
- the seed insertion port 81 preferably extends through the housing 20 from the proximal end 15 of the device 1 and is collinear with the seed alignment channel 62 formed in the elongated member 60 .
- a relieved portion or keyhole 82 is preferably formed in the proximal end 15 proximate the seed insertion port 81 for receiving a locking key 242 formed on the distal end cap 241 .
- the locking key 242 projects outwardly from the circumference of the end cap 241 and is received within the relieved portion 82 to operatively connect the assembled seed cartridge 200 to the FOGISMA device 1 .
- one of the seed channels 212 , apertures 245 , insertion port 81 and the seed alignment channel 62 are in aligned relationship (i.e., collinear).
- an elongated seed advancement push rod 250 may be inserted longitudinally through the cut-out 245 of proximal end cap 240 and into the seed conduit 212 aligned with the cut-out 245 .
- a tab 251 projects upwardly from the push rod 250 and extends through the opening 220 associated with the seed conduit 212 in which the push rod 250 is received. The tab 251 also extends through the S-shaped slot 235 of the outer sleeve 230 .
- seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n contained within a particular seed conduit 212 of the inner core 210 may be advanced or loaded into the FOGISMA device 1 in the following manner.
- the push rod 250 is inserted longitudinally through the cut-out 245 of proximal end cap 240 and at least partially into the seed conduit 212 aligned with the aperture 245 .
- the surgeon or operator of the device 1 is able to move the push rod 250 longitudinally through the seed conduit 212 toward the FOGISMA device 1 by grasping the push rod tab 251 extending through opening 220 and S-shaped slot 235 .
- the outer sleeve is rotated relative the inner core 210 due to the S-shaped configuration of the slot 235 so that only one seed contained within the channel 212 bearing the push rod 250 is visually exposed through the opening 220 of the inner core 210 and slot 235 of the outer sleeve 230 .
- Such continued distal movement of the push rod 250 through the seed conduit 212 causes seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n to advance in end-to-end aligned relation through aperture 245 in end cap 241 out of the seed cartridge 200 , through the seed insertion port 81 , and into the seed alignment channel 62 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the capability of the seed cartridge 200 to expose only one seed at a time through the opening 220 of the inner core 210 and slot 235 of the outer sleeve 230 minimizes exposure of the surgeon or operator handling the seed cartridge 200 to the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n contained therein.
- such exposure of only one seed at a time permits the surgeon or operator to survey, inspect or otherwise measure the physical condition and characteristics (e.g., chemical or radioactive strength) of each seed contained within the seed cartridge 200 .
- the push rod 250 may be removed from the seed cartridge 200 and the seed cartridge may be removed from the FOGISMA device 1 by rotating the locking key 242 projecting from the distal end cap 241 relative the keyhole 82 of the housing 20 to disengage the key 242 .
- the surgeon or operator of the device 1 may rotate the outer sleeve 230 relative the inner sleeve 210 to align a new seed conduit 212 b (containing seeds 3 ) with S-shaped slot 235 of the outer sleeve 230 .
- the seed cartridge 200 may then be lockingly secured to the device 1 in the manner described above so that the new seed conduit 212 b is in aligned relation to the seed insertion port 81 and seed alignment channel 62 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the push rod 250 would then be inserted within and advanced through the new seed conduit 212 b in the manner described above. Additional seed conduits 212 c , 212 d , etc.
- the FOGISMA device 1 may be provided with more than one keyholes 82 and/or locking key 242 so that additional seed conduits 212 of the seed cartridge may be aligned with the seed insertion port 81 .
- the BISC seed cartridge 200 is removed from the device and the seed biasing member 70 (described above) is inserted into the seed insertion port 81 to bias the seeds within the seed alignment channel 62 toward the multichamber seed transfer barrel 45 .
- FIGS. 24 - 28 another embodiment of the BISC seed cartridge 300 is illustrated having a generally cylindrically-shaped inner core or seed cassette 310 having multiple chambers or conduits 312 extending longitudinally therethrough.
- the inner core 310 is preferably made of either plastic or metal, and includes a plurality of substantially parallel seed conduits 312 extending longitudinally from end to end.
- Each conduit 312 is generally slightly larger than the diameter of the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . 3 n for receiving the seeds in end-to-end aligned relation. While the length of the inner core 310 dictates the number of seeds that may be held in each seed conduit 312 , each conduit 312 preferably holds between approximately 25-30 seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n in end-to-end aligned relation.
- a longitudinal slot or opening 320 is formed in the circumference of the inner core 310 , which opening 320 extends from end to end of the inner core 310 .
- Each opening 320 is tangential to one of the seed conduits 312 so that each seed conduit is open or slotted about the circumference of the inner core 310 .
- the inner core 310 preferably includes four substantially parallel seed conduits 312 , it is understood that the present invention is not limited to this number of conduits.
- the inner core 310 is contained within a cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve 330 .
- the outer sleeve 330 includes a bore extending longitudinally from the proximal end 332 of the outer sleeve 330 to the distal end 333 of the outer sleeve.
- the diameter of the bore through the outer sleeve 330 is preferably slightly larger than the outside diameter of the inner core 310 so that the inner core 310 may be received within the bore of the outer sleeve 330 . It is understood that the inner core 310 and outer sleeve 330 may be integrally formed as one piece.
- the outer sleeve 330 is preferably made from lead or steel in order to effectively shield personnel handling the seed cartridge 300 from radioactive exposure to the seeds 3 contained therein. It is understood, however, that other materials such as plastic may be utilized in making the outer sleeve 330 and that a protective insulating layer of lead or steel may be applied or bonded to the outer sleeve 330 to provide the desired protection from radiation exposure.
- the outer sleeve 330 has a circumferential slot 335 extending longitudinally from the proximal end 332 to the distal end 333 of the sleeve.
- the depth of the slot 335 is such as to terminate within the bore of the outer sleeve 330 ; that is, the slot 335 extends into the bore of the sleeve 330 .
- the slot 335 formed in the outer sleeve 330 is substantially straight along the circumference of the outer sleeve 230 , as is best illustrated in FIGS. 22, 26 and 27 .
- the outer sleeve 330 is longer than the inner core 310 so that a portion of the interior of the outer sleeve 330 proximate the distal end 333 thereof is substantially open when the inner core 310 is inserted or formed within the bore of the outer sleeve 330 .
- a plurality of spaced apart locking keys 342 are formed proximate the distal end 333 of the outer sleeve 330 and project inwardly into the bore thereof.
- An alignment adaptor/seed repository 301 is utilized to operatively connect the outer sleeve/inner core assembly 310 , 330 to the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the adaptor 301 is generally cylindrical in shape with a bore extending therethrough.
- the alignment adaptor 301 has a raised shoulder 302 proximate the distal end 303 of the adaptor 301 .
- the raised shoulder 302 is received within the seed insertion port 81 formed in the proximal end 15 of housing 20 and is connected thereto in a conventional manner (e.g., threaded engagement).
- the bore through the adaptor 301 is in aligned relation (e.g., collinear) to the seed alignment channel 62 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the BISC seed cartridge 300 will be provided to the surgeon or operator of the FOGISMA device 1 pre-loaded with seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n .
- the alignment adaptor/seed repository 301 may be releasably connected to the outer sleeve 330 in order to seal or otherwise plug the inner core/outer sheath assembly 310 , 330 prior to use of the seeds.
- the alignment adaptor/seed repository 301 may also be used to store unused seeds following termination of the brachytherapy procedure.
- First and second film dams 317 , 359 may be utilized to seal the inner core/outer sleeve assembly and to maintain a sterile environment for the seeds.
- a plurality of spaced apart grooves or slide locks 305 are formed on the circumference of the adaptor 301 and extend longitudinally from approximately the raised shoulder 302 to the proximal end 304 of the adaptor 301 .
- the grooves 305 are spaced apart along the circumference of the adaptor 301 so that each groove is aligned with one of the locking keys 342 formed on the outer sleeve 330 when the outer sleeve is slid onto the alignment adaptor 301 .
- a notched or locking portion 305 a of each groove 305 extends tangentially along the circumference of the adaptor at approximately 90° to the groove 305 .
- the outer sleeve 330 may be slid onto the alignment adaptor 301 by aligning and inserting the keys 342 within the grooves 305 .
- Rotational or twist lock action of the outer sleeve 330 relative the adaptor 301 causes the keys 342 to lockingly engage the notched portions 305 a.
- rotation of the outer sleeve in the opposing direction disengages the keys 342 from notched portions 305 so that the outer sleeve 330 may be removed from the alignment adaptor 301 .
- one of the seed channels 312 is in aligned relation (i.e., collinear) with the bore through the adaptor 301 , the insertion port 81 and the seed alignment channel 62 .
- an elongated, hollow push rod 350 may be inserted longitudinally through the proximal end of the outer sleeve 330 and into the seed conduit 312 aligned with insertion port 81 and seed alignment channel 62 .
- the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n contained within that aligned conduit 312 are received within the hollow push rod 350 .
- a first film dam 359 acts as a barrier to keep the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n in end-to-end aligned position.
- a film bayonet 323 located within the seed alignment channel 62 may be used to tear or otherwise rupture the first film dam 359 , thereby permitting the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n to thereafter be ejected from the hollow push rod 350 , as is illustrated in FIGS. 30, 31A and 31 B
- an elongated push rod or plunger 250 may be inserted through the hollow push rod 350 to advance the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n contained therein out of the seed cartridge 300 and into the FOGISMA device 1 .
- First and second tabs 351 , 251 project upwardly from the hollow push rod 350 and seed plunger 360 , respectively, each tab extending through the opening 320 associated with the seed conduit 312 in which the hollow push rod 350 and plunger 250 are received, as well as through the slot 335 of the outer sleeve 330 .
- the tabs 351 , 251 permit the surgeon or operator of the device 1 to grip and advance the push rod 350 or seed plunger 250 through the seed cartridge 300 .
- seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n contained within a particular seed conduit 312 of the inner core 310 may be advanced or loaded into the FOGISMA device 1 in the following manner as illustrated in FIGS. 29 A- 29 H.
- a full pre-loaded seed cartridge 300 is operatively connected to the FOGISMA device 1 via the alignment adaptor 301 by the twist lock action described above.
- the hollow push rod 350 is inserted longitudinally through the proximal end of the outer sleeve 330 and at least partially into the seed conduit 312 aligned with the insertion port 81 and alignment channel 62 .
- the surgeon or operator of the device 1 is able to move the hollow push rod 350 longitudinally through the seed conduit 312 toward the FOGISMA device 1 by grasping the push rod tab 351 extending through opening 320 and slot 335 .
- seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n advance in end-to-end aligned relation out of the seed cartridge 300 , through the seed insertion port 81 , and into the seed alignment channel 62 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the seed plunger or push rod 250 is then introduced through the second film dam 317 into the seed conduit 312 aligned with the insertion port 81 and alignment channel 62 , as illustrated in FIG. 29D.
- the surgeon or operator of the device 1 is able to move the plunger 250 longitudinally through the seed conduit 312 toward the FOGISMA device 1 by grasping the push rod tab 251 extending through opening 320 and slot 335 , as illustrated in FIG. 29E.
- the aligned seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n are longitudinally advanced through the seed alignment channel 62 toward the multichamber seed transfer barrel 45 .
- the outer sleeve and inner core assembly is then disengaged from the adaptor 300 by removing the seed plunger 250 , pulling back the hollow push rod 350 and rotating the outer sleeve 350 relative the adaptor 301 to release the slide lock.
- the outer sleeve and inner core assembly has been removed from the adaptor 301 and the seed biasing mechanism 360 is inserted into the alignment adaptor 301 , through the seed insertion port 81 and within the seed alignment channel 62 to bias the seeds 3 toward the seed transfer barrel 45 .
- a seed biasing mechanism 360 may be locked to the adaptor 301 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to seed biasing mechanism 70 , and the FOGISMA device 1 is then fully loaded and ready to fire, as illustrated in FIG. 29H.
- the seed biasing member 360 preferably comprises an elongated hollow body 361 that is closed on one end by a locking cap 362 .
- An elongated piston 363 is slidingly received within the hollow body 361 and projects longitudinally through an opening in the distal end of the hollow body 361 .
- a biasing member 364 such as a compression spring, is positioned within the hollow body 361 and biases the piston 363 away from the locking cap 362 . In this manner, the seed biasing mechanism 360 biases the loaded seeds within the seed alignment channel 62 toward the multichamber seed transfer barrel 45 .
- the outer sleeve and inner core assembly 310 , 330 may be removed from the device 1 and, if a greater number of seeds 3 are still required for the particular medical procedure, then the surgeon or operator of the device 1 may rotate the outer sleeve 330 to align a new seed conduit 312 (containing seeds 3 ) with the seed insertion port 81 .
- the inner core/outer sleeve assembly may then be lockingly secured to the device 1 in the manner described above so that the new seed conduit 312 is in aligned relation to the seed insertion port 81 and seed alignment channel 62 of the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the seeds 3 , 3 a, . . . , 3 n contained in the newly aligned seed conduit 312 may be loaded into the FOGISMA device in the manner described above.
- FIG. 25 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the seed repository 301 filled with unused seeds 3 that have been fired into it from the FOGISMA device 1 in preparation for their return to the seed distributor. This may be accomplished by first removing the alignment adaptor/seed repository 301 from the device 1 and thereafter firing the unused seeds 3 within the FOGISMA device 1 through a diaphragm 325 in the repository 301 that functions to keep the unused seeds 3 from spilling out of the seed repository 301 .
- a preloaded, self-contained BISC seed cartridge 200 , 300 is provided for brachytherapy operators and adaptable for use with a host of implant applicators, including the FOGISMA device 1 .
- the seed cartridge 200 , 300 includes a protective outer sleeve 230 , 330 for storing a pre-sterilized inner core 210 , 310 containing the seeds 3 .
- the easy-lock and unloading of the BISC seed cartridge 200 , 300 facilitates implantation by: (1) preventing radioactive exposure to staff before the brachytherapy procedure; (2) ensuring a verified seed count; (3) eliminating the potential for seed spills or inadvertent loss due to seed manipulation in the brachytherapy hot room or operating suite; (4) efficient use of surgeon and operating room time by eliminating the need for autoclaving of the seeds/cartridge before use in the operating suite; (5) allowing rapid deposition of seeds, which are preloaded with many more seeds per cartridge than the standard number allowed by conventional seed magazines; and (6) limiting the potential for seed jamming or other misapplication through smooth mechanical action of seed loading cartridge.
- FIGS. 33 A- 33 E are illustrative of some of brachytherapy procedures that may be accomplished using the FOGISMA device 1 in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 33A illustrates use of the device 1 for prostate brachytherapy using a minimal incision or no incision.
- An ultrasound transducer is also illustrated to assist the surgeon with the procedure.
- FIG. 33B also illustrates use of the FOGISMA device 1 for prostate brachytherapy using a minimal incision or no incision.
- a conventional X-Y targeting grid may also be utilized to assist the surgeon in properly locating the FOGISMA device 1 relative to the implantation site.
- FIGS. 33C and 33D illustrate use of the FOGISMA device 1 for a minimally invasive brachytherapy treatment associated with lung cancer.
- FIG. 33E illustrates use of the device 1 for a minimally invasive brachytherapy treatment associated with cervical cancer.
- An ultrasound transducer is also illustrated to assist the surgeon with the procedure.
- liver metastases in addition to the 18,500 per year who are diagnosed with primary hepatobiliary tumors.
- patients with solitary liver lesions may be candidates for surgical resection.
- a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention for interstitial brachytherapy would be desirable.
- the same principles may be applied to patients having a finite number of intrahepatic lesions, with less potential for uncontrolled bleeding in comparison to resection.
- Transthoracic implantation using a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention is a desirable option for salvage in the more than 67,500 patients with recurrences and should be explored as a means of boosting the dose of radiation in the 96,000 patients who receive radiotherapy as their initial treatment, with the overall applicability exceeding 100,000 cases per year.
- a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention is desirable option for the radiotherapy and urologic communities, eliminating the problems encountered by users of the older implantation technique while duplicating its successful results in a patient population approaching 36,000 per year.
- prostate implants have again become popular. They were initially accomplished through a laparotomy incision using a retropubic approach beginning in the early 1970's, but were abandoned because technical limitations prevented consistency in implanting seeds in an effective pattern.
- prostate implants have reemerged as an accepted modality with superb results. They are performed via the transperineal route, though conventional instrumentation is primitive by today's standards. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 centers performing more than 2,000 prostate implants per year.
- prostate brachytherapy offers the most rapid, least morbid, least expensive, and possibly most effective method of treatment for early stage cancer, i.e. 40% of all patients (100,000).
- a safe, precise and convenient non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention for brachytherapy is desirable for treatment of these patients.
- Such treatment would represent a 5,000% nationwide increase in prostate brachytherapy, thus thrusting prostate brachytherapy into the lead in the therapy of early prostate cancer.
Abstract
A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area. A seed cartridge is releasable connected to the implantation device to store unused seeds and to load the sees into the implantation device.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to the field of medical implantation devices and, more particularly, to an improved fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Afterloading brachytherapy has been in use since 1960 when it was pioneered in the United States by Ulrich Henschke. In this medical procedure, malignant tumors and the like are treated by surgically implanting radioactive sources (“seeds”) in or about the malignant tumor in order to irradiate the malignancy. The term “seed” as used herein is intended to broadly mean an object or body to be implanted within a patient, including, but not limited to radioactive seeds used in brachytherapy procedures.
- A variety of different radioactive materials have been used as seeds. For instance, Basil Hilaris was the first to use Iodine-125 for permanent implantation in a tumor. Since then, use of Iodine-125 has persisted, serving as the seeds used in the vast majority of interstitial brachytherapy implants for a host of tissues and organs. More recently, Palladium-103 has been approved for use as an implantable radionuclide and applications using Palladium-103 continue to be explored. Other radioactive materials that have also been used include Radon-222, Gold-198 and Iridium-192 .
- Precise location and spacing of the implanted seeds is of particular importance in the treatment of such malignant tumors and the like. Poor location or distribution of seeds can result in undesirable concentrations of seeds leading to either an overdosage or underdosage of radiation. As such, conventional interstitial seed implantation is frequently performed through an open surgical incision in the patient. In one conventional technique, hollow needles are inserted into the tumor and the seeds are thereafter placed in the needles while the needles are being retracted to implant or deposit the seeds in the tumor. Popular instruments commonly used today for surgically implanting seeds in or about the tumor include the Henschke, Fletcher-Suit, and Mick applicators, Royal Marsden gold grain gun, and stainless steel needles/hairpins. With few exceptions, however, the basic concept and design behind most of these seed implantation systems have changed little over the years.
- In contrast, the last two decades have witnessed remarkable advances in surgical, imaging, and anesthetic practices, as well as new developments in permanent radionuclide source availability. Despite the fact that many surgical procedures are currently accomplished using conventional endoscopes or laparoscopes with minimal or limited incisions into chest, abdominal or pelvic wall tissue, conventional implantation systems have generally failed to combine such a technique with brachytherapy implantation due to a dearth in brachytherapy technology.
- While many problems associated with interstitial seed implantation have been addressed by the above-mentioned conventional implantation instruments, there remains a tremendous need to develop an interstitial seed manual applicator that utilizes fiberoptics and is capable of precise implantation of seeds using minimal or limited incisions into chest, abdominal, or pelvic wall tissue of a patient.
