Patent US6210315B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6210315B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Brachytherapy device including an anti-static handle
Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
•
Filing: 1999-07-15
•
Granted: 2001-04-03
•
Expires: 2019-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A brachytherapy device 10 for exposing to radioactivity a patient includes an elongate member such as a needle or cannula 12 adapted for introduction into the patient and also includes a stylet 14 slideably receivable in a longitudinal throughbore 16 in the needle 12. The device 10 also includes a portion 64 near either the proximal end 18 of the needle 12 or the distal end 24 of the stylet 14 which provides a local, defined amount of friction between the needle 12 and the stylet 14. The device 10 further includes an anti-static handle 34 connected to the needle 12. The handle 34 has an interior ramp surface 40 in communication with the throughbore 16 of the needle 12, frustoconical in shape and possessing an included apical angle of at least about 16°. The localized friction portion 64 can be a crimp or flange 48 on the stylet 14, or a crimp 44 or deformation 46 in or of the needle 12. The handle 34 is preferably composed of a polycarbonate, acrylic or acetal resin (such resins preferably being carbon-filled, or otherwise electro static dissipative), or a hydroscopic nylon blend. The device 10 is particularly advantageous in that the preferred ramp surface 40 in the handle 34 facilitates the insertion of seeds 26 of radioactive material and inert spacers 28 into the needle 12. The anti-static handle 34 eliminates, for practical purposes, the previously encountered risks of static interference, static cling of the spacers 28 and ignition spark generation. Finally, the localized friction portion 64 provides a controlled and predetermined amount of friction between the needle 12 and the stylet 14, preventing the stylet 14 from falling from the needle 12, while also preventing or reducing the risk of unintended ejection of the radioactive seeds 26 and spacers 28. Such friction is advantageously provided virtually the entire time any portion of the stylet 14 is received in the needle 12.
Inventors
- 👤 Marvin O. Andrews
- 👤 Frank J. Fischer, Jr.
- 👤 John H. Ward
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:33
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/01; A61N5/10; A61N5/1001; A61N5/1027; A61N5/1007; A61N2005/1011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A brachytherapy device ( 10 ) for exposing radioactivity to a human or veterinary patient, comprising: an elongate member ( 12 ) capable of containing radioactive material, the elongate member ( 12 ) being adapted for introduction into the patient; and a handle ( 34 ) at the proximal end of the elongate member ( 12 ), the handle ( 34 ) being anti-static and being manipulable by a healthcare practitioner.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A brachytherapy device ( 10 ) for exposing radioactivity to a human or veterinary patient, comprising: an elongate member ( 12 ) capable of containing radioactive material, the elongate member ( 12 ) being adapted for introduction into the patient; and a handle ( 34 ) at the proximal end of the elongate member ( 12 ), the handle ( 34 ) being anti-static and being manipulable by a healthcare practitioner.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the handle ( 34 ) comprises a polycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, an acetal resin, a hydroscopic nylon blend, a polyacetylene polymer, a poly-p-phenylene polymer, a poly(p-phenylene sulphide)polymer, a polypyrrole polymer or a poly-1,6-heptadiyne polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 2 , wherein the polycarbonate resin, the acrylic resin or the acetal resin is carbon-filled.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
114 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the device ( 10 ) is adapted for use with a plurality of radioactive seeds ( 26 ) introduced into the elongate member ( 12 ) through the handle ( 34 ) and contained in the elongate member ( 12 ), and at least one spacer ( 28 ) similarly introduced and contained in the elongate member ( 12 ), located between individual ones of the plurality of seeds ( 26 ); wherein the conductivity of the handle ( 34 ) is sufficient to substantially preclude static cling of the at least one spacer ( 28 ) to the handle ( 34 ).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the elongate member ( 12 ) is hollow, and wherein the device ( 10 ) further comprises a stylet