- In addition, seed handling in connection with brachytherapy has not changed since the inception of this therapeutic approach thirty years ago. Seeds may be ordered from a distributor and typically arrive loose in a protective leadlined pig. Seed strength and number of seeds are generally communicated on the appropriate paperwork accompanying the seeds. Following delivery of the seeds, however, all further seed handling duties are typically accomplished manually by the radiation oncologist or related technical staff. These duties include seed counting; loading seeds into the appropriate cartridge, needle, or magazine; sterilizing the seeds in their receptacle for use in the operating suite; keeping a running tally of the number of dispensed seeds in the operating room with paper and pencil; surveying of the operating suite following the procedure in order to track possible loose or stray seeds; and frequent switching of empty seed cartridges, needles, and magazine due to limited seed capacity.
- Not only is this current seed handling procedure labor-intensive, but it invariably leads to radiation exposure of the personnel involved. In the best of circumstances, seeds can jam or dislodge from their receptacle and become temporarily or permanently misplaced. Sterilization of seeds intraoperatively wastes precious time and maintaining an accurate seed tally can be confusing. Accordingly, there is a tremendous need to develop a device that simplifies seed handling in connection with brachytherapy and minimizes the above-mentioned problems associated with current techniques.
- By the use of the present invention, it is no longer necessary to limit brachytherapy applications or other implantation procedures to instances involving large, open surgical wounds or incisions. Rather, seed implantation may be achieved with fiberoptic or other optical assistance through a small incision associated most commonly with minimally-invasive surgery, as well as with the traditional large, open surgical incision. In addition, the fiberoptic or other optical assistance provided in accordance with the present invention facilitates accurate seed implantation into the target tissue using direct visualization of the seed passing into the tissue. Such an advance in seed implantation technology as a result of the present invention will broaden the applicability of interstitial implantation to include those patients who undergo fiberoptic-guided tumor biopsy and ordinarily would be sent for external beam radiotherapy thereafter; patients who medically cannot tolerate a large incisional wound; patients who are poor operative candidates based on technical considerations, such as those who have been previously irradiated with external beam therapy and whose tissues would heal poorly with additional radical surgery; patients with recurrences following either surgery or radiation therapy; or patients in whom minimally-invasive interstitial implantation is deemed advantageous. The unique features of the implantation technique and manual applicator according to the present invention, including its fiberoptic guidance, minimally-invasive surgical requirement, automatic firing mechanism, gravity-independent posture, and integral dispensed/remaining seed visual indicator all serve to enhance the attractiveness and utility of interstitial brachytherapy, in general, and of this novel system in particular.
- The foregoing and other objects and advantages are achieved in accordance with the present invention through the provision of a fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator (FOGISMA) or implantation device. According to the present invention, a method and system is provided for interstitial implantation into or around neoplasms of tumoricidal or tumoristatic doses of radiation carried by radioactive seeds whose placement is guided via an intrinsic fiberoptic or optical component, potentially, but not necessarily, enhanced by laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, bronchoscopic, cystoscopic, or other types of assisted surveillance including direct vision. The FOGISMA device according to the present invention may require minimally invasive surgery in order to introduce the applicator through a small incision into the target tissue, rather than the wide open incision required by previous techniques.
- With proper mounting, the FOGISMA device according to the present invention may also be used for percutaneous seed implantation, such as through the transperineal route for implanting the prostate gland. The same automatic firing mechanism and precision needle positioning as with the minimally invasive technique would apply, with the advantage of knowing the exact location of the needle tip by fiberoptic guidance. The radioactive seeds are introduced one at a time from a shielded seed magazine down the a barrel of the applicator into the target tissue using a gravity-independent automatic firing mechanism instead of the conventional manual plunger, and the introducing needle is automatically withdrawn the desired amount by the precision FOGISMA device. Seeds may be placed sequentially along a given needle track and/or in separate needle tracks, while maintaining an integral visual numerical indication of all dispensed/remaining seeds.
- In accordance with the present invention, an implantation device is provided for implanting seeds within or adjacent to a target area, such as a tumor, located within a patient. The implantation device comprises an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle. The needle bore is adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough into the target area. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.
- The FOGISMA implantation device of the present invention may also comprise: (1) a multi-seed cartridge, either pre-packaged or loaded ad hoc, which is inserted into the proximal end of the device; (2) an operational/controlling proximal end with a grip that allows the user, manually or with robotic assistance, to adjust and guide each motion related to seed placement; (3) a rotating loading barrel in the mid portion of the device that assures precise transfer of each individual seed from the loading chamber into the firing chamber; (4) an introducer needle attached to the distal portion of the device that is effectively exposed from a protective sheath, enabling the needle to be driven into or around the tumor, thus providing a channel for seed insertion; (5) an outer sheath that functions as a protective housing for the introducer needle in its resting position and is adjustable to appropriate shorter lengths as required to permit a given length of the introducer needle to protrude for desired tissue penetration. Upon firing a radioactive seed into tissue, the subsequent seed in the seed cartridge will automatically shift into firing position, permitting easy and rapid firing of any number of seeds deemed appropriate. Additional seed cartridges may be required and can be exchanged for exhausted cartridges as necessary.
- The present invention further addresses the glaring shortcomings of conventional seed handling in a way that will facilitate the use of the therapeutic modality by both seasoned practitioners and those who have been reluctant to attempt it in the past because of it inherent disadvantages. A Brachytherapy Interstitial Seed Cartridge (BISC) is provided in accordance with the present invention to hold a plurality of seeds for use with an implantation device of the type having a seed alignment channel, a hollow needle and a moveable plunger that causes seeds within the device to pass through the hollow needle and be implanted within or adjacent to a target area, such as a tumor, located within a patient. The seed cartridge comprises an elongated cylindrically-shaped core member having a seed conduit extending longitudinally therethrough, the seed conduit being adapted to retain the plurality of seeds in end-to-end aligned relation prior to feeding the seeds into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device. Locking means are provided to releasably connect the core member to the implantation device so that the seed conduit is in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel of the implantation device. An elongated seed advancement push rod is slidably received within the seed conduit to move longitudinally within the seed conduit to cause the seeds contained within the seed conduit to advance into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device from the seed cartridge.
- The BISC seed cartridge may be a preloaded, self-contained seed cartridge for brachytherapy or other operators and is adaptable for a host of implant applicators. This delivery system comprises of a protective outer casing that stores a pre-sterilized cartridge containing the seeds. The easy-lock and unloading of the seed cartridge facilitates implantation by: (1) precluding exposure to staff before the implant; (2) ensuring a verified seed count; (3) eliminating the potential for seed spills or inadvertent loss due to seed manipulation in the brachytherapy hot room or operating suite; (4) efficient use of physician and operating room time by eliminating the need for autoclaving of the seeds/cartridge before use in the operating suite; (5) allowing rapid deposition of seeds that are preloaded with many more seeds per cartridge than the standard number allowed by today's seed magazines; and (6) limiting the potential for seed jamming or other misapplication through the smooth mechanical action of the seed cartridge.
- The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the invention are illustrative of those that can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing this invention, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variations which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.
- The foregoing features and other aspects of the invention are explained in the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating implantation of interstitial seeds using the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is also a side elevation view further illustrating the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the roticulator ring and outer sheath of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the seed transfer barrel mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is also an exploded view of the seed transfer barrel mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the multichamber seed transfer barrel illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the advancing pin and ring mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the advancing pin and ring mechanism and seed transfer barrel mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the seed biasing mechanism and fiberoptic plunger of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIGS.12A-12C are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the multichamber seed transfer barrel and advancing pin and ring mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 13 is a side elevational view illustrating the seed lock mechanism of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator illustrated in FIG. 14;
- FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along line1-1 shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken along line2-2 shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 14 illustrating the operation of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator when the control lever is depressed from point A to point B;
- FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 14 illustrating operation of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator when the control lever is depressed from point B to point C;
- FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 14 illustrating operation of the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator when the control lever is released from point C back to point A;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a seed cartridge in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a core member of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 18;
- FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a proximal end cap of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 18;
- FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a distal end cap of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 18;
- FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the seed cartridge in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating attachment of the seed cartridge shown in FIG. 22 to the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator;
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the alignment adaptor/seed repository used to attach the seed cartridge to the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator;
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the alignment adaptor/seed repository illustrated in FIG. 24;
- FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of the seed cartridge illustrated in FIG. 22;
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the seed cartridge illustrated in FIG. 26;
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a push rod for use with the seed cartridges illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 22;
- FIGS.29A-29H illustrate the sequence of events when loading a full seed cartridge into the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 30 illustrates the seed cartridge operably connected to the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 31A is a segmented sectional view illustrating the film bayonet used to pierce a film dam associated with the seed cartridge during the loading of seeds into the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 30;
- FIG. 31B is a segmented sectional view illustrating the advancement of a hollow push rod associated with the seed cartridge during the loading of seeds into the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator shown in FIG. 30;
- FIGS. 32 and 32A are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a seed biasing mechanism for use with the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention; and
- FIGS.33A-33E illustrate various brachytherapy procedures accomplished using the fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator in accordance with the present invention.
- Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator (“FOGISMA”)1 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1 is illustrative of the general purpose of the
FOGISMA device 1; e.g., to implant one ormore seeds other target tissue 2 within a patient. It is understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited solely to brachytherapy procedures for implanting radioactive seeds, and may be utilized for performing other medical implantation procedures where small bodies or objects are implanted within or near target tissue of a patient (e.g., chemotherapy). As such, the term “seed” as used herein is intended to broadly mean an object or body to be implanted within a patient, including, but not limited to radioactive seeds used in brachytherapy procedures. - The
FOGISMA device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises anouter sheath 10 and ahollow introducer needle 12 that is longitudinally displaceable relative theouter sheath 10 for implantingseeds distal end 13 of theouter sheath 10 is illustrated as being in generally apposed or abutting relationship to thetumor 2. Numerous “unfired”seeds tumor 2 are also illustrated in FIG. 1 as being in aligned end-to-end relation to each other within theFOGISMA device 1. - With specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the
FOGISMA device 1 includes a distal end 13 (which is also the distal end of the outer sheath 10) and a proximal (control)end 15. As used herein, the term “distal” is intended to generally refer to the relevant portion of theFOGISMA device 1 that is closest to the distal end 13 (and furthest away from the proximal end 15) of thedevice 1 and the term “proximal” is intended to generally refer to the relevant portion of theFOGISMA device 1 that is furthest away from the distal end 13 (and closest to the proximal end 15) of thedevice 1. - At the
proximal end 15 of theFOGISMA device 1 is ahousing 20 that facilitates handling and control of the device by the surgeon or other operator thereof. Thehousing 20 is preferably made of any suitable molded material (e.g., plastic or stainless steel) that is acceptable for such medical procedures and may be formed in two complimentary halves that may be fastened or otherwise joined together to facilitate construction of theFOGISMA device 1. - While the
housing 20 may be formed in a variety of different configurations, it is preferred that the housing be of a generally L-shaped pistol configuration for convenient and ready control and operation of theFOGISMA device 1. Thepreferred housing 20 therefore includes a handle orgrip portion 21 to be held by the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1. At least a portion of the handle may be lined or coated with a thin layer of radiation insulating material (e.g., lead) to prevent or minimize radiation exposure to the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1. - As will be discussed further below, one embodiment of the
housing 20 comprises aseed advancement trigger 23 and animplantation lever 25 for controlling the operation of theFOGISMA device 1. Thetrigger 23 andlever 25 are each mounted proximate thehandle portion 21 so that the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 may actuate thetrigger 23 and/or thelever 25 to control operation of thedevice 1 with the same hand that the surgeon or operator is using to hold thehandle portion 21. - A
supplemental handle 27 may also be integrally formed or separately mounted on thehousing 20, whichsupplemental handle 27 may be used by the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 to transport and/or further steady theFOGISMA device 1 during operation. In FIGS. 2 and 3, thesupplemental handle 27 is illustrated as preferably being mounted on the top of thehousing 20. - In one embodiment of the present invention, the
outer sheath 10 of theFOGISMA device 1 is movably attached to thehousing 20 using aroticulator ring 30 positioned between theouter sheath 10 and thehousing 20. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, theroticulator ring 30 is rotatably mounted on a forward end of thehousing 20 in a conventional manner. Theroticulator ring 30 includes a bore therethrough of a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of theouter sheath 10 in order to permit the outer sheath to snugly pass therethrough during assembly of theFOGISMA device 1.Internal threads 32 are formed within the bore of theroticulator ring 30 for interlocking engagement with external circumferential threads 11 formed in at least a portion of the exterior circumferential surface of theouter sheath 10. Thus, rotation of the roticulator ring 30 (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3) causes theouter sheath 10 to move longitudinally (in the direction of arrow A) relative to thehandle 20. - Accordingly, the surgeon or operator of the
FOGISMA device 1 is able to precisely control or modulate the depth of theintroducer needle 12 within thetarget tissue 2 by rotating theroticulator ring 30 either clockwise for shallower insertions ofneedle 12 or counterclockwise for deeper insertions ofneedle 12. Because theouter sheath 10 is intended to abut against the tumor, tissue wall, template or grid during operation of thedevice 1, it is the length ofintroducer needle 12 protruding beyond theouter sheath 10 when theinsertion lever 25 is fully depressed that determines the relative needle length and thereby dictates the depth of insertion. Calibrated markings orindicia 31 on theroticulator ring 30 permit the surgeon or operator to precisely set the depth of theintroducer needle 12 according to the desired specification. That is, theindicia 31 indicate the relationship between thedistal end 13 of theouter sheath 10 and thedistal tip 12a of theintroducer needle 12. - Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3,4 and 5, the
outer sheath 10 extends from thehandle 20 to thedistal end 13 of theFOGISMA device 1. Theouter sheath 10 is preferably a rigid, elongated, hollow, tubular member. Alternatively, theouter sheath 10 be a flexible or deflectable tubular member. The portion of theouter sheath 10 proximate thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1 is substantially enclosed to protect or cover the components of the FOGISMA device 1 (including introducer needle 12) located within theouter sheath 10. Anexit port 19 is formed in the end of the outer sheath 10 (proximate thedistal end 13 of the device) in aligned relation to theintroducer needle 12 to permit at least a portion of theneedle 12 to pass therethrough during operation of theFOGISMA device 1 at the time of implantation of aseed 3. - A rigid, elongated, hollow, tubular
inner sheath 34 may be located within theouter sheath 10 of theFOGISMA device 1. The length and outside diameter of theinner sheath 34 is less than the length and inside diameter of theouter sheath 10 to facilitate assembly of theinner sheath 34 within theouter sheath 10. Like theouter sheath 10, the distal end of the inner sheath 34 (proximate thedistal end 13 of the device 1) is substantially enclosed to protect or cover the components of theFOGISMA device 1 located within theinner sheath 34. Anexit port 38 is formed in the distal end of the inner sheath 34 (proximate thedistal end 13 of the device) in aligned relation with theexit port 19 of theouter sheath 10 and theintroducer needle 12 to permit at least a portion of theneedle 12 to pass therethrough during set up and operation of theFOGISMA device 1. In the neutral or non-implantation position, it is preferred that thedistal end 12 a of theintroducer needle 12 project just slightly through theexit port 38 formed in theinner sheath 34. Preferably, the inner andouter sheaths - Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and7, the
introducer needle 12 and a seedtransfer barrel housing 40 are located within the inner andouter sheaths introducer needle 12 is hollow throughout its entire length to allowseeds needle 12 is generally slightly larger than that of theseeds introducer needle 12 preferably includes a flangedproximal end 12 b and a tapered or sharpened point at itsdistal end 12 a to facilitate injection into body tissue. - The flanged
proximal end 12 b of theneedle 12 is preferably formed having internal threads for convenient attachment (e.g., threaded engagement) to mating threads formed on the circumference of the threadedflange 42 of the seedtransfer barrel housing 40, as will be discussed further below. Alternatively, theneedle 12 may be attached to the seedtransfer barrel housing 40 using a conventional Luer-Lok connection. - As is best illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and7, the seed
transfer barrel housing 40 is shown mounted within the inner andouter sheaths transfer barrel housing 40 is generally cylindrical in shape having a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of theinner sheath 34. Projecting from oneend 40 a of thebarrel housing 40 is the threadedflange 42 for securing theintroducer needle 12 to thebarrel housing 40. As discussed above, the threadedflange 42 may contain male threads or other means (e.g., Luer-Lok connection) for engagement with female threads formed on theproximal end 12 b of theintroducer needle 12. It is understood, however, that theproximal end 12 b of theintroducer needle 12 could alternatively be formed with male threads that screw into and engage threads formed within a female portion (e.g., aperture) of thebarrel housing 40. - Preferably, a plurality of different interchangeable introducer needles12 should be available to the surgeon or operator of the
FOGISMA device 1. Theseneedles 12 may, for instance, range from 1-20 cm in length and from 0.2-15 mm in diameter. Depending upon the particular application, therefore, the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 may select the appropriatesized introducer needle 12 from the available selection of interchangeable needles and conveniently attach the selectedneedle 12 to the threadedflange 42 of the seedtransfer barrel housing 40. - The opposing or proximal end of the barrel housing40 (opposite end 40 a) is preferably open so that the
barrel housing 40 has a longitudinally extending bore running substantially therethrough to theend 40 a. In addition, a longitudinally extending aperture is formed throughflange 42 and end 40 a of thebarrel housing 40, which aperture is in aligned relation with the bore or hollow through theintroducer needle 12 when the needle is secured to theflange 42. The diameter of the aperture extending throughflange 42 and end 40 a is generally slightly larger than that of theseeds - A cylindrically-shaped
cover 43 having an opening formed therein is secured in a conventional manner to the open end ofbarrel housing 40. The opening incover 43 is of such size as to permit introduction of elongated, longitudinally extendingmember 60 through the opening and partially into the bore ofbarrel housing 40. Theelongated member 60 is preferably a rigid, generally cylindrical member (e.g., injection molded plastic) having one end located within the bore ofbarrel housing 40 and an opposing end proximate theproximal end 15 of theFOGISMA device 1. The elongated member may be lined or coated with a thin layer of radiation insulating material (e.g., lead) to prevent or minimize radiation exposure to the surgeon or operator during operation of thedevice 1. - Extending through the
elongated member 60 are two parallel longitudinally extending channels, afiberoptic channel 61 and aseed alignment channel 62.Fiberoptic channel 61 is aligned with the bore or hollow through theintroducer needle 12 and the aperture through theflange 42. Aplunger 65, which preferably contains a fiberoptic scope or other optical means, is positioned within thefiberoptic channel 61 and is movable within thechannel 61 in response to movement of thelever 25. Afiberoptic port 80 is provided in theproximal end 15 of theFOGISMA device 1 to facilitate connection of a fiberoptic scope or other optical means (not shown) to theplunger 65, as is illustrated in FIG. 3. - In one preferred embodiment, a
plunger 65 containing a fiberoptic scope is utilized to provide visual assistance to the surgeon for implant guidance and to transfer theseed 3 from themulti-chamber transfer barrel 45 through theintroducer needle 12 and into thetumor 2. It is understood, however, that other conventional optical means may be substituted for the fiberoptic scope, such as a rod lens scope, Hopkins type scope, laparoscope, endoscope, etc. The fiberoptic scope or other optical means may be inserted through a longitudinal bore through theplunger 65 for providing such visual assistance. - The
seed alignment channel 62 formed within theelongated member 60 is generally slightly larger than the diameter of theseeds seed alignment channel 62 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 5. - A
seed transfer barrel 45 is positioned within the bore of thebarrel housing 40 and is rotatable relative thehousing 40. Preferably, theseed transfer barrel 45 is generally cylindrical in shape with a centrally positioned, longitudinally extending opening therethrough. A mountingpin 47 supported on one end by theend 40 a of thebarrel housing 40 and on the opposing end by theelongated member 60 is received within the opening in thebarrel 45 in order to rotatably support the barrel. - The
seed transfer barrel 45 also comprises a plurality of parallel, equally spaced apartseed chambers 48, each of which extends longitudinally through thebarrel 45. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, fourseed chambers 48 are shown, each of which is equally spaced apart at 90° from the preceding andsubsequent chambers 48. The length and diameter of eachchamber 48 is such as to permit only oneseed 3 to enter a givenchamber 48 at one time. It is understood, however, that a greater or lesser number ofseed chambers 48 may be utilized in accordance with the invention. For instance, theseed transfer barrel 45 could be provided with only twoseed chambers 48 spaced apart from one another by 180°. - The
barrel housing 40,cover 43,seed transfer barrel 45, advancing pin andring mechanism 50, andelongated member 60 are preferably made in a conventional manner (e.g., injection molded) from any suitable material that is capable of withstanding conventional medical sterilization techniques (e.g., autoclave, radiation, x-ray, or ethylene oxide gas sterilization), is acceptable for such medical procedures (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.) and may be manufactured to suitable tolerances. These components and/or the outer orinner sheaths device 1. - As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5,11 and 12A-12C, a
seed biasing member 70 removably mounted on thehousing 20 biases theseeds seed alignment channel 62 toward theseed transfer barrel 45. Theseed biasing member 70 preferably comprises an elongatedhollow body 71 that is closed on one end by a lockingcap 72. Apiston 73 is slidingly received within thehollow body 71. Thepiston 73 includes apiston rod 75 that projects longitudinally through an opening in the distal end of thehollow body 71. A biasingmember 74, such as a compression spring, is positioned within thehollow body 71 and biases thepiston 73 away from the lockingcap 72. - The elongated
body 71 of theseed biasing member 70 is received within aseed insertion port 81 extending through thehousing 20 in alignment with theseed alignment channel 62 of theelongated member 60. The lockingcap 72 is removably secured to theproximal end 15 ofhousing 20 in a conventional manner, such as via a tongue-in-groove arrangement. When installed on theFOGISMA device 1, the distal end of thepiston rod 75 engages thelast seed 3 n within theseed alignment channel 62. Because the biasingmember 74 biases thepiston 73 androd 75 toward thedistal end 13 of theFOGISMA device 1, theseeds seed alignment channel 62 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 5, thereby advancing thefirst seed 3 into theseed chamber 48 within thetransfer barrel 45. Because eachseed chamber 48 can only accommodate oneseed 3, thesecond seed 3 a within theseed alignment channel 62 may only advance after theseed transfer barrel 45 rotates so that anempty seed chamber 48 becomes aligned with thealignment chamber 62. - On the circumference of the
seed transfer barrel 45 are formed a plurality of equally spaced cut-out sections orcam portions 46, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12A-12C. As will be explained further below, thesecam portions 46 are used to selectively rotate or drive thetransfer barrel 45 relative thebarrel housing 40 in order to feed oneseed 3 at a time into theintroducer needle 12. - The
transfer barrel 45 is driven in response to longitudinal movement of a substantially rigid barrel advancing pin andring assembly 50 positioned within the bore of thebarrel housing 40. With reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 12A-12C, the advancing pin andring assembly 50 preferably comprises a generally cylindrical-shapedring portion 52 and a longitudinally extending advancing pin ormember 51. An aperture is formed through thering portion 52 for slidably receiving the distal end of theelongated member 60. The outside diameter of thering portion 52 is preferably slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the bore within thebarrel housing 40 to facilitate sliding movement of the advancing pin andring assembly 50 in the direction of arrow A relative thebarrel housing 40 andtransfer barrel 45. - The barrel advancing pin and
ring assembly 50 is biased toward thetransfer barrel 45 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5 by a spring member 58 (e.g., a compression spring). Thespring member 58 is preferably positioned within the bore of thebarrel housing 40 between thecover 43 and thering portion 52. The outside diameter of thespring member 58 is smaller than the inside diameter of the bore in thebarrel housing 40 to facilitate insertion of thespring member 58 into thehousing 40. Similarly, the inside diameter of thespring member 58 is larger than the outside diameter ofelongated member 60 to permit themember 60 to be inserted through the inside diameter ofspring member 58. - A linking
shaft 55 is also located within the inner andouter sheaths ring portion 52 of the barrel advancing pin andring assembly 50 and aseed advancement trigger 23 located in ahousing 20 at theproximal end 15 of theFOGISMA device 1, which will be described further below. The distal end of the linkingshaft 55 is connected in a conventional manner to thering portion 52 in order to control the longitudinal movement of the barrel advancing pin andring assembly 50 within thebarrel housing 40 relative theseed transfer barrel 45. As further illustrated in FIG. 7, two linkingshafts 55 operatively connected to theseed advancement trigger 23 may be utilized to control the longitudinal movement of the advancing pin andring assembly 50. Referring to FIG. 5, for each linkingshaft 55, an aperture may be formed within thecover 43 enclosing thebarrel housing 40 to permit the linkingshaft 55 to freely move through thecover 43. - The advancing
pin 51 of the barrel advancing pin andring assembly 50 projects longitudinally from thering portion 52 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5. A firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a is formed on and projects downwardly from the advancingpin 51 proximate the distal end of the pin. A secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b is formed on and projects downwardly from the advancingpin 51 proximate thering portion 52. - The first and second
barrel advancing teeth cam portions transfer barrel 45. In the preferred embodiment, thetransfer barrel 45 is provided with a total of eight equally spacedcam portions 46. Four identicalproximal cam portions 46 b are circumferentially located proximate the proximal end of thetransfer barrel 45 and four identicaldistal cam portions 46 a are circumferentially located proximate the distal end of thetransfer barrel 45. In this preferred arrangement, thedistal cam portions 46 a are equally spaced along the circumference of thetransfer barrel 45 at 90 intervals and theproximal cam portions 46 b are similarly equally spaced along the circumference of thetransfer barrel 45 at 90 intervals, but are shifted 45. along the circumference of thetransfer barrel 45 from thedistal cam portions 46 a. - A relieved
portion 41 is formed in theend 40 a of the seedtransfer barrel housing 40 proximate the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a of the advancingpin 51. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, because the advancing pin andring assembly 50 is biased byspring member 58 toward theend 40 a of thebarrel housing 40, the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a is received within therelieved portion 41 and is disengaged from thedistal cam portion 46 a of thetransfer barrel 45, while the secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b is in interlocking engagement with theproximal cam portion 46 b of thetransfer barrel 45. In this position, aseed 3 a located withinalignment chamber 62 is biased by theseed biasing member 70 into theempty seed chamber 48 of thetransfer barrel 45 that is aligned with thechamber 62. Aseed 3 is also illustrated in FIG. 12A as being located within theadjacent seed chamber 48. - When the
seed advancement trigger 23 is depressed by the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1, the movement of thetrigger 23 overcomes the biasing force of thespring member 58 and causes the linkingshaft 55 to move longitudinally within theinner sheath 34 toward theproximal end 15 of thedevice 1. As is illustrated in FIG. 12B, such longitudinal movement of the linkingshaft 55 causes the barrel advancing pin andring assembly 50 to move longitudinally within thebarrel housing 40 in a direction towardproximal end 15. At the end of the trigger stroke, the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a moves out of therelieved portion 41 and engages adistal cam portion 46 a of thetransfer barrel 45, while the secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b disengages from theproximal cam portion 46 b of thetransfer barrel 45. Engagement of the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a with one of thedistal cam portions 46 a causes the seed transfer barrel (andseed 3 a) to rotate a predetermined amount. In the preferred embodiment having a total of eight equally spacedcam portions 46, this rotation of themultichamber transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution. Thus,seeds transfer barrel 45 precisely 45° in the counterclockwise direction. - Referring to FIG. 12C, upon release of the
trigger 23 by the surgeon or operator, thespring member 58 biases the advancing pin andring mechanism 50 back to its original position with the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a again received within therelieved portion 41 and disengaged from thedistal cam portion 46 a of thetransfer barrel 45, while the secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b engages with one of theproximal cam portions 46 b of thetransfer barrel 45. Engagement of the secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b with one of theproximal cam portions 46 b causes theseed transfer barrel 45 to further rotate a predetermined amount. In the preferred embodiment having a total of eight equally spacedcam portions 46, this further rotation of themultichamber transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution (or a total of one quarter a revolution from depression of thetrigger 23 to release thereof). In this position, the next orsubsequent seed 3 b (not shown) withinalignment chamber 62 that was adjacent to ejectedseed 3 a is biased by theseed biasing member 70 into theempty seed chamber 48 of thetransfer barrel 45 that is aligned with thechamber 62. In addition,seeds transfer barrel 45 another 45° in the counterclockwise direction. - In the preferred embodiments described and illustrated herein, the
FOGISMA device 1 is ready for firing when the seed chamber 48 (containing a single seed 3) of the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45 rotates 180° from the point whereseed 3 was initially biased into the chamber 48 (i.e., whenchamber 48 was aligned with seed alignment channel 62) to a position wherechamber 48 containing thatseed 3 is aligned withfiberoptic channel 61 and the bore throughintroducer needle 12. - To prevent
seed 3 in this firing position from prematurely discharging from chamber 48 (e.g., should theneedle 12 be pointed in a downward direction such that the force of gravity may causeseed 3 to prematurely discharge fromchamber 48 and continue through needle 12), areducible seed lock 85 is preferably provided in the longitudinal opening of the threadedflange 42 of thebarrel housing 40, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 13. Thereducible seed lock 85 preferably comprises aspring member 86.Spring member 86 may be a flat, elongated metal or plastic spring having adistal end 86 a and aproximal end 86 b. Aportion 87 of the threadedflange 42 is relieved within the longitudinal opening passing through the threadedflange 42 for receiving the distal and proximal ends 86 a and 86 b of thespring member 86. Therelieved portion 87 is sufficiently large to permit theends spring member 86 is compressed. - When the distal and proximal ends86 a and 86 b of the
spring member 86 are inserted within relievedportion 87, aportion 86 c ofspring member 86 projects into the longitudinal opening in threadedflange 42. Becausespring portion 86 c projects into the opening,spring portion 86 c prevents aseed 3 prematurely discharging fromchamber 48 from passing through theflange 42 intoneedle 12. Only when a longitudinal force is provided to seed 3 sufficient to overcome (compress)spring 86 within relieved portion 87 (e.g., whenfiberoptic plunger 65 is advanced down thefiberoptic channel 61, through the alignedseed channel 48 of thetransfer barrel 40 and into the aligned opening of flange 42) will seed 3 be able to advance beyond theseed lock 85 and into theneedle 12. - A second embodiment of the
FOGISMA device 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 14-17. Referring to FIG. 15, a cross-section of ahousing 20 and the proximal portion of theouter sheath 10 of theFOGISMA device 1 are illustrated. Like the first embodiment described above, thehousing 20 of the second embodiment is preferably L-shaped and may be injection molded from a suitable plastic that is capable of maintaining accurate dimensional stability during and after repeated use and sterilizations. Thehousing 20 may be formed in two complimentary halves that may be fastened or otherwise joined together to facilitate construction of theFOGISMA device 1. - The
outer sheath 10 of this second embodiment is similar to that described above with respect to the first embodiment. Although only partially illustrated in FIG. 15, adistal portion 10 a ofouter sheath 10 includes a first bore extending longitudinally through thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1 in a similar manner to the outer sheath of the first embodiment. Aproximal portion 10 b of theouter sheath 10 having a second bore is connected to thedistal portion 10 a. The is second bore ofouter sheath portion 10 b is preferably larger than the first bore ofouter sheath portion 10 a so that theproximal portion 10 b may slidingly receive at least the distal end of thehousing 20. - A
control lever 125 is pivotally mounted proximate thehandle portion 21 so that the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 may actuate thelever 125 to control operation of thedevice 1 with the same hand that the surgeon or operator is using to hold thehandle portion 21.Control lever 125 is pivotally mounted tohousing 20 bypin 150. Thecontrol lever 125 comprises an arcuate,first pinion section 101 withinhousing 20 having a plurality of gear teeth formed thereon. Aspring 151 having one end affixed to handleportion 21 and the opposing end affixed to thecontrol lever 125 biases the control lever aboutpin 150 to a neutral position A, as illustrated in FIG. 15. - Referring to FIGS. 15, 16 and17, a
first rack 102, which is supported and longitudinally displaceable within thehousing 20, includes a plurality of gear teeth for interlocking engagement with thepinion section 101 of thecontrol lever 125. Afirst gear 103 is rotatably mounted withinhousing 20 and has gear teeth that interlockingly engage the gear teeth offirst rack 102. Asecond gear 104 is attached tofirst gear 103 so that the first and second gears rotate together and do not rotate relative to one another. The first andsecond gears second gear 104 is generally H-shaped, having a first set of gear teeth circumferentially formed on its major outside diameter and having a second set of centrally located gear teeth circumferentially formed on its minor outside diameter. - A proximal portion of the
plunger 65 is illustrated in FIG. 15. It is understood that the distal end of theplunger 65 continues longitudinally through thefiberoptic channel 61 withinportion 10 a of theouter sheath 10 toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1. Theplunger 65 is substantially hollow 106 from end-to-end to facilitate insertion of a fiberoptic scope (rigid or flexible) or other optical means (e.g., rod lens scope, Hopkins type scope, laparoscope, endoscope, etc.) therein. Theplunger 65 passes through an opening orfiberoptic port 80 in theproximal end 15 of thehousing 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and terminates at its proximal end within ascope rest 160. Thescope rest 160 is used to support the fiberoptic or optical scope, including the eyepiece, light guide post, camera head and light guide cable (not shown). A gearedportion 105 of theplunger 65 proximate thesecond gear 104 has formed thereon a plurality of gear teeth for interlocking engagement with the second set of gear teeth centrally located on thesecond gear 104. - A
third gear 107 of generally H-shaped configuration comprises an outer set ofgear teeth 107 a circumferentially formed on the major outside diameter of thethird gear 107 and an inner set of centrally locatedgear teeth 107 b circumferentially formed on the minor outside diameter of the third gear. Theouter teeth 107 a engage the first set of teeth onsecond gear 104 and theinner teeth 107 b engage the teeth formed onsecond rack 108, which second rack extends and is displaceable longitudinally withinhousing 20. - The
second rack 108 is preferably rectangular in shape and has a proximal and a distal end. Thesecond rack 108 includes a bore extending longitudinally from the proximal end of therack 108 at least substantially to the distal end thereof. The distal end of an outersheath adjustment rod 155 is received within the bore and rotatably connected to thesecond rack 108. The proximal end of therod 155 extends through an opening in theproximal end 15 of thehousing 20 and terminates in anadjustment knob 156. A plurality of pawls orgear teeth 109 are supported by therod 155 proximate its distal end and project outwardly through an opening formed in thesecond rack 108. In this manner, rotation of theknob 156 turnsrod 155 relative to thesecond rack 108, thereby causing the rod and associatedpawls 109 to move longitudinally within the opening formed in the second rack 108 (i.e., the pawls move relative the second rack). - A
fourth gear 110 is rotatably mounted withinhousing 20 and is rotatable in only one direction. Thefourth gear 110 is of generally H-shaped configuration comprising an outer set ofgear teeth 110 a circumferentially formed on the major outside diameter of thefourth gear 110 and an inner set of centrally locatedgear teeth 110 b circumferentially formed on the minor outside diameter of the fourth gear. The inner set of centrally locatedgear teeth 110 b interlockingly engagepawls 109 of thesecond rack 108 for driving thefourth gear 110 in a first direction. However,pawls 109 disengage from theteeth 110 b of thefourth gear 110 when the fourth gear is driven in the opposite direction. As such, thesecond rack 108,pawls 109 and thefourth gear 110 generally act as a continuous ratchet type assembly wherein longitudinal movement of thesecond rack 108 in one direction causes thefourth gear 110 to rotate in that direction, while longitudinal movement of thesecond rack 108 in the opposite direction disengagespawls 109 from thefourth gear 110 without moving the fourth gear. A one way clutch could also be operatively connected to thefourth gear 110 to permit the gear to be driven in only one direction (i.e., clockwise direction) bypawl 109 of thesecond rack 108. - The
proximal portion 10 b of theouter sheath 10 includes a set ofgear teeth 112 that project inwardly within the second bore ofportion 10 b. The outer set ofteeth 110 a formed on thefourth gear 110 partially project through an opening or slot formed in thehousing 20 in order to interlockingly engage the inwardly projectinggear teeth 112 formed on theproximal portion 10 b of theouter sheath 10 so that rotation of thefourth gear 110 causes theouter sheath 10 to move longitudinally relative thehousing 20. - As mentioned above, the
distal portion 10 a ofouter sheath 10 has a first bore extending longitudinally to thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1 in a similar manner to the outer sheath of the first embodiment. While not specifically illustrated in FIGS. 15-17, it is understood that the second embodiment of theFOGISMA device 1 comprises at least theintroducer needle 12, seedtransfer barrel housing 40,seed transfer barrel 45, advancing pin andring assembly 50, linkingshaft 55, elongatedmember 60,plunger 65 andseed lock 85 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 with respect to the first embodiment. These components are located within the first bore of thedistal portion 10 a of theouter sheath 10 proximate thedistal end 13 of theFOGISMA device 1. - Referring now to FIG. 15, the linking
shaft 55 has a distal end that is operatively connected to the advancing pin andring mechanism 50 for controlling the longitudinal movement of themechanism 50 relative to the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45. The proximal end of the linkingshaft 55 is illustrated in FIG. 15 as being operatively connected to ahook member 117.Hook member 117 is preferably an elongated bar or rod having an upwardly extendingflexible hook 117 a projecting therefrom. Thehook member 117 is located within and slidably supported by thehousing 20 between the third andfourth gears - A
fifth gear 114 is located within and rotatably supported byhousing 20 proximate thesecond rack 108. Thefifth gear 114 includes a set of gear teeth circumferentially formed thereon for interlockingly engaging a corresponding set ofgear teeth 108 a formed on at least a portion of thesecond rack 108. The gear teeth on thefifth gear 114 also interlockingly engage corresponding gear teeth formed on athird rack 115. Like thehook member 117, thethird rack 115 is also located within and slidably supported by thehousing 20 between the third andfourth gears tooth 116 projects downwardly from thethird rack 115 so that when thethird rack 115 is driven longitudinally toward thehook member 117, the downwardly extendinghook 116 in the third rack temporarily engages the upwardly extendinghook 117 a in thehook member 117. - It is understood that
control lever 125 and gears 103, 104, 107, 110 may be rotatably mounted within thehousing 20 in a conventional manner, such as by mounting each gear on a shaft or pin and rotatably supporting the shaft by a pair of suitable bearings or bushings mounted within thehousing 20. In addition,hook member 117 andracks housing 20. - The operation of the second embodiment of the
FOGISMA device 1 is discussed below. Initially, to prepare thedevice 1 for operation, the surgeon or operator of the device will set the desired spacing between implantedseeds adjustment knob 156. Asknob 156 is manually rotated, outersheath adjustment rod 155 is moved longitudinally relative thesecond rack 108, thereby movingpawls 109 longitudinally within the opening of thesecond rack 108 relative thefourth gear 110. Becausepawls 109 engage and drive thefourth gear 110, which fourth gear in turn drives theouter sheath 10 longitudinally relative thehousing 20, the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 is able to precisely set and control the longitudinal distance that theouter sheath 10 travels or advances relative thehousing 20 each time thecontrol lever 125 is fully actuated. That is, the surgeon or operator is able to precisely adjust the timing whenpawls 109 engage the gear teeth of thefourth gear 110. - As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15,
control lever 125 is capable of being actuated by the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 from neutral position A to position B (actuated approximately 60° from position A) to position C (actuated approximately 75° from position A) and back to position A. As will be discussed in greater detail below, when thelever 125 is actuated from point A to point B as is illustrated in FIG. 15, the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means received within the bore 106) is advanced through theseed transfer barrel 45 to thedistal end 12 a of theintroducer needle 112. When thelever 125 is further actuated from point B to point C as is illustrated in FIG. 15, theouter sheath 10 is advanced a predetermined distance (as set by the surgeon or operator using the adjustment knob 156). Finally, when thelever 125 is released by the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 and automatically returns from point C to point A by virtue ofcontrol lever spring 151 as illustrated in FIG. 15, the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) are withdrawn from theneedle 12 andseed transfer barrel 45 toward theproximal end 15 of thedevice 1 and theseed transfer barrel 45 is indexed a predetermined amount. - Referring to FIG. 15, when the
control lever 125 of theFOGISMA device 1 is actuated from point A to point B, thecontrol lever 125 pivots aboutpin 150, thereby causing thepinion section 101 of thecontrol lever 125 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Because the gear teeth onpinion section 101 engage mating gear teeth on thefirst rack 102, thefirst rack 102 is caused to move or is driven longitudinally toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1. Such longitudinal displacement of thesecond rack 102 causes thefirst gear 103 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction due to the interlocking engagement of the gear teeth on thesecond rack 102 andfirst gear 103. Becausesecond gear 104 is fixed to thefirst gear 103, thesecond gear 104 is also caused to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Such counterclockwise rotation of thesecond gear 104 causes the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means retained therein) to move longitudinally toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1 due to the interlocking engagement of the first set of centrally located gear teeth on thesecond gear 104 with thegear teeth 105 formed on theplunger 65. Such longitudinal movement of theplunger 65 also compressesplunger return spring 123 with sufficient force to overcome the opposing biasing force ofspring 123. - Once the
lever 125 is actuated to point B (approximately 60° from point A), the last orproximal-most gear tooth 105 formed on theplunger 65 engages the teeth on thesecond gear 104. Since there are noteeth 105 formed on the plunger after this point orlast tooth 105, continued counterclockwise rotation ofgear 104 no longer longitudinally advances theplunger 65 toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1. - Accordingly, when the
lever 125 is at point B, theplunger 65 has advanced through thefiberoptic channel 61 in theelongated member 60, throughchamber 48 of theseed transfer barrel 45, through threadedflange 42 to approximately thedistal end 12 a of theintroducer needle 12. Thus, aseed 3 that had previously been loaded intochamber 48 of thetransfer barrel 45 will have been fired or forced by the advancingplunger 65 out of thechamber 48, through theintroducer needle 12, and deposited within thetumor 2. - The fiberoptic scope or other optical means (e.g., rod lens scope, Hopkins type scope, laparoscope, endoscope, etc.) (not shown) that is preferably retained within the
bore 106 through thefiberoptic plunger 65, permits the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 to view the proximal end of theseed 3 to ensure that the “fired”seed 3 exits theintroducer needle 12 into thetumor 2 or other tissue. The fiberoptic scope or other optical means also facilitates visual inspection of the implantedseed 3 within thetumor 2 or other tissue. Such visual inspection of the implantedseed 3 permits the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 to verify that theseed 3 had been implanted in the proper location of thetumor 2 or tissue. Such visual verification may be quite valuable where, for instance, there exists the possibility that theintroducer needle 12 has penetrated beyond the tumor or tissue wall whereby implantedseeds 3 might otherwise be deposited in undesirable locations or orifices within the patient. - In addition to advancing the
plunger 65 to thedistal end 12 a of theintroducer needle 12 when thecontrol lever 125 is actuated from point A to point B, such counterclockwise rotation of thesecond gear 104 causes thethird gear 107 to rotate in a clockwise direction due to the interlocking engagement of the mating outer circumferential gear teeth on the second and third gears. Such clockwise rotation ofthird gear 107 thereby causes thesecond rack 108 andpawl 109 to move longitudinally toward theproximal end 15 of theFOGISMA device 1. - Such longitudinal movement of the
second rack 108 in the proximal direction causes: (1) thefifth gear 114 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction due to the interlocking engagement of gear teeth on thesecond rack 108 andfifth gear 114; and (2)pawls 109 to move longitudinally with the second rack in the proximal direction into contact with the inner gear teeth centrally located on the fourth gear 110 (but does not yet cause thefourth gear 110 to rotate). When thefifth gear 114 is driven in the counterclockwise direction by thesecond rack 108, the fifth gear 29 114 causes thethird rack 115 to move longitudinally toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1 due to the interlocking engagement of gear teeth on thefifth gear 114 and thethird rack 115. Such longitudinal movement of thethird rack 115 causes theengaging hook 116 on thethird rack 115 to move toward (but not yet engage) thehook 117 a ofhook member 117. - Thus, when the
control lever 125 is actuated to point B as illustrated in FIG. 15, the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) is advanced to thedistal end 12 a of theintroducer needle 12 and theouter sheath 10 is about to advance. - Referring to FIG. 15, when the
control lever 125 of theFOGISMA device 1 is further actuated from point B to point C (e.g., approximately 75° from point A), thecontrol lever 125 pivots further aboutpin 150, thereby causing thepinion section 101 of thecontrol lever 125 to continue to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Such continued counterclockwise rotation ofpinion section 101 drives thefirst track 102 longitudinally toward thedistal end 13, thereby causing the first andsecond gears second gear 104 no longer engage anyadditional gear teeth 105 formed on thefiberoptic plunger 65, the plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or optical means) does not advance further longitudinally in the direction of thedistal end 13 of theFOGISMA device 1. However, the distal end of theplunger 65 remains in its advanced position at thedistal end 12 a of the introducer needle 12 (withspring 123 remaining in a compressed state). - The continued counterclockwise rotation of the
second gear 104 drives thesecond rack 108 further in the longitudinal direction toward theproximal end 15 of thedevice 1. Such further movement of thesecond rack 108 drives thefifth gear 114 in the clockwise direction, thereby driving thethird rack 115 longitudinally toward thehook member 117 so that theengaging hook 116 on thethird rack 115 releasingly engages thehook 117 a of thehook member 117. Because thehooks engaging hook 116 to travel slightly beyond and engagehook 117 a. Upon engagement with one another, thehooks third rack 115 is moved longitudinally away fromhook member 117 in the proximal direction. - In addition, the continued longitudinal movement of the second rack108 (and therefore of the pawls 109) in the direction of the
proximal end 15 of thedevice 1 causes pawls 109 to engage the centrally locatedinner gear teeth 110 b formed in thefourth gear 110, thereby causing thefourth gear 110 to rotate in the clockwise direction (fourth gear 110 is only permitted to rotate in the clockwise direction). When thefourth gear 110 rotates in the clockwise direction, theouter sheath 10 is caused to precisely move or advance longitudinallyrelative housing 20 toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1 due to the interlocking engagement of the outercircumferential gear teeth 110 a formed in thefourth gear 110 with thegear teeth 112 formed on the interior of theouter sheath 10. - Since the
distal end 13 of theouter sheath 10 is intended to abut the wall of thetumor 2 or other body tissue of the patient, a template or a grid during operation of theFOGISMA device 1, the above-described longitudinal movement of theouter sheath 10 in the distal direction relative housing 20 (and therefore relative introducer needle 12) will cause theintroducer needle 12 to withdraw a predetermined distance from thetumor 2 or other tissue in which the needle has penetrated, thereby leaving a seed 3 (previously advanced byplunger 65 through the implantation needle 12) implanted in thetumor 2. The predetermined distance that theneedle 12 moves relative theouter sheath 10 due to advancement of the outer sheath relative thehousing 20 controls the spacing between implantedseeds tumor 2 and is established by the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 by turning theadjustment knob 156 as described above to adjust the timing whenpawls 109 engage thefourth gear 110. - Thus, when the
control lever 125 is actuated to point C as illustrated in FIG. 15, the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) remains in the advanced position at thedistal end 12 a of theintroducer needle 12 and theouter sheath 10 has been advanced a predetermined distance toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1 relative thehousing 20, thereby partially withdrawing theneedle 12 from thetumor 2 by that predetermined distance. - With reference to FIG. 15, when the actuated
control lever 125 of theFOGISMA device 1 is thereafter released by the surgeon or operator, thespring 151 biases thecontrol lever 125 back to the neutral position from point C to point A. When this occurs, thecontrol lever 125 pivots aboutpin 150, thereby causing thepinion section 101 of thecontrol lever 125 to rotate in a clockwise direction. Such clockwise rotation ofpinion section 101 drives thefirst rack 102 longitudinally toward theproximal end 15, thereby causing the first andsecond gears second gear 104 causes the gear teeth formed on thesecond gear 104 to once again engage thegear teeth 105 formed on thefiberoptic plunger 65, thereby driving (with the assistance of spring 123) the plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) longitudinally in the direction of theproximal end 15 of theFOGISMA device 1. At this point, the distal end of theplunger 65 is returned to its original position and no longer extends within theintroducer needle 12 orseed transfer barrel 45. - The clockwise rotation of the
second gear 104 also drives thesecond rack 10 in the longitudinal direction back to its original position toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1. Such return movement of thesecond rack 108 also causespawls 109 to disengage and move away from thefourth gear 110. Thefourth gear 110, which can only rotate in the clockwise direction, is not driven by the disengagingpawls 109 when the second rack moves longitudinally toward thedistal end 13 of thedevice 1. As such, theouter sheath 10 does not move when thecontrol lever 125 returns from point C to the neutral position at point A and thecontrol lever 125 remains in the advanced position which occurred when thelever 125 was previously actuated from point B to point C. - The return movement of the
second rack 108 also drives thefifth gear 114 in the counterclockwise direction, thereby driving thethird rack 115 longitudinally away thehook member 117 to its original position. Because of the engagement ofhooks third rack 115 toward theproximal end 15 of thedevice 1 causes thehook member 117 to also move longitudinally in the proximal direction. Such longitudinal movement of thehook member 117 causes the advancing pin andring assembly 50 to similarly move longitudinally relative theseed transfer barrel 45 toward theproximal end 15 of theFOGISMA device 1 due to the connection of thehook member 117 with the advancing pin andring assembly 50 by the linkingshaft 55, thereby compressingspring member 58 located within the seedtransfer barrel housing 40. - As discussed above with respect to FIGS.5-10 and 12A-12C, when the advancing pin and
ring assembly 50 moves in the proximal direction relative theseed transfer barrel 45, the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a formed on theassembly 50 moves out of therelieved portion 41 and engages adistal cam portion 46 a of thetransfer barrel 45, while the secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b disengages from theproximal cam portion 46 b of thetransfer barrel 45. Engagement of the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a with one of thedistal cam portions 46 a causes the seed transfer barrel (andseed 3 a contained therein) to rotate a predetermined amount, as is illustrated in FIG. 12B. As mentioned above, a preferred embodiment of theseed transfer barrel 45 includes a total of eight equally spacedcam portions 46, so that the predetermined rotation of themultichamber transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution. - Once the
transfer barrel 45 is actuated that predetermined amount (e.g., one eighth revolution) by the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a, the resultant force opposing continued longitudinal movement ofhook member 117 in the proximal direction exceeds the holding force of the engaged hooks 116, 117 a, thereby deforming and disengaging the hooks from one another. Thethird rack 115 continues to be driven in the proximal direction back to its original position and thespring member 58 biases the advancing pin andring mechanism 50 distally back to its original position with the firstbarrel advancing tooth 51 a again received within therelieved portion 41 and disengaged from thedistal cam portion 46 a of thetransfer barrel 45, while the secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b again engaging one of theproximal cam portions 46 b of thetransfer barrel 45. Engagement of the secondbarrel advancing tooth 51 b with one of theproximal cam portions 46 b causes the seed transfer barrel to further rotate a predetermined amount. In the embodiment of theseed transfer barrel 45 having a total of eight equally spacedcam portions 46, this predetermined rotation of the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45 is precisely one eighth of a revolution (or a total of one quarter of a revolution from actuation of thecontrol lever 125 to release thereof), as illustrated in FIG. 12C. - By rotating the seed transfer barrel45 a total of 90° when the
control lever 125 returns to neutral point A from point C, the next orsubsequent seed 3 b (not shown) withinalignment chamber 62, whichseed 3 b was adjacent to theseed 3 a previously loaded into theadjacent seed chamber 48, is biased into theempty seed chamber 48 of thetransfer barrel 45 that is now aligned with theseed alignment channel 62. In addition, theseed chamber 48 containingseed 3 as illustrated in FIG. 12C has rotated 90° so that theseed chamber 48 containingseed 3 is now aligned withfiberoptic channel 61,plunger 65, the bore throughintroducer needle 12 and the aperture throughflange 42. Thus, theseed 3 illustrated in FIG. 12C is now in position to be fired or driven by theplunger 65 into thetumor 2 when the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 once again actuates thecontrol lever 125 from point A to point B. - It is understood that the number of
seed channels 48 andcam portions 46 in theseed transfer barrel 45 may vary depending upon the application and that the above-described embodiment of theseed transfer barrel 45 having eight cam portions and four seed transfer channels is illustrative of one preferred arrangement. Another possible arrangement could include twoseed chambers 48 spaced 180° apart from one another and four cam portions 46 (each providing 45. rotation of theseed transfer barrel 45 when engaged by one of the advancingpin teeth - Thus, when the
control lever 125 returns from point C to the neutral position at point A as illustrated in FIG. 15, the fiberoptic plunger 65 (and fiberoptic scope or other optical means) retract from theintroducer needle 12 andseed transfer barrel 45 to the original position within thefiberoptic channel 61, and theseed transfer barrel 45 is rotated a predetermined amount in order to place the next seed within the transfer barrel in position for firing throughneedle 12 and to load another seed from theseed alignment channel 62 into anempty seed chamber 48 in thebarrel 45. - It is also understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular tooth configuration of the various gears, pinions and racks described herein. However, it is preferable that the teeth of these gears, pinions and racks be very fine and precise to facilitate accurate control and operation of the
FOGISMA device 1. These gears, pinions and racks may preferably be manufactured in a conventional manner from any suitable material that is capable of withstanding conventional medical instrumentation sterilization techniques (e.g., autoclave, radiation, x-ray, or ethylene oxide gas sterilization) and is acceptable for such medical procedures (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.). - A
first disengagement lever 124 having a wedge-shaped portion may also be provided on thehousing 20 to selectively disengage thethird gear 107 from thesecond rack 108, as is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Selective actuation of thefirst disengagement lever 124 will cause thegear 107 to move slightly away from thesecond rack 108, or vice versa, just enough to disengage their respective gear teeth. When thethird gear 107 is disengaged fromsecond rack 108, the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 can actuate thecontrol lever 125 to move thefiberoptic plunger 65 longitudinally through thedevice 1 without operating any of the other components of thedevice 1. This may be useful during set-up of theFOGISMA device 1, for instance, to initially insert theneedle 12 into the target tissue prior to implantation. Thus, theadvanced plunger 65 may be used as a stylet to prevent introduction of tissue into the bore of theneedle 12 and for viewing the implantation site prior to implantation. Once this is accomplished, thefirst disengagement lever 124 may be actuated to return to its original position wherein thethird gear 107 andsecond rack 108 are again in meshing engagement with one another. - A
second disengagement lever 122 having a wedge-shaped portion may also be provided on thehousing 20 to selectively disengage thefourth gear 110 from thegear teeth 112 formed on the interior of theouter sheath 10, as is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Selective actuation of thesecond disengagement lever 122 will cause thefourth gear 110 to move slightly away fromgear teeth 112 on theouter sheath 10 just enough to disengage the two from one another. When thefourth gear 110 is in disengaged position relative outersheath gear teeth 112, the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 can manually adjust the longitudinal location of theouter sheath 10 relative thehousing 20. This may be useful during set-up of theFOGISMA device 1, for instance, to set the desired starting position of theouter sheath 10. Calibrated markings or indicia (not shown) may be provided on thehousing 20 relative the proximal end of theouter sheath 10 to precisely set the depth of theintroducer needle 12 according to the desired specification. Selective actuation of thesecond disengagement lever 122 may also be useful during set-up of theFOGISMA device 1, for instance, to loadseeds respective chambers 48 of the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45 in order to position a seed in the firing position (e.g., in aligned relation to theplunger 65 and needle 12). Once set-up is complete, thesecond disengagement lever 122 may be actuated to return to its original position wherein thefourth gear 110 again interlockingly engages the outersheath gear teeth 112. - The
housing 20 of theFOGISMA device 1 may also be provided with aseed counter indicator 9 for visually providing a numerical cumulative seed tally of implanted “fired”seeds 3 and “unfired”seeds device 1. Theseed counter 9 may preferably be a conventional gear-type counter mechanism that actuates each time aseed 3 is fired or discharged from thedevice 1 throughneedle 12. The conventional gear-type counter mechanism may, for instance, be operatively connected to any one of the elements (e.g., controllever pinion section 101,first rack 102,first gear 103,second gear 104, or plunger gear teeth 105) that drive theplunger 65 through theneedle 12 to fire or discharge aseed 3 from thedevice 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, theseed counter indicator 9 is actuated by anactuator rod 126 that is connected to the proximal end of thesecond rack 108. Thus, each time thesecond rack 108 is driven longitudinally to advance the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45, theactuator rod 126 moves into engagement with theseed counter indicator 9 and causes theseed counter indicator 9 to actuate one numerical value. Theseed counter indicator 9 includes a visual display of the number of seeds fired from thedevice 1, which visual display is preferably provided on thehousing 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 14 and 15. - In either of the above-described embodiments of the
FOGISMA device 1, it is necessary to load theseeds device 1. Referring to FIGS. 18-21, there is illustrated a Brachytherapy Interstitial Seed Cartridge (“BISC” or “seed cartridge”) 200 that is ideally suited for use in conjunction with theFOGISMA device 1. It is understood, however, that theseed cartridge 200 may also be easily adapted to fit existing interstitial seed applicators. - In one embodiment of the
seed cartridge 200 illustrated in FIGS. 18-21, a cylindrically-shapedinner core 210 is provided having multiple chambers 212 extending longitudinally therethrough. Theinner core 210 is preferably made of either plastic or metal, and includes a plurality of substantially parallel seed chambers orconduits proximal end 214 of the core 210 to adistal end 215 of thecore 210. - Each
conduit seeds inner core 210 dictates the number of seeds that may be held in each seed conduit 212, eachconduit seeds - For each
seed conduit opening 220 is formed in the circumference of theinner core 210, whichopening 220 extends from theproximal end 214 to thedistal end 215 of theinner core 210. Eachopening 220 is tangential to one of theseed conduits inner core 210. - The
inner core 210 is contained within a cylindrically-shapedouter sleeve 230. Theouter sleeve 230 includes a bore extending longitudinally from theproximal end 232 of theouter sleeve 230 to thedistal end 233 of the outer sleeve. The diameter of the bore through theouter sleeve 230 is preferably slightly larger than the outside diameter of theinner core 210 so that theinner core 210 may be received within the bore of theouter sleeve 230. - The
outer sleeve 230 is preferably made from lead or steel in order to effectively shield personnel handling theseed cartridge 200 from exposure to theseeds 3 contained therein (e.g., radioactive or chemical exposure). It is understood, however, that other materials such as plastic may be utilized in making theouter sleeve 230 and that a protective insulating layer of lead or steel may be applied or bonded to theouter sleeve 230 to provide the desired protection from radiation exposure. - The
outer sleeve 230 has acircumferential slot 235 extending from theproximal end 232 to thedistal end 233 of the sleeve. The depth of theslot 235 is such as to terminate within the bore of theouter sleeve 230; that is, theslot 235 extends into the bore of thesleeve 230. Unlike theopenings 220 of theinner core 210, which are generally straight, theslot 235 formed in theouter sleeve 230 is substantially S-shaped or curved along the circumference of theouter sleeve 230, as is best illustrated in FIG. 21. Thepreferred slot 235 is configured so that when theinner core 210 is received within theouter sleeve 230, only oneseed 3 in any of theseed channels inner core 210 in alignment with theslot 235 of theouter sleeve 230. This configuration, therefore, effectively shields personnel from exposure to theseeds 3 contained in theseed cartridge 200. - While the
inner core 210 preferably includes four substantiallyparallel seed conduits inner core 210 may only include three substantiallyparallel seed conduits outer sleeve 230 may be rotated relative theinner core 210, or vice versa, to a neutral position where theslot 235 does not intersect with any conduit opening 220 in theinner core 210. Thus, in this neutral position, noseeds seed conduits opening 220 andslot 235, thereby minimizing or preventing radiation exposure from the seeds. - A
proximal end cap 240 is releasably secured or otherwise connected to theproximal end 232 of theouter core 210 and adistal end cap 241 is releasably secured or otherwise connected to thedistal end 215 of theinner core 210. This is preferably accomplished after theinner core 210 is received within the bore of theouter sleeve 230. The end caps 240, 241 are generally cylindrical in shape and a preferred method of securing the end caps 240, 241 to theouter sleeve 230 andinner core 210, respectively, is by forming threads on the end caps 240, 241 for threadedly engaging mating threads formed on theouter sleeve 230 andinner core 210. - Like the outer sleeve, the end caps240, 241 are preferably made from lead or steel in order to effectively shield personnel handling the
seed cartridge 200 from radioactive exposure to theseeds 3 contained therein. - Alternatively, a lead foil may be inserted between each
end cap inner core 210, which foil may be penetrated by a push rod or other device 250 (FIG. 28) in order to dischargeseeds BISC seed cartridge 200. - The
proximal end cap 240 includes at least one cut-outsection 245 passing therethrough so that when theend cap 240 is secured to theouter sleeve 230 containing theinner core 210, the cut-out 245 is in aligned relationship with theparticular seed conduit inner core 210 that is proximate theslot 235 of theouter sleeve 230, as well as that portion of theslot 235 proximate theproximal end 232 of theouter sleeve 230. - Similarly, the
distal end cap 241 includes a plurality ofapertures 246 formed therein. When thedistal end cap 241 is secured to theinner core 210, eachaperture 246 is in aligned relationship with one of theseed reservoirs opening 220 associated with that particular seed conduit of theinner core 210. The same overall configuration of eachaperture 246 is generally the same as the seed conduit 212 andcorresponding opening 220. Theseed cartridge 200 is assembled by inserting the inner core 210 (containingseeds outer sleeve 230 and securing the end caps 240, 241 to theproximal end 232 of the outer sleeve anddistal end 215 of the inner core, respectively. The assembledBISC seed cartridge 200 may then be operably connected to theFOGISMA device 1 by aligning thedistal end cap 241 with theseed insertion port 81 formed in thehousing 20 of thedevice 1. Theseed insertion port 81 preferably extends through thehousing 20 from theproximal end 15 of thedevice 1 and is collinear with theseed alignment channel 62 formed in theelongated member 60. - A relieved portion or
keyhole 82 is preferably formed in theproximal end 15 proximate theseed insertion port 81 for receiving a locking key 242 formed on thedistal end cap 241. The locking key 242 projects outwardly from the circumference of theend cap 241 and is received within therelieved portion 82 to operatively connect the assembledseed cartridge 200 to theFOGISMA device 1. Oncekey 242 is received within thekeyhole 82, theseed cartridge 200 is rotated slightly to releasably lock the key 242 withinkeyhole 82. The opposite rotation of theseed cartridge 200 back to its original inserted position will release theseed cartridge 200 from thedevice 1. - When the
seed cartridge 200 is releasably locked to theFOGISMA device 1, one of the seed channels 212,apertures 245,insertion port 81 and theseed alignment channel 62 are in aligned relationship (i.e., collinear). In this manner, an elongated seedadvancement push rod 250 may be inserted longitudinally through the cut-out 245 ofproximal end cap 240 and into the seed conduit 212 aligned with the cut-out 245. Atab 251 projects upwardly from thepush rod 250 and extends through theopening 220 associated with the seed conduit 212 in which thepush rod 250 is received. Thetab 251 also extends through the S-shapedslot 235 of theouter sleeve 230. - Thus,
seeds inner core 210 may be advanced or loaded into theFOGISMA device 1 in the following manner. After the assembledBISC seed cartridge 200 is operably connected to the device 1 (e.g., via locking key 242), thepush rod 250 is inserted longitudinally through the cut-out 245 ofproximal end cap 240 and at least partially into the seed conduit 212 aligned with theaperture 245. The surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 is able to move thepush rod 250 longitudinally through the seed conduit 212 toward theFOGISMA device 1 by grasping thepush rod tab 251 extending throughopening 220 and S-shapedslot 235. As thetab 251 advances distally through the S-shapedslot 235 of theouter sleeve 230, the outer sleeve is rotated relative theinner core 210 due to the S-shaped configuration of theslot 235 so that only one seed contained within the channel 212 bearing thepush rod 250 is visually exposed through theopening 220 of theinner core 210 and slot 235 of theouter sleeve 230. Such continued distal movement of thepush rod 250 through the seed conduit 212 causesseeds aperture 245 inend cap 241 out of theseed cartridge 200, through theseed insertion port 81, and into theseed alignment channel 62 of theFOGISMA device 1. - The capability of the
seed cartridge 200 to expose only one seed at a time through theopening 220 of theinner core 210 and slot 235 of theouter sleeve 230 minimizes exposure of the surgeon or operator handling theseed cartridge 200 to theseeds seed cartridge 200. - Once the
seeds BISC seed cartridge 200 into theseed alignment channel 62, thepush rod 250 may be removed from theseed cartridge 200 and the seed cartridge may be removed from theFOGISMA device 1 by rotating the locking key 242 projecting from thedistal end cap 241 relative thekeyhole 82 of thehousing 20 to disengage the key 242. - If a greater number of
seeds 3 are still required for the particular medical procedure, then the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 may rotate theouter sleeve 230 relative theinner sleeve 210 to align anew seed conduit 212 b (containing seeds 3) with S-shapedslot 235 of theouter sleeve 230. Theseed cartridge 200 may then be lockingly secured to thedevice 1 in the manner described above so that thenew seed conduit 212 b is in aligned relation to theseed insertion port 81 andseed alignment channel 62 of theFOGISMA device 1. Thepush rod 250 would then be inserted within and advanced through thenew seed conduit 212 b in the manner described above.Additional seed conduits seeds 3. It is understood that theFOGISMA device 1 may be provided with more than onekeyholes 82 and/or locking key 242 so that additional seed conduits 212 of the seed cartridge may be aligned with theseed insertion port 81. - Once all of the
seeds FOGISMA device 1, theBISC seed cartridge 200 is removed from the device and the seed biasing member 70 (described above) is inserted into theseed insertion port 81 to bias the seeds within theseed alignment channel 62 toward the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45. - Referring now to FIGS.24-28, another embodiment of the
BISC seed cartridge 300 is illustrated having a generally cylindrically-shaped inner core orseed cassette 310 having multiple chambers orconduits 312 extending longitudinally therethrough. Theinner core 310 is preferably made of either plastic or metal, and includes a plurality of substantiallyparallel seed conduits 312 extending longitudinally from end to end. - Each
conduit 312 is generally slightly larger than the diameter of theseeds inner core 310 dictates the number of seeds that may be held in eachseed conduit 312, eachconduit 312 preferably holds between approximately 25-30seeds - For each
seed conduit 312, a longitudinal slot or opening 320 is formed in the circumference of theinner core 310, which opening 320 extends from end to end of theinner core 310. Each opening 320 is tangential to one of theseed conduits 312 so that each seed conduit is open or slotted about the circumference of theinner core 310. While theinner core 310 preferably includes four substantiallyparallel seed conduits 312, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to this number of conduits. - The
inner core 310 is contained within a cylindrically-shapedouter sleeve 330. Theouter sleeve 330 includes a bore extending longitudinally from theproximal end 332 of theouter sleeve 330 to thedistal end 333 of the outer sleeve. The diameter of the bore through theouter sleeve 330 is preferably slightly larger than the outside diameter of theinner core 310 so that theinner core 310 may be received within the bore of theouter sleeve 330. It is understood that theinner core 310 andouter sleeve 330 may be integrally formed as one piece. - The
outer sleeve 330 is preferably made from lead or steel in order to effectively shield personnel handling theseed cartridge 300 from radioactive exposure to theseeds 3 contained therein. It is understood, however, that other materials such as plastic may be utilized in making theouter sleeve 330 and that a protective insulating layer of lead or steel may be applied or bonded to theouter sleeve 330 to provide the desired protection from radiation exposure. - The
outer sleeve 330 has acircumferential slot 335 extending longitudinally from theproximal end 332 to thedistal end 333 of the sleeve. The depth of theslot 335 is such as to terminate within the bore of theouter sleeve 330; that is, theslot 335 extends into the bore of thesleeve 330. Unlike the S-shapedslot 235 of the previously-described embodiment of theseed cartridge 200, theslot 335 formed in theouter sleeve 330 is substantially straight along the circumference of theouter sleeve 230, as is best illustrated in FIGS. 22, 26 and 27. - The
outer sleeve 330 is longer than theinner core 310 so that a portion of the interior of theouter sleeve 330 proximate thedistal end 333 thereof is substantially open when theinner core 310 is inserted or formed within the bore of theouter sleeve 330. A plurality of spaced apart lockingkeys 342 are formed proximate thedistal end 333 of theouter sleeve 330 and project inwardly into the bore thereof. - An alignment adaptor/
seed repository 301 is utilized to operatively connect the outer sleeve/inner core assembly FOGISMA device 1. - The
adaptor 301 is generally cylindrical in shape with a bore extending therethrough. Thealignment adaptor 301 has a raisedshoulder 302 proximate thedistal end 303 of theadaptor 301. The raisedshoulder 302 is received within theseed insertion port 81 formed in theproximal end 15 ofhousing 20 and is connected thereto in a conventional manner (e.g., threaded engagement). When installed, the bore through theadaptor 301 is in aligned relation (e.g., collinear) to theseed alignment channel 62 of theFOGISMA device 1. - Preferably, the
BISC seed cartridge 300 will be provided to the surgeon or operator of theFOGISMA device 1 pre-loaded withseeds seed repository 301 may be releasably connected to theouter sleeve 330 in order to seal or otherwise plug the inner core/outer sheath assembly seed repository 301 may also be used to store unused seeds following termination of the brachytherapy procedure. First andsecond film dams - Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, a plurality of spaced apart grooves or
slide locks 305 are formed on the circumference of theadaptor 301 and extend longitudinally from approximately the raisedshoulder 302 to theproximal end 304 of theadaptor 301. Thegrooves 305 are spaced apart along the circumference of theadaptor 301 so that each groove is aligned with one of the lockingkeys 342 formed on theouter sleeve 330 when the outer sleeve is slid onto thealignment adaptor 301. A notched or lockingportion 305 a of eachgroove 305 extends tangentially along the circumference of the adaptor at approximately 90° to thegroove 305. As such, theouter sleeve 330 may be slid onto thealignment adaptor 301 by aligning and inserting thekeys 342 within thegrooves 305. Rotational or twist lock action of theouter sleeve 330 relative theadaptor 301 causes thekeys 342 to lockingly engage the notchedportions 305 a. Similarly, rotation of the outer sleeve in the opposing direction disengages thekeys 342 from notchedportions 305 so that theouter sleeve 330 may be removed from thealignment adaptor 301. - When the
seed cartridge 300 is releasably locked to theFOGISMA device 1 via thealignment adaptor 301, one of theseed channels 312 is in aligned relation (i.e., collinear) with the bore through theadaptor 301, theinsertion port 81 and theseed alignment channel 62. In this manner, an elongated,hollow push rod 350 may be inserted longitudinally through the proximal end of theouter sleeve 330 and into theseed conduit 312 aligned withinsertion port 81 andseed alignment channel 62. Theseeds conduit 312 are received within thehollow push rod 350. Afirst film dam 359 acts as a barrier to keep theseeds film bayonet 323 located within theseed alignment channel 62 may be used to tear or otherwise rupture thefirst film dam 359, thereby permitting theseeds hollow push rod 350, as is illustrated in FIGS. 30, 31A and 31B - Referring to FIG. 28, an elongated push rod or
plunger 250 may be inserted through thehollow push rod 350 to advance theseeds seed cartridge 300 and into theFOGISMA device 1. First andsecond tabs hollow push rod 350 andseed plunger 360, respectively, each tab extending through the opening 320 associated with theseed conduit 312 in which thehollow push rod 350 andplunger 250 are received, as well as through theslot 335 of theouter sleeve 330. Thetabs device 1 to grip and advance thepush rod 350 orseed plunger 250 through theseed cartridge 300. - Thus,
seeds particular seed conduit 312 of theinner core 310 may be advanced or loaded into theFOGISMA device 1 in the following manner as illustrated in FIGS. 29A-29H. In FIGS. 29A and 29B, a fullpre-loaded seed cartridge 300 is operatively connected to theFOGISMA device 1 via thealignment adaptor 301 by the twist lock action described above. - Referring to FIG. 29C, after the assembled
BISC seed cartridge 300 is operably connected to the device 1 (e.g., via alignment adaptor 301), thehollow push rod 350 is inserted longitudinally through the proximal end of theouter sleeve 330 and at least partially into theseed conduit 312 aligned with theinsertion port 81 andalignment channel 62. The surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 is able to move thehollow push rod 350 longitudinally through theseed conduit 312 toward theFOGISMA device 1 by grasping thepush rod tab 351 extending through opening 320 andslot 335. As thetab 351 advances distally,seeds seed cartridge 300, through theseed insertion port 81, and into theseed alignment channel 62 of theFOGISMA device 1. - The seed plunger or push
rod 250 is then introduced through thesecond film dam 317 into theseed conduit 312 aligned with theinsertion port 81 andalignment channel 62, as illustrated in FIG. 29D. The surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 is able to move theplunger 250 longitudinally through theseed conduit 312 toward theFOGISMA device 1 by grasping thepush rod tab 251 extending through opening 320 andslot 335, as illustrated in FIG. 29E. In this position, the alignedseeds seed alignment channel 62 toward the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45. - In FIG. 29F, the outer sleeve and inner core assembly is then disengaged from the
adaptor 300 by removing theseed plunger 250, pulling back thehollow push rod 350 and rotating theouter sleeve 350 relative theadaptor 301 to release the slide lock. In FIG. 29G, the outer sleeve and inner core assembly has been removed from theadaptor 301 and theseed biasing mechanism 360 is inserted into thealignment adaptor 301, through theseed insertion port 81 and within theseed alignment channel 62 to bias theseeds 3 toward theseed transfer barrel 45. - Once in place, a
seed biasing mechanism 360 may be locked to theadaptor 301 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to seed biasingmechanism 70, and theFOGISMA device 1 is then fully loaded and ready to fire, as illustrated in FIG. 29H. Referring to FIGS. 32 and 32A, theseed biasing member 360 preferably comprises an elongatedhollow body 361 that is closed on one end by alocking cap 362. Anelongated piston 363 is slidingly received within thehollow body 361 and projects longitudinally through an opening in the distal end of thehollow body 361. A biasingmember 364, such as a compression spring, is positioned within thehollow body 361 and biases thepiston 363 away from the lockingcap 362. In this manner, theseed biasing mechanism 360 biases the loaded seeds within theseed alignment channel 62 toward the multichamberseed transfer barrel 45. - It is understood that once the
seeds BISC seed cartridge 300 into theseed alignment channel 62, the outer sleeve andinner core assembly device 1 and, if a greater number ofseeds 3 are still required for the particular medical procedure, then the surgeon or operator of thedevice 1 may rotate theouter sleeve 330 to align a new seed conduit 312 (containing seeds 3) with theseed insertion port 81. The inner core/outer sleeve assembly may then be lockingly secured to thedevice 1 in the manner described above so that thenew seed conduit 312 is in aligned relation to theseed insertion port 81 andseed alignment channel 62 of theFOGISMA device 1. Theseeds seed conduit 312 may be loaded into the FOGISMA device in the manner described above. - After the brachytherapy procedure has been completed, the physician or operator of the
FOGISMA device 1 may discharge anyunused seeds 3 remaining within thedevice 1 into the alignment adaptor/seed repository 301 of theBISC seed cartridge 300. FIG. 25 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of theseed repository 301 filled withunused seeds 3 that have been fired into it from theFOGISMA device 1 in preparation for their return to the seed distributor. This may be accomplished by first removing the alignment adaptor/seed repository 301 from thedevice 1 and thereafter firing theunused seeds 3 within theFOGISMA device 1 through a diaphragm 325 in therepository 301 that functions to keep theunused seeds 3 from spilling out of theseed repository 301. - Accordingly, a preloaded, self-contained
BISC seed cartridge FOGISMA device 1. Theseed cartridge outer sleeve inner core seeds 3. The easy-lock and unloading of theBISC seed cartridge - FIGS.33A-33E are illustrative of some of brachytherapy procedures that may be accomplished using the
FOGISMA device 1 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 33A illustrates use of thedevice 1 for prostate brachytherapy using a minimal incision or no incision. An ultrasound transducer is also illustrated to assist the surgeon with the procedure. - FIG. 33B also illustrates use of the
FOGISMA device 1 for prostate brachytherapy using a minimal incision or no incision. However, unlike the preceding example, a conventional X-Y targeting grid may also be utilized to assist the surgeon in properly locating theFOGISMA device 1 relative to the implantation site. - FIGS. 33C and 33D illustrate use of the
FOGISMA device 1 for a minimally invasive brachytherapy treatment associated with lung cancer. Similarly, FIG. 33E illustrates use of thedevice 1 for a minimally invasive brachytherapy treatment associated with cervical cancer. An ultrasound transducer is also illustrated to assist the surgeon with the procedure. - The data presented below accentuates the need for the present invention. In 1995, it was estimated that 24,000 cases of pancreatic cancer would be diagnosed and at least that number of patients would die of the disease. Ten to fifteen percent of all patients (approximately 3,000) are treated surgically. For those patients having a tumor at the surgical margins, brachytherapy could be used intraoperatively. The other two-thirds of the cases (approximately 16,000 patients) were inoperable at the time of presentation and would typically be referred for radiotherapy following establishment of a tissue diagnosis. Previously, open biopsy and simultaneous seed implantation were performed on selected cases and the results in small series with the open implant procedure were encouraging. With the advent of CT-guided needle biopsies virtually replacing open incisional biopsies, a need exists for a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention that would allow simultaneous CT-guided needle biopsy and implantation of the tumor.
- In addition, more than 50% of the 200,000 patients having GI malignancies develop liver metastases, in addition to the 18,500 per year who are diagnosed with primary hepatobiliary tumors. In some circumstances, patients with solitary liver lesions may be candidates for surgical resection. However, in instances where the patient is medically unfit for laparotomy, or a lesion is technically unresectable, a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention for interstitial brachytherapy would be desirable. The same principles may be applied to patients having a finite number of intrahepatic lesions, with less potential for uncontrolled bleeding in comparison to resection.
- Furthermore, despite the fact that cervical cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in women worldwide, the advent of the Pap smear has cut the annual incidence in the U.S. to approximately 15,000 patients. Fully half of those patients with advanced disease (approximately 4,000 women) will fail radiation treatment. Many develop pelvic intraperitoneal recurrences that may be exceedingly difficult to resect if surgery is attempted. Laparoscopic exploration and transabdominal brachytherapy implantation using a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention would be desirable for salvage in these patients.
- Also, it was estimated in 1995 that there were 170,000 lung cancers diagnosed in the U.S., with only 5% of those diagnosed patients surviving five years. There are 34,000 cases of small cell lung cancer that are usually treated with chemotherapy. Of the 136,000 non-small cell cancer patients, approximately 40,000 are surgically resected. The remainder of the non-small cell cancer patients (approximately 96,000) require irradiation. Overall, more than 50% of patients (more than approximately 67,500) treated surgically or with radiation die from the effects of their intrathoracic disease. Reoperation for recurrence after surgery is seldom (if ever) performed. Reirradiation with external beam therapy of recurrent disease in the chest carries many risks, including further exposure of the spinal cord to doses possibly exceeding tolerance levels and inclusion of portions of precious remaining functional lung in the treatment fields. Transthoracic implantation using a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention is a desirable option for salvage in the more than 67,500 patients with recurrences and should be explored as a means of boosting the dose of radiation in the 96,000 patients who receive radiotherapy as their initial treatment, with the overall applicability exceeding 100,000 cases per year.
- Furthermore, it was also estimated that more than 50,000 urinary bladder cancers would be diagnosed in 1995. Although the disease is localized to the bladder in 90% of patients, as many as 80% develop recurrences. Cystoscopy and/or laparoscopy-guided interstitial implantation using a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention is desirable for those patients with muscle-invasion disease. The precedent for successful brachytherapy in bladder cancer was set by Dutch investigators who placed needles into the bladder and surrounding tissue through laparotomy incisions. However, various problems, including the need to reopen some patients to extricate stuck needles and impaired wound healing, led to the virtual abandonment of brachytherapy in this organ. A non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention is desirable option for the radiotherapy and urologic communities, eliminating the problems encountered by users of the older implantation technique while duplicating its successful results in a patient population approaching 36,000 per year.
- Additionally, the therapeutic approach to organ-confined prostate cancer remains controversial. It was estimated that 250,000 men would be diagnosed with this disease in 1995, many via the PSA blood test. As a result of the many advances in transrectal ultrasound, radioisotope availability, and computer modelling of dose distribution of implanted seeds, prostate implants have again become popular. They were initially accomplished through a laparotomy incision using a retropubic approach beginning in the early 1970's, but were abandoned because technical limitations prevented consistency in implanting seeds in an effective pattern. Nowadays, prostate implants have reemerged as an accepted modality with superb results. They are performed via the transperineal route, though conventional instrumentation is primitive by today's standards. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 centers performing more than 2,000 prostate implants per year. It must be recognized that, in this era of cost containment, prostate brachytherapy offers the most rapid, least morbid, least expensive, and possibly most effective method of treatment for early stage cancer, i.e. 40% of all patients (100,000). A safe, precise and convenient non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical implantation device such as that in accordance with the present invention for brachytherapy is desirable for treatment of these patients. Such treatment would represent a 5,000% nationwide increase in prostate brachytherapy, thus thrusting prostate brachytherapy into the lead in the therapy of early prostate cancer.
- The American Brachytherapy Society membership represents radiation oncologists who have a dedicated interest in implantable radionuclides for cancer control. Results of its survey of brachytherapy facilities published in 1994 show that, among 1,321 radiation oncology centers nationwide, 78% of those responding perform some brachytherapy. Fifty-one percent of responding centers practice interstitial brachytherapy.
- The indications for utilization of a manual interstitial brachytherapy system wedded to the latest technology in laparoscopic guidance in accordance with the present invention are seemingly boundless. This is a technology having broad applications and unlimited therapeutic benefits. In addition to the organ systems mentioned above, some or all aspects of this technology may be applicable to tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract, rectum, ovary, kidney, and brain.
- Although illustrative preferred embodiments have been described herein in detail, it should be noted and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations may be made within the scope of this invention without departing from the principle of this invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages. The terms and expressions have been used herein as terms of description and not terms of limitation. There is no intention to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof and this invention should be defined in accordance with the claims which follow.
Claims (76)
1. An implantation device for implanting seeds within or adjacent to a target area, such as a tumor, located within a patient, comprising:
an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough;
an elongated plunger extending longitudinally through the implantation device, the plunger being in aligned relation to the needle bore and being selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area; and
an optical device carried by and operatively connected to the implantation device, the optical device providing visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.
2. The implantation device according to claim 1 , wherein the optical device is at least temporarily positioned within the implantation device adjacent the distal end of the needle.
3. The implantation device according to claim 2 , wherein the optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger so that when the plunger is selectively moved to the extended position, the optical device is carried by the plunger through the needle bore to a position proximate the distal end of the needle.
4. The implantation device according to claim 3 , wherein the optical device is a fiberoptic scope.
5. The implantation device according to claim 3 , wherein the optical device is an optical scope.
6. The implantation device according to claim 3 , further comprising an elongated outer sheath substantially enclosing the plunger, wherein the outer sheath is selectively movable in predetermined increments in the longitudinal direction relative the needle.
7. The implantation device according to claim 3 , further comprising an elongated inner sheath located within the outer sheath, the inner sheath substantially enclosing the plunger and at least a portion of the needle.
8. The implantation device according to claim 3 , further comprising:
an elongated member having a seed alignment channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the seed alignment channel adapted to retain the seeds in end-to-end aligned relation within the implantation device;
a seed transfer barrel having at least one seed chamber adapted to receive a single seed, the seed chamber being selectively movable from a loading position in aligned relation and communicating with the seed alignment channel to a firing position in aligned relation to the needle and plunger, wherein, in the loading position, a single seed may be advanced from the seed alignment channel into the seed chamber, and, in the firing position, the plunger may be selectively advanced through the seed chamber to eject the seed contained within the seed chamber out of the transfer barrel, through the needle bore and into the target area at the plunger moves from the retracted position to the extended position.
9. The implantation device according to claim 8 , wherein the seed transfer barrel is selectively rotatable along a longitudinal axis in order to move the seed chamber between the loading and firing positions.
10. The implantation device according to claim 9 , wherein the seed transfer barrel comprises a plurality of spaced apart, substantially parallel seed chambers, each seed chamber being selectively movable between the loading and firing positions in response to rotation of the seed transfer barrel.
11. The implantation device according to claim 10 , wherein the seed transfer barrel comprises a total of four seed chambers.
12. The implantation device according to claim 10 , further comprising:
a cam portion formed on the circumference of the seed transfer barrel; and
an advancing pin having at least one advancing tooth formed thereon, the advancing pin being selectively movable relative the transfer barrel to engage and disengage the advancing tooth from the cam portion, wherein the transfer barrel is rotatably driven by the advancing pin when the advancing tooth engages the cam portion.
13. The implantation device according to claim 12 , wherein a plurality of spaced apart cam portions are formed on the circumference of the seed transfer barrel.
14. The implantation device according to claim 13 , wherein the plurality of cam portions comprises a first cam portion formed on the circumference of the seed transfer barrel proximate a distal end of the transfer barrel and a second cam portion formed along the circumference of the seed transfer barrel proximate a proximal end of the transfer barrel, the first and second cam portions being spaced apart and offset from one another along the circumference of the transfer barrel, and the advancing pin having a proximal advancing tooth and a distal advancing tooth formed thereon, the proximal advancing tooth being spaced apart from the distal advancing tooth, wherein movement of the advancing pin in a first direction relative the transfer barrel causes the first advancing tooth to engage the first cam portion to rotatably drive the transfer barrel a first predetermined angular distance while the second advancing tooth is disengaged from the second cam portion, and wherein movement of the advancing pin in a second direction relative the transfer barrel causes the second advancing tooth to engage the second cam portion to rotatably drive the transfer barrel a second predetermined angular distance while the first advancing tooth is disengaged from the first cam portion.
15. The implantation device according to claim 14 , wherein a plurality of equally spaced, alternating first and second cam portions are formed along the circumference of the seed transfer barrel.
16. The implantation device according to claim 8 , further comprising a seed biasing member positioned within the seed alignment channel adapted to bias the seeds aligned within the seed alignment channel in a direction toward a seed chamber aligned with the seed alignment channel.
17. The implantation device according to claim 8 , wherein the elongated member further comprises an optical channel extending longitudinally through the elongated member for slidingly receiving the plunger, the optical channel being spaced apart and substantially parallel to the seed alignment channel and also being in aligned relation to and in communication with the bore through the needle.
18. The implantation device according to claim 8 , further comprising a seed lock located between the seed transfer barrel and the proximal end of the needle, the seed lock being in aligned relation to and communication with the bore of the needle and comprising a resilient spring-like member that is adapted to prevent a seed from passing from the seed chamber through the needle bore unless that seed is being driven by the plunger as the plunger moves from the retracted to the extended position.
19. The implantation device according to claim 6 , further comprising:
a housing located at a proximal end of the outer sheath; and
means for selectively moving the outer sheath in predetermined increments in the longitudinal direction relative the housing.
20. The implantation device according to claim 19 , wherein the means for selectively moving the outer sheath comprises a roticulator ring operably connecting the proximal end of the outer sheath to the housing.
21. The implantation device according to claim 20 , further comprising indicia formed on the roticulator ring to provide a visual indication of the selective movement of the outer sheath relative the housing.
22. The implantation device according to claim 19 , wherein the means for selectively moving the outer sheath comprises:
a control lever carried by the housing, the control lever having a plurality of gear teeth formed thereon for driving at least one gear rotatably mounted within the housing; and
a plurality of gear teeth formed on at least a portion of the outer sheath for interlocking engagement with the at least one gear, wherein rotation of the at least one gear in response to actuation of the control lever causes the outer sheath to move longitudinally relative the housing.
23. The implantation device according to claim 22 , further comprising indicia formed on the housing to provide a visual indication of the selective movement of the outer sheath relative the housing.
24. The implantation device according to claim 19 , further comprising means for selectively moving the plunger from the retracted position to the extended position.
25. The implantation device according to claim 24 , wherein the means for selectively moving the plunger comprises:
a second gear rotatably mounted within the housing, the second gear being driven in response to actuation of the control lever from a first angular position to a second angular position;
a plurality of gear teeth formed on at least a portion of the plunger for interlocking engagement with the second gear, wherein rotation of the second gear in response to actuation of the control lever causes the plunger to move longitudinally from the retracted position to the extended position.
26. The implantation device according to claim 25 , wherein actuation of the control lever from the second angular position to the first angular position causes the plunger to move longitudinally from the extended position to the retracted position.
27. The implantation device according to claim 14 , further comprising means for selectively moving the advancing pin in the first and second directions relative the seed transfer barrel in order to rotate the transfer barrel.
28. The implantation device according to claim 27 , wherein the means for selectively moving the advancing pin comprises:
a third gear rotatably mounted within a housing located at a proximal end of the implantation device, the third gear being driven in response to actuation of a control lever carried by the housing, the control lever having a plurality of gear teeth formed thereon for driving the third gear in response to actuation of the lever;
a rack having a first resilient hook projecting therefrom, the rack being slidably mounted within the housing and comprising a plurality of teeth for interlocking engagement with the third gear;
a hook member having a second resilient hook projecting therefrom, the hook member being slidably mounted within the housing; and
a linking shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the linking shaft being operatively connected to the advancing pin and the proximal end of the linking shaft being operatively connected to the hook member, wherein the rack is longitudinally driven relative the hook member in response to rotation of the third gear between a disengaged position where the first and second hooks are disengaged and an engaged position where the first and second hooks are releasably engaged.
29. The implantation device according to claim 3 , further comprising a seed counter indicator for providing a numerical visual indication of the number of seeds ejected from the implantation device through the needle.
30. The implantation device according to claim 8 , further comprising a removable seed cartridge adapted to hold a plurality of seeds for use with the implantation device, the seed cartridge having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being releasably connected to the implantation device for feeding the seeds into the seed alignment channel from the seed cartridge.
31. The implantation device according to claim 30 , wherein the seed cartridge comprises:
an elongated cylindrically-shaped core member having a seed conduit extending longitudinally therethrough, the seed conduit being in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel when the seed cartridge is releasably connected to the implantation device and the seed conduit being adapted to retain the plurality of seeds in end-to-end aligned relation prior to feeding the seeds into the seed alignment channel; and
an elongated seed advancement push rod slidably received within the seed conduit, wherein longitudinal movement of the push rod toward the distal end of the seed cartridge causes the seeds contained within the seed conduit to advance into the seed alignment channel from the seed cartridge.
32. The implantation device according to claim 31 , wherein the core member comprises a circumferential slot extending longitudinally throughout the length of the core member, the slot opening into the seed conduit; and wherein the push rod comprises a tab projecting therefrom that extends through the circumferential slot so that an operator of the implantation device may grip the tab to advance the push rod longitudinally through the seed conduit.
33. The implantation device according to claim 32 , further comprising an elongated, cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the core member, the outer sleeve having a circumferential groove extending throughout the length of the outer sleeve and opening into the bore, wherein the push rod tab projects through the groove in the outer sleeve so that the operator of the implantation device may grip the tab to advance the push rod longitudinally through the seed conduit.
34. The implantation device according to claim 33 , wherein the circumferential groove formed in the outer sleeve is substantially parallel to the slot formed in the core member.
35. The implantation device according to claim 33 , wherein the outer sleeve is rotatable relative the core member and the circumferential groove formed in the outer sleeve is generally curved throughout the length of the outer sleeve so that the outer sleeve is caused to rotate relative the core member as the push rod tab is moved longitudinally through the outer sleeve groove and core member slot.
36. The implantation device according to claim 35 , wherein the outer sleeve is adapted to expose no more than one seed contained within the seed conduit through the outer sleeve groove and core member slot at any given time as the push rod tab is moved longitudinally through the outer sleeve groove and core member slot.
37. The implantation device according to claim 32 , wherein the core member includes a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart seed conduits extending longitudinally therethrough, each seed conduit being adapted to retain a plurality of seeds in end-to-end aligned relation prior to feeding the seeds into the seed alignment channel, the core member having a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart circumferential slots formed therein and extending longitudinally throughout the length of the core member, each slot opening into one of the seed conduits, and the seed cartridge adapted to be releasably connected to the implantation device so that any one of the seed conduits is in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel when the seed cartridge is releasably connected to the implantation device.
38. The implantation device according to claim 30 , wherein the seed cartridge comprises a locking key projecting from the distal end of the seed cartridge, the locking key being received within a keyhole formed within a housing of the implantation device to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
39. The implantation device according to claim 37 , wherein the seed cartridge comprises at least one locking key projecting from the distal end of the seed cartridge, the locking key being received within one of a plurality of keyholes formed within a housing of the implantation device to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
40. The implantation device according to claim 33 , further comprising an alignment adaptor comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being releasably connected to the implantation device and the proximal end being releasably connected to the outer sleeve, the alignment adaptor having a central bore extending therethrough so that, when the adaptor is connected to the implantation device and outer sleeve, the adaptor bore is in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel and a seed conduit extending through the core member.
41. The implantation device according to claim 40 , wherein at least one circumferential groove is formed on the proximal end of the alignment adaptor for releasably engaging an associated locking key formed on the outer sleeve and projecting into the outer sleeve bore when at least the proximal end of the alignment adaptor is received within the outer sleeve bore in order to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
42. The implantation device according to claim 41 , further comprising a plurality of spaced apart circumferential grooves formed on the proximal end of the alignment adaptor, each circumferential groove releasably engaging an associated locking key formed on the outer sleeve and projecting into the outer sleeve bore when at least the proximal end of the alignment adaptor is received within the outer sleeve bore in order to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
43. The implantation device according to claim 3 , wherein the implantation device is a single use device that is disposable after implantation of one or more seeds within the patient.
44. The implantation device according to claim 3 , wherein the implantation device is adapted to be sterilized for repeated use.
45. A seed cartridge for holding a plurality of seeds for use with an implantation device of the type having a seed alignment channel, a hollow needle and a moveable plunger that causes seeds within the device to pass through the hollow needle and be implanted within or adjacent to a target area, such as a tumor, located within a patient, the seed cartridge comprising:
an elongated cylindrically-shaped core member having a seed conduit extending longitudinally therethrough, the seed conduit being adapted to retain the plurality of seeds in end-to-end aligned relation prior to feeding the seeds into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device;
locking means adapted to releasably connect the core member to the implantation device so that the seed conduit is in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel of the implantation device; and
an elongated seed advancement push rod slidably received within the seed conduit, the push rod being adapted to move longitudinally within the seed conduit to cause the seeds contained within the seed conduit to advance into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device from the seed cartridge.
46. The seed cartridge according to claim 45 , wherein the core member comprises a circumferential slot extending longitudinally throughout the length of the core member, the slot opening into the seed conduit; and wherein the push rod comprises a tab projecting therefrom that extends through the circumferential slot so that an operator of the implantation device may grip the tab to advance the push rod longitudinally through the seed conduit.
47. The seed cartridge according to claim 46 , further comprising an elongated, cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the core member, the outer sleeve having a circumferential groove extending throughout the length of the outer sleeve and opening into the bore, wherein the push rod tab projects through the groove in the outer sleeve so that the operator of the implantation device may grip the tab to advance the push rod longitudinally through the seed conduit.
48. The seed cartridge according to claim 47 , wherein the circumferential groove formed in the outer sleeve is substantially parallel to the slot formed in the core member.
49. The seed cartridge according to claim 47 , wherein the outer sleeve is rotatable relative the core member and the circumferential groove formed in the outer sleeve is generally curved throughout the length of the outer sleeve so that the outer sleeve is caused to rotate relative the core member as the push rod tab is moved longitudinally through the outer sleeve groove and core member slot.
50. The implantation device according to claim 49 , wherein the outer sleeve is adapted to expose no more than one seed contained within the seed conduit through the outer sleeve groove and core member slot at any given time as the push rod tab is moved longitudinally through the outer sleeve groove and core member slot.
51. The seed cartridge according to claim 46 , further comprising:
a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart seed conduits extending longitudinally through the core member, each seed conduit being adapted to retain a plurality of seeds in end-to-end aligned relation prior to feeding the seeds into the seed alignment channel; and
a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart circumferential slots formed on and extending longitudinally throughout the length of the core member, each slot opening into one of the seed conduits; wherein the locking means is adapted to releasably connect the core member to the implantation device so that any one of the seed conduits is in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel when the core member is releasably connected to the implantation device.
52. The seed cartridge according to claim 47 , wherein the locking means is formed on an end of the outer sleeve.
53. The seed cartridge according to claim 45 , wherein the locking means comprises a locking key projecting from an end of the seed cartridge, the locking key adapted to be received within a keyhole formed within a housing of the implantation device to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
54. The seed cartridge according to claim 51 , wherein the locking means comprises at least one locking key projecting from an end of the seed cartridge, the locking key being adapted to be received within one of a plurality of keyholes formed within a housing of the implantation device to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
55. The seed cartridge according to claim 47 , further comprising an alignment adaptor having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being adapted to be releasably connected to the implantation device and the proximal end being releasably connected to the outer sleeve, the alignment adaptor having a central bore extending therethrough so that, when the adaptor is connected to the implantation device and outer sleeve, the adaptor bore is in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel in the implantation device and a seed conduit extending through the core member.
56. The seed cartridge according to claim 55 , wherein at least one circumferential groove is formed on the proximal end of the alignment adaptor for releasably engaging an associated locking key formed on the outer sleeve and projecting into the outer sleeve bore when at least the proximal end of the alignment adaptor is received within the outer sleeve bore in order to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
57. The seed cartridge according to claim 55 , further comprising a plurality of spaced apart circumferential grooves formed on the proximal end of the alignment adaptor, each circumferential groove releasably engaging an associated locking key formed on the outer sleeve and projecting into the outer sleeve bore when at least the proximal end of the alignment adaptor is received within the outer sleeve bore in order to releasably connect the seed cartridge to the implantation device.
58. The seed cartridge according to claim 49 , further comprising:
a proximal end cap releasably secured to a proximal end of the outer core, the proximal end cap having at least one cut-out section to facilitate introduction of the push rod into the seed conduit and the push rod tab within the circumferential slot and groove of the core member and outer sleeve, respectively; and
a distal end cap releasably secured to a distal end of the inner core, the distal end cap having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each aperture being in aligned relationship and communication with one of the seed conduits.
59. The seed cartridge according to claim 58 , further comprising first and second foils for sealing the seed cartridge prior to use with the implantation device, the first foil located between the distal end cap and the core member and the second foil located between the proximal end cap and the outer sleeve, wherein the first and second foils may be penetrated by the push rod as the push rod is advance through the seed cartridge.
60. A method for loading and discharging a plurality of seeds from an implantation device, comprising the steps of:
loading the seeds into the implantation device;
selectively positioning one of the seeds in aligned relation to and communication with a bore through a hollow implantation needle operatively connected to the device;
selectively moving an elongated plunger from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position to advance the aligned seed through the needle bore and out of the needle; and
viewing the aligned seed prior to advancement through the needle and following discharge of the aligned seed out of the needle using an a optical device carried by the implantation device to provide visual assistance to the operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the discharged seed into a target area of a patient.
61. The method according to claim 60 , wherein the optical device is operatively connected to and carried by the plunger so that when the plunger is selectively moved to the extended position, the optical device is carried by the plunger through the needle bore to a position proximate the distal end of the needle.
62. The method according to claim 61 , wherein the optical device is a fiberoptic scope.
63. The method according to claim 61 , wherein the optical device is an optical scope.
64. The method according to claim 61 , further comprising the step of selectively moving an elongated outer sheath in predetermined increments relative the needle to position the needle at the desired target area.
65. The method according to claim 64 , further comprising the steps of:
receiving the seeds in aligned relation within a seed alignment channel:
inserting one of the seeds located within the seed alignment channel into a selectively movable seed chamber in aligned relation to and communication with the seed alignment channel; and
selectively advancing the seed channel containing the inserted seed to a firing position in aligned relation to and communication with the needle bore.
66. The method according to claim 65 , further comprising the step of selectively moving the elongated plunger from the extended position to the retracted position prior to selectively advancing the seed channel.
67. The method according to claim 65 , wherein the step of selectively advancing the seed channel comprises the steps of:
selectively moving a first advancing pin tooth in a first direction into engagement with a first circumferential cam portion formed on a seed transfer barrel in which the seed channel is formed to rotate the seed channel a first predetermined angular distance; and
selectively moving a second advancing pin tooth in a second direction into engagement with a second circumferential cam portion formed on the seed transfer barrel to rotate the seed channel a second predetermined angular distance.
68. The method according to claim 65 , further comprising the step of biasing the seeds aligned within the seed alignment channel toward the seed chamber.
69. The method according to claim 61 , further comprising the step of preventing the positioned seed from passing through the needle bore unless that positioned seed is being driven by the plunger as the plunger is selectively moved from the retracted position to the extended position.
70. The method according to claim 66 , wherein the step of selectively moving the plunger from the retracted position to the extended position comprises the step of actuating a control lever having a first set of gear teeth formed thereon from a first position to a second position in order to drive a second set of gear teeth formed on a portion of the plunger.
71. The method according to claim 70, wherein the step of selectively moving the outer sheath comprises the step of actuating the control lever having a first set of gear teeth formed thereon from the second position to a third position to drive a third set of gear teeth formed on a portion of the outer sheath.
72. The method according to claim 71, wherein the step of selectively advancing the seed channel comprises the step of actuating the control lever from the third position back to the first position.
73. The method according to claim 71, wherein the step of selectively moving the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position comprises the step of actuating the control lever from the third position back to the first position.
74. The method according to claim 61 , further comprising the step of providing a visual indication of the number of seeds ejected from the implantation device through the needle.
75. The method according to claim 65 , wherein the step of loading the seeds into the implantation device comprises the step of:
placing a plurality of seeds within a seed conduit formed within a cartridge;
releasably connecting the seed cartridge to the implantation device so that the seed conduit is in aligned relation and communication with the seed alignment channel; and
advancing the seeds within the seed conduit out of the seed cartridge and into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device.
76. The method according to claim 75, wherein the step of advancing the seed within the seed conduit comprises the step of inserting a push rod into the seed conduit to force the seeds contained therein out of the seed cartridge and into the seed alignment channel of the implantation device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/211,535 US20020193656A1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2002-08-05 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US879195P | 1995-12-18 | 1995-12-18 | |
US994996P | 1996-01-16 | 1996-01-16 | |
US08/763,759 US6102844A (en) | 1995-12-18 | 1996-12-11 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US09/512,451 US6428463B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US10/211,535 US20020193656A1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2002-08-05 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/512,451 Division US6428463B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020193656A1 true US20020193656A1 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
Family
ID=26678628
Family Applications (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/763,759 Expired - Fee Related US6102844A (en) | 1995-12-18 | 1996-12-11 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US09/512,450 Expired - Fee Related US6508755B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US09/512,452 Expired - Fee Related US6432035B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and cartridge |
US09/512,468 Expired - Fee Related US6592508B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US09/512,451 Expired - Fee Related US6428463B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US10/211,535 Abandoned US20020193656A1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2002-08-05 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
Family Applications Before (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/763,759 Expired - Fee Related US6102844A (en) | 1995-12-18 | 1996-12-11 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US09/512,450 Expired - Fee Related US6508755B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US09/512,452 Expired - Fee Related US6432035B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and cartridge |
US09/512,468 Expired - Fee Related US6592508B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US09/512,451 Expired - Fee Related US6428463B1 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 2000-02-24 | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (6) | US6102844A (en) |
AU (1) | AU1331497A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997022379A2 (en) |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040077919A1 (en) * | 2002-10-16 | 2004-04-22 | Drobnik Christopher D. | Apparatus and method for dose administration in brachytherapy |
US20080214955A1 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-09-04 | Speeg Trevor W V | Presentation of Biopsy Sample By Biopsy Device |
US20080283576A1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2008-11-20 | Searete Llc. A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Surgical fastening device with cutter |
US7798385B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-09-21 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Surgical stapling instrument with chemical sealant |
US7810691B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-10-12 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Gentle touch surgical stapler |
US7823761B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-11-02 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Maneuverable surgical stapler |
US7832611B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-11-16 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Steerable surgical stapler |
US20110201868A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Axel Hentrich | Magazine for chain components for a chain with radiation sources and a system consisting of a chain component and a magazine for chain components for a chain with radiation sources |
WO2012149053A1 (en) * | 2011-04-25 | 2012-11-01 | Vanderbilt University | Apparatus and method for airway injection |
US8353812B2 (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2013-01-15 | Neovista, Inc. | Handheld radiation delivery system |
US8485411B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2013-07-16 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Gentle touch surgical stapler |
WO2014083584A1 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2014-06-05 | Laura Raus | Device for percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy |
US9492130B2 (en) | 2010-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Hologic, Inc. | System for improved tissue-handling and in line analysis of the tissue |
US9585672B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2017-03-07 | Thd S.P.A. | Device for implanting a prosthesis in a tissue |
KR20190021176A (en) * | 2017-08-22 | 2019-03-05 | 워쏘우 오르쏘페딕 인코포레이티드 | Drug pellet injector needle and method |
US11179141B2 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2021-11-23 | Devicor Medical Products, Inc. | Biopsy system |
US11317881B2 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2022-05-03 | Faxitron Bioptics, Llc | Imaging system with adaptive object magnification |
US11358149B2 (en) | 2014-03-05 | 2022-06-14 | Faxitron Bioptics, Llc | System and method for multi-axis imaging of specimens |
US11566981B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-01-31 | Faxitron Bioptics, Llc | Multi-axis specimen imaging device with embedded orientation markers |
US11730434B2 (en) | 2016-11-04 | 2023-08-22 | Hologic, Inc. | Specimen radiography system comprising cabinet and a specimen drawer positionable by a controller in the cabinet |
Families Citing this family (132)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6256529B1 (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 2001-07-03 | Burdette Medical Systems, Inc. | Virtual reality 3D visualization for surgical procedures |
WO1997022379A2 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 1997-06-26 | Kerisma Medical Products, L.L.C. | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US6007474A (en) * | 1997-10-20 | 1999-12-28 | Ablation Technologies, Inc. | Radioactive and/or thermal seed implantation device |
US6129670A (en) * | 1997-11-24 | 2000-10-10 | Burdette Medical Systems | Real time brachytherapy spatial registration and visualization system |
US6561967B2 (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 2003-05-13 | Bruno Schmidt | Interstitial brachytherapy device and method |
US7063681B1 (en) | 1998-04-23 | 2006-06-20 | Alza Corporation | Trocar for inserting implants |
MY128127A (en) * | 1998-04-23 | 2007-01-31 | Alza Corp | Trocar for inserting implants |
WO2000004953A2 (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 2000-02-03 | Cook Urological Inc. | Brachytherapy device including an anti-static handle |
US6248112B1 (en) * | 1998-09-30 | 2001-06-19 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Implant delivery system |
US8114006B2 (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2012-02-14 | University Of South Florida | Radio guided seed localization of imaged lesions |
US6496717B2 (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2002-12-17 | University Of South Florida | Radio guided seed localization of imaged lesions |
US6270472B1 (en) * | 1998-12-29 | 2001-08-07 | University Of Pittsburgh Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education | Apparatus and a method for automatically introducing implants into soft tissue with adjustable spacing |
WO2000061229A1 (en) * | 1999-04-09 | 2000-10-19 | Medi Physics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for loading delivery systems for brachytherapy seeds |
US6730013B1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2004-05-04 | Medi-Physics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for loading delivery systems for brachytherapy seeds |
US6454696B1 (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2002-09-24 | Nucletron B. V. | Device and method for implanting radioactive seeds |
US6641519B1 (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2003-11-04 | Nucletron B.V. | Wire drive in a medical device |
US6595908B2 (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2003-07-22 | Nucletron B.V. | Method for analyzing amount of activity |
US6221003B1 (en) | 1999-07-26 | 2001-04-24 | Indigo Medical, Incorporated | Brachytherapy cartridge including absorbable and autoclaveable spacer |
US6267718B1 (en) | 1999-07-26 | 2001-07-31 | Ethicon, Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Brachytherapy seed cartridge |
US6468264B1 (en) * | 1999-10-12 | 2002-10-22 | Durect Corporation | Closed exchange system |
AU8026600A (en) * | 1999-10-15 | 2001-04-30 | Deschutes Medical Products, Inc. | Brachytherapy instrument and methods |
US6450938B1 (en) | 2000-03-21 | 2002-09-17 | Promex, Llc | Brachytherapy device |
US6551275B2 (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2003-04-22 | Integrated Implant Systems, Llc | Grid sheath for medical instrument |
AU2001263208A1 (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2001-11-26 | Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C. | Targeting fixture |
AU2001264632A1 (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2001-11-26 | Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C. | Needle spin for medical instrument |
WO2001087404A2 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2001-11-22 | Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C. | Medical instrument for implanting seeds |
US20030135102A1 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2003-07-17 | Burdette Everette C. | Method and system for registration and guidance of intravascular treatment |
US6540656B2 (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2003-04-01 | Integrated Implant Systems Llc | Targeting fixture for a grid template |
WO2001087405A2 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2001-11-22 | Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C. | Drive mechanism for medical seed implanting instrument |
US6629960B2 (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2003-10-07 | Integrated Implant Systems, Ll.C. | Needle hub for medical instrument |
US6616594B2 (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2003-09-09 | Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C. | Cartridge-moveable shield |
AU2001263206A1 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2001-12-03 | Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C. | Well-type ionization chamber holder for calibrating brachytherapy seeds |
US6537192B1 (en) | 2000-06-05 | 2003-03-25 | Mentor Corporation | Automated radioisotope seed loader system for implant needles |
US6616593B1 (en) | 2000-06-05 | 2003-09-09 | Mentor Corporation | Automated radioisotope seed cartridge |
WO2002037934A2 (en) | 2000-06-05 | 2002-05-16 | Mentor Corporation | Automated implantation system for radioisotope seeds |
US6443881B1 (en) * | 2000-06-06 | 2002-09-03 | Paul T. Finger | Ophthalmic brachytherapy device |
US20020156361A1 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2002-10-24 | Youri Popowski | Positioning template for implanting a substance into a patient |
US6758824B1 (en) | 2000-11-06 | 2004-07-06 | Suros Surgical Systems, Inc. | Biopsy apparatus |
GB2376633B (en) | 2000-11-06 | 2004-11-10 | Suros Surgical Systems Inc | Biopsy apparatus |
WO2004026111A2 (en) | 2000-11-16 | 2004-04-01 | Microspherix Llc | Flexible and/or elastic brachytherapy seed or strand |
US6746661B2 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2004-06-08 | Microspherix Llc | Brachytherapy seed |
DE10058163C2 (en) * | 2000-11-22 | 2003-07-10 | Bebig Isotopen Und Medizintech | Method and applicator for positioning and / or ejecting radiation sources via hollow needles into biological tissue |
US6800055B2 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2004-10-05 | Cordis Corporation | Low attenuating radioactive seeds |
US6875165B2 (en) | 2001-02-22 | 2005-04-05 | Retinalabs, Inc. | Method of radiation delivery to the eye |
US6572527B2 (en) * | 2001-02-23 | 2003-06-03 | Mentor Corporation | Radioactive seed-holding device |
US6726617B1 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2004-04-27 | Bruno Schmidt | Cartridge and applicator |
US7080486B2 (en) * | 2001-07-12 | 2006-07-25 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Pass-through firestop device |
CA2453822C (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2011-02-22 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Tissue marking apparatus and method |
US6755775B2 (en) * | 2001-08-30 | 2004-06-29 | North American Scientific, Inc. | Apparatus and method for loading a brachytherapy seed cartridge |
DE10204818C2 (en) | 2002-02-06 | 2003-11-27 | Eurotope Entwicklungsgesellsch | Device and method for loading implantation needles with radiation sources from radiation source chains for interstitial brachytherapy of tissue |
US6837844B1 (en) | 2002-05-14 | 2005-01-04 | Med-Tec Iowa, Inc. | Seed cartridge for radiation therapy |
US6656107B1 (en) * | 2002-05-24 | 2003-12-02 | Mentor Corporation | Brachytherapy seed applicators |
AU2003240375A1 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2004-01-23 | Debiopharma S.A. | Implant inserting device |
EP1551509B1 (en) * | 2002-09-10 | 2008-10-29 | Cianna Medical, Inc. | Brachytherapy apparatus |
US7070554B2 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2006-07-04 | Theragenics Corporation | Brachytherapy devices and methods of using them |
US7090643B2 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2006-08-15 | 3G Ultrasound, Inc. | Ultrasonic imaging device, system and method of use |
US6953426B2 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2005-10-11 | Mentor Corporation | Seed magazine |
DE10307829A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-09-09 | Cell Center Cologne Gmbh | Medical wire gun |
US7037252B2 (en) * | 2003-05-05 | 2006-05-02 | Draxis Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Brachytherapy seed transport devices and methods for using same |
JP4117476B2 (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2008-07-16 | 日本電気株式会社 | Optical module, optical module / cage assembly, optical module / cage locking method and unlocking method |
US6989543B2 (en) * | 2003-08-15 | 2006-01-24 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Radiation shielding container for radioactive sources |
IL157984A (en) | 2003-09-17 | 2015-02-26 | Dali Medical Devices Ltd | Autoneedle |
IL157981A (en) | 2003-09-17 | 2014-01-30 | Elcam Medical Agricultural Cooperative Ass Ltd | Auto-injector |
US6899105B2 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-05-31 | Restore Medical, Inc. | Airway implant cartridge and kit |
US20050065615A1 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-03-24 | Restore Medical, Inc. | Airway implant and delivery tool and kit |
US20050154412A1 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-07-14 | Restore Medical, Inc. | Airway implant and delivery tool |
US7563222B2 (en) | 2004-02-12 | 2009-07-21 | Neovista, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy |
JP4602356B2 (en) | 2004-02-12 | 2010-12-22 | ネオビスタ、インコーポレイテッド | Method and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy |
IL160891A0 (en) | 2004-03-16 | 2004-08-31 | Auto-mix needle | |
US20050267319A1 (en) * | 2004-05-12 | 2005-12-01 | White Jack C | Brachytherapy seed loader and containers |
US9638770B2 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2017-05-02 | Devicor Medical Products, Inc. | MRI biopsy apparatus incorporating an imageable penetrating portion |
US7708751B2 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2010-05-04 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | MRI biopsy device |
US8932233B2 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2015-01-13 | Devicor Medical Products, Inc. | MRI biopsy device |
US20060041191A1 (en) * | 2004-08-20 | 2006-02-23 | Sergey Popovich | Universal endoscope |
US7335155B2 (en) * | 2004-09-14 | 2008-02-26 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Unitary formulation delivery device |
US20060173236A1 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2006-08-03 | White Jack C | Brachytherapy magazine seed indicator |
SI3417905T2 (en) * | 2005-01-24 | 2023-11-30 | Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. | Applicator for inserting an implant |
US8406858B2 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2013-03-26 | The Regents Of The University Of Colorado, A Body Corporate | Multi-excitation diagnostic system and methods for classification of tissue |
US8187159B2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2012-05-29 | Biocompatibles, UK | Therapeutic member including a rail used in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy |
US7736293B2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2010-06-15 | Biocompatibles Uk Limited | Implants for use in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy that resist migration and rotation |
WO2007059208A2 (en) | 2005-11-15 | 2007-05-24 | Neovista Inc. | Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy |
EP1984063B1 (en) | 2006-01-19 | 2019-08-14 | Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. | Kit for and method of assembling an applicator for inserting an implant |
GB2437783B (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2011-11-02 | Summit Medical Ltd | A medical treatment material delivery apparatus |
JP2009536561A (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2009-10-15 | メディ−フィジックス・インコーポレイテッド | Shielding cartridge assembly for brachytherapy seed |
WO2008112592A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-18 | Anthem Orthopaedics Llc | Implantable medicament delivery device and delivery tool and method for use therewith |
DE102007019880A1 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2008-11-06 | zur Mühlen, Dieter | Erection aid for men having no more sexual intercourse, has support spring which is enclosed by soft claddin made of silicone, is conically formed in longitudinal direction, ends with a soft apex on the thin ends |
US20080287987A1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2008-11-20 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Dispensing system for tissue sealants |
US8202229B2 (en) | 2007-10-01 | 2012-06-19 | Suros Surgical Systems, Inc. | Surgical device |
US8808200B2 (en) | 2007-10-01 | 2014-08-19 | Suros Surgical Systems, Inc. | Surgical device and method of using same |
US8360951B2 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2013-01-29 | Theragenics Corporation | Point of care radioactive material stranding system |
US20090112243A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Surgical cutter with dispensing system for tissue sealants |
US20090112256A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2009-04-30 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Suturing device with tissue sealant dispenser |
US20090143816A1 (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2009-06-04 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Grasper with surgical sealant dispenser |
FR2924917B1 (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2011-02-11 | Microval | APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING SUTURE SPIERS RESULTING FROM A SHAPE MEMORY METAL WIRE. |
FR2925342B1 (en) * | 2007-12-21 | 2011-01-21 | Rexam Pharma La Verpilliere | DEVICE FOR INJECTING AN IMPLANT |
US7824359B2 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2010-11-02 | Solomon Clifford T | Bioinjection device |
US9782565B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2017-10-10 | Covidien Lp | Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary access system |
US11298113B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2022-04-12 | Covidien Lp | Device for needle biopsy with integrated needle protection |
US9186128B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2015-11-17 | Covidien Lp | Needle biopsy device |
US9332973B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2016-05-10 | Covidien Lp | Needle biopsy device with exchangeable needle and integrated needle protection |
US8968210B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2015-03-03 | Covidien LLP | Device for needle biopsy with integrated needle protection |
US9042964B2 (en) * | 2009-04-30 | 2015-05-26 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | System and method for fiducial deployment via slotted needle |
US8529468B2 (en) | 2009-07-01 | 2013-09-10 | Suros Surgical Systems, Inc. | Surgical system |
US8348929B2 (en) | 2009-08-05 | 2013-01-08 | Rocin Laboratories, Inc. | Endoscopically-guided tissue aspiration system for safely removing fat tissue from a patient |
US8465471B2 (en) | 2009-08-05 | 2013-06-18 | Rocin Laboratories, Inc. | Endoscopically-guided electro-cauterizing power-assisted fat aspiration system for aspirating visceral fat tissue within the abdomen of a patient |
US8348883B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2013-01-08 | Martha Sklavos | Device for implanting objects into animal tissue |
CN102686275B (en) | 2009-12-28 | 2015-05-13 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Method and apparatus for brachytherapy featuring tracking via shape-sensing |
WO2012054466A2 (en) | 2010-10-18 | 2012-04-26 | Bioceptive, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for inserting a device or pharmaceutical into a body cavity |
IT1404712B1 (en) * | 2011-02-25 | 2013-11-29 | Thd Spa | DEVICE FOR IMPLANTING A PROSTHESIS IN A FABRIC. |
US8838208B2 (en) | 2011-06-28 | 2014-09-16 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Fiducial deployment needle system |
BR112014013293A2 (en) * | 2011-12-02 | 2017-06-13 | Bioceptive Inc | Methods and Apparatus for Inserting a Pharmaceutical Device or Product into a Uterus |
EP2719355A3 (en) * | 2012-10-11 | 2014-05-21 | Cook Medical Technologies LLC | Clutched-gear handle for fiducial deployment |
EP2967642B1 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2017-02-01 | Cook Medical Technologies LLC | Ratchet-slide handle and system for fiducial deployment |
FR3018196A1 (en) * | 2014-03-10 | 2015-09-11 | Andriy Bondaryev | E12-ENDOSCOPIC NEEDLE I125 RADIOACTIVE SOURCE APPLICATOR FOR ENDOBRACHYTHERAPY OF MALIGNANT TUMORS |
EP3151764B1 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2023-02-01 | Cook Medical Technologies LLC | Screw-driven handles and systems for fiducial deployment |
CN106456150B (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2019-02-12 | 库克医药技术有限责任公司 | Plunger type collet handle and system for primary standard substance deployment |
US9775978B2 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2017-10-03 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Drug delivery device and methods having a retaining member |
US10080877B2 (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2018-09-25 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Drug delivery device and methods having a drug cartridge |
US10123848B2 (en) | 2014-12-03 | 2018-11-13 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | EUS fiducial needle stylet handle assembly |
US10219882B1 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2019-03-05 | Edgar C. Cohen, Jr. | Animal pill delivery device |
GB201501609D0 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2015-03-18 | Mclean Phillip | Horseshoe plug and horseshoe plug installation assembly |
US10076650B2 (en) | 2015-11-23 | 2018-09-18 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Enhanced stylet for drug depot injector |
USD860451S1 (en) | 2016-06-02 | 2019-09-17 | Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. | Implant removal tool |
USD840030S1 (en) | 2016-06-02 | 2019-02-05 | Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. | Implant placement guide |
US10549081B2 (en) | 2016-06-23 | 2020-02-04 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Drug delivery device and methods having a retaining member |
US10434261B2 (en) | 2016-11-08 | 2019-10-08 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Drug pellet delivery system and method |
CN108434614A (en) * | 2018-03-23 | 2018-08-24 | 河北海思开尔医院管理股份有限公司 | A kind of seeds implanted device |
USD933219S1 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2021-10-12 | Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. | Implant removal tool and assembly |
CN109260586A (en) * | 2018-07-23 | 2019-01-25 | 深圳先进技术研究院 | A kind of radioactive prospecting instrument operating robot |
US11541251B2 (en) | 2018-09-26 | 2023-01-03 | University Of Iowa Research Foundation | Apparatus and method for rotating shield brachytherapy |
US11576729B2 (en) | 2019-06-17 | 2023-02-14 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Cranial surgery using optical shape sensing |
CN116249496A (en) * | 2020-05-20 | 2023-06-09 | 波士顿科学有限公司 | Medical delivery system and method of use thereof |
Family Cites Families (53)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1347622A (en) * | 1919-03-29 | 1920-07-27 | Arthur E Deininger | Vaccine-injector |
US2269963A (en) * | 1940-06-01 | 1942-01-13 | Wappler Frederick Charles | Implanting device |
GB786850A (en) * | 1956-08-30 | 1957-11-27 | Foundation Lab Inc | An implanter and cartridge therefor |
US3750653A (en) * | 1970-09-08 | 1973-08-07 | School Of Medicine University | Irradiators for treating the body |
US3704707A (en) | 1971-04-06 | 1972-12-05 | William X Halloran | Orthopedic drill guide apparatus |
US3774607A (en) * | 1971-11-22 | 1973-11-27 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Pellet implant gun |
US4086914A (en) * | 1977-02-11 | 1978-05-02 | Edwin Bailey Moore | Implant injector |
US4167179A (en) * | 1977-10-17 | 1979-09-11 | Mark Kirsch | Planar radioactive seed implanter |
DE2804881C3 (en) | 1978-02-04 | 1980-08-07 | Fa. Carl Zeiss, 7920 Heidenheim | Device for the automatic analysis of liquid samples |
US4402308A (en) * | 1980-11-03 | 1983-09-06 | Scott Walter P | Medical implantation device |
US4396021A (en) * | 1980-12-15 | 1983-08-02 | Baumgartner George C | Surgical instrument and process |
US4400170A (en) * | 1981-09-29 | 1983-08-23 | Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc. | Implanting device and implant magazine |
US4451254A (en) | 1982-03-15 | 1984-05-29 | Eli Lilly And Company | Implant system |
US4586490A (en) * | 1984-02-27 | 1986-05-06 | Katz Harry R | Needle inserting instrument means for interstitial radiotherapy |
US4697575A (en) * | 1984-11-21 | 1987-10-06 | Henry Ford Hospital | Delivery system for interstitial radiation therapy including substantially non-deflecting elongated member |
DE3442762A1 (en) * | 1984-11-23 | 1986-06-26 | Anwer Dipl.-Ing. 8520 Erlangen Puthawala | REMOTE CONTROLLED AFTERLOADING DEVICE FOR BRACHYCURIE THERAPY OF TUMORS |
US4838265A (en) | 1985-05-24 | 1989-06-13 | Cosman Eric R | Localization device for probe placement under CT scanner imaging |
US4700692A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1987-10-20 | Baumgartner George C | Surgical implantation method and apparatus |
US4763642A (en) * | 1986-04-07 | 1988-08-16 | Horowitz Bruce S | Intracavitational brachytherapy |
NL8601808A (en) * | 1986-07-10 | 1988-02-01 | Hooft Eric T | METHOD FOR TREATING A BODY PART WITH RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL AND CART USED THEREIN |
US4762515A (en) * | 1987-01-06 | 1988-08-09 | Ivy Laboratories, Inc. | Medicament implant applicator |
US4846793A (en) * | 1987-03-18 | 1989-07-11 | Endocon, Inc. | Injector for implanting multiple pellet medicaments |
NZ226230A (en) * | 1987-09-18 | 1991-01-29 | Schering Agrochemicals Ltd | Implant gun for use with cartridge of strip form |
ATE128841T1 (en) * | 1987-11-13 | 1995-10-15 | Advanced Diagnostic Med Syst | ULTRASONIC PROBE. |
EP0326768A3 (en) | 1988-02-01 | 1991-01-23 | Faro Medical Technologies Inc. | Computer-aided surgery apparatus |
US5147282A (en) * | 1989-05-04 | 1992-09-15 | William Kan | Irradiation loading apparatus |
AT397468B (en) * | 1990-07-11 | 1994-04-25 | Oesterr Forsch Seibersdorf | SPOTLIGHT HOLDER AND METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING THE SAME |
US5135493A (en) * | 1990-09-10 | 1992-08-04 | Pitman-Moore, Inc. | Strip cartridge adapter and strip cartridge for implant device |
US5282781A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1994-02-01 | Omnitron International Inc. | Source wire for localized radiation treatment of tumors |
US5160341A (en) * | 1990-11-08 | 1992-11-03 | Advanced Surgical Intervention, Inc. | Resorbable urethral stent and apparatus for its insertion |
US5147295A (en) * | 1991-01-23 | 1992-09-15 | Ideal Instruments, Inc. | Retractable implanter |
DE4109205A1 (en) * | 1991-03-21 | 1992-09-24 | Otto Pastyr | Radioactive seed-implantation system in skull - uses stiff non-metallic catheter accommodating, supporting or filling stylet(s) |
US5310407A (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1994-05-10 | Datascope Investment Corp. | Laparoscopic hemostat delivery system and method for using said system |
US5366896A (en) | 1991-07-30 | 1994-11-22 | University Of Virginia Alumni Patents Foundation | Robotically operated laboratory system |
US5242373A (en) * | 1991-09-17 | 1993-09-07 | Scott Walter P | Medical seed implantation instrument |
US5300080A (en) * | 1991-11-01 | 1994-04-05 | David Clayman | Stereotactic instrument guided placement |
US5289520A (en) | 1991-11-27 | 1994-02-22 | Lorad Corporation | Stereotactic mammography imaging system with prone position examination table and CCD camera |
US5467762A (en) * | 1993-09-13 | 1995-11-21 | United States Surgical Corporation | Optical trocar |
US5460592A (en) * | 1994-01-24 | 1995-10-24 | Amersham Holdings, Inc. | Apparatus and method for making carrier assembly for radioactive seed carrier |
DE9405144U1 (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1995-07-27 | Henke Sass Wolf Gmbh | Implantation device |
DE4412605B4 (en) * | 1994-04-13 | 2005-10-20 | Zeiss Carl | Method for operating a stereotactic adapter |
WO1997022379A2 (en) | 1995-12-18 | 1997-06-26 | Kerisma Medical Products, L.L.C. | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge |
US5860909A (en) | 1996-10-18 | 1999-01-19 | Mick Radio Nuclear Instruments, Inc. | Seed applicator for use in radiation therapy |
EP0951242A1 (en) | 1996-11-29 | 1999-10-27 | Life Imaging Systems Inc. | Apparatus for guiding medical instruments during ultrasonographic imaging |
US5880976A (en) | 1997-02-21 | 1999-03-09 | Carnegie Mellon University | Apparatus and method for facilitating the implantation of artificial components in joints |
US5871448A (en) | 1997-10-14 | 1999-02-16 | Real World Design And Development Co. | Stepper apparatus for use in the imaging/treatment of internal organs using an ultrasound probe |
US6007474A (en) | 1997-10-20 | 1999-12-28 | Ablation Technologies, Inc. | Radioactive and/or thermal seed implantation device |
US6129670A (en) | 1997-11-24 | 2000-10-10 | Burdette Medical Systems | Real time brachytherapy spatial registration and visualization system |
US6036696A (en) | 1997-12-19 | 2000-03-14 | Stryker Technologies Corporation | Guide-pin placement device and method of use |
US6387034B1 (en) | 1998-08-17 | 2002-05-14 | Georia Tech Research Corporation | Brachytherapy treatment planning method and apparatus |
US6270472B1 (en) | 1998-12-29 | 2001-08-07 | University Of Pittsburgh Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education | Apparatus and a method for automatically introducing implants into soft tissue with adjustable spacing |
US6132358A (en) | 1999-01-25 | 2000-10-17 | Isostent, Inc. | Shield assembly for radioactive stents |
US6267718B1 (en) | 1999-07-26 | 2001-07-31 | Ethicon, Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Brachytherapy seed cartridge |
-
1996
- 1996-12-10 WO PCT/US1996/019620 patent/WO1997022379A2/en active Application Filing
- 1996-12-10 AU AU13314/97A patent/AU1331497A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-12-11 US US08/763,759 patent/US6102844A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2000
- 2000-02-24 US US09/512,450 patent/US6508755B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-24 US US09/512,452 patent/US6432035B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-24 US US09/512,468 patent/US6592508B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-24 US US09/512,451 patent/US6428463B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-08-05 US US10/211,535 patent/US20020193656A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7041048B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2006-05-09 | Sourcetech Medical, Llc | Apparatus and method for dose administration in brachytherapy |
US20040077919A1 (en) * | 2002-10-16 | 2004-04-22 | Drobnik Christopher D. | Apparatus and method for dose administration in brachytherapy |
US11179141B2 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2021-11-23 | Devicor Medical Products, Inc. | Biopsy system |
US20080214955A1 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-09-04 | Speeg Trevor W V | Presentation of Biopsy Sample By Biopsy Device |
US10517577B2 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2019-12-31 | Devicor Medical Products, Inc. | Presentation of biopsy sample by biopsy device |
US9345457B2 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2016-05-24 | Devicor Medical Products, Inc. | Presentation of biopsy sample by biopsy device |
US10905403B2 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2021-02-02 | Devicor Medical Products, Inc. | Presentation of biopsy sample by biopsy device |
US7810691B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-10-12 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Gentle touch surgical stapler |
US7922064B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2011-04-12 | The Invention Science Fund, I, LLC | Surgical fastening device with cutter |
US7931182B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2011-04-26 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Steerable surgical stapler |
US7975894B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2011-07-12 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Sensing surgical fastener |
US7832611B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-11-16 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Steerable surgical stapler |
US7823761B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-11-02 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Maneuverable surgical stapler |
US8157147B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2012-04-17 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Surgical stapling instrument with chemical sealant |
US8172120B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2012-05-08 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Maneuverable surgical stapler |
US7798385B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2010-09-21 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Surgical stapling instrument with chemical sealant |
US8485411B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2013-07-16 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Gentle touch surgical stapler |
US20080283576A1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2008-11-20 | Searete Llc. A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Surgical fastening device with cutter |
US9445809B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2016-09-20 | Deep Science, Llc | Gentle touch surgical stapler |
US8353812B2 (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2013-01-15 | Neovista, Inc. | Handheld radiation delivery system |
US8545377B2 (en) | 2010-02-12 | 2013-10-01 | Eckert & Ziegler Bebig Gmbh | Magazine for chain components for a chain with radiation sources and a system consisting of a chain component and a magazine for chain components for a chain with radiation sources |
US20110201868A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | Axel Hentrich | Magazine for chain components for a chain with radiation sources and a system consisting of a chain component and a magazine for chain components for a chain with radiation sources |
EP2359904A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-24 | Eckert & Ziegler Bebig GmbH | Cartridge for chain components of a chain with radioactive radiation sources and a system comprising a chain component and a cartridge |
US10078093B2 (en) | 2010-11-24 | 2018-09-18 | Hologic, Inc. | System for improved tissue handling and in line analysis of the tissue |
US9492130B2 (en) | 2010-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Hologic, Inc. | System for improved tissue-handling and in line analysis of the tissue |
US9585672B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2017-03-07 | Thd S.P.A. | Device for implanting a prosthesis in a tissue |
US9629637B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2017-04-25 | Thd S.P.A. | Device for implanting a prosthesis in a tissue |
WO2012149053A1 (en) * | 2011-04-25 | 2012-11-01 | Vanderbilt University | Apparatus and method for airway injection |
US9844683B2 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2017-12-19 | Laura Raus | Device for percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy |
CN104822416A (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2015-08-05 | 劳拉·劳斯 | Device for percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy |
EP3184148A1 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2017-06-28 | Laura Raus | Device for percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy |
WO2014083584A1 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2014-06-05 | Laura Raus | Device for percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy |
US11358149B2 (en) | 2014-03-05 | 2022-06-14 | Faxitron Bioptics, Llc | System and method for multi-axis imaging of specimens |
US11566981B2 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2023-01-31 | Faxitron Bioptics, Llc | Multi-axis specimen imaging device with embedded orientation markers |
US11730434B2 (en) | 2016-11-04 | 2023-08-22 | Hologic, Inc. | Specimen radiography system comprising cabinet and a specimen drawer positionable by a controller in the cabinet |
KR20190021176A (en) * | 2017-08-22 | 2019-03-05 | 워쏘우 오르쏘페딕 인코포레이티드 | Drug pellet injector needle and method |
KR102647370B1 (en) * | 2017-08-22 | 2024-03-13 | 워쏘우 오르쏘페딕 인코포레이티드 | Drug pellet injector needle and method |
US11317881B2 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2022-05-03 | Faxitron Bioptics, Llc | Imaging system with adaptive object magnification |
US11877877B2 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2024-01-23 | Faxitron Bioptics, Llc | Imaging system with adaptive object magnification |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1997022379A2 (en) | 1997-06-26 |
US6428463B1 (en) | 2002-08-06 |
US6508755B1 (en) | 2003-01-21 |
US6102844A (en) | 2000-08-15 |
US6592508B1 (en) | 2003-07-15 |
AU1331497A (en) | 1997-07-14 |
US6432035B1 (en) | 2002-08-13 |
WO1997022379A3 (en) | 1997-08-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6102844A (en) | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge | |
WO1997022379A9 (en) | Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge | |
CA1315024C (en) | Transendoscopic implant capsule | |
US6846283B2 (en) | Methods and apparatus for loading radioactive seeds into brachytherapy needles | |
US6558309B2 (en) | Methods and apparatus for brachytherapy treatment of prostate disease | |
US7131942B2 (en) | Brachytherapy seed deployment system | |
US8353812B2 (en) | Handheld radiation delivery system | |
US20030199726A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for intraductal brachytherapy | |
US7985172B2 (en) | After-loader devices and kits | |
EP2719355A2 (en) | Clutched-gear handle for fiducial deployment | |
EP2925407B1 (en) | Device for percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy | |
US9763660B2 (en) | Delivery applicator for radioactive staples for brachytherapy medical treatment | |
CA3072274C (en) | Intra-operative radiation therapy capsule with cylindrical shell radiation containment shutter system | |
US20230001232A1 (en) | Radiotherapy Applicator with Perpendicular or Angled Radial Dispensing | |
US20240108913A1 (en) | Radiotherapy Applicator | |
US20080269540A1 (en) | Seed cartridge adaptor and methods for use therewith |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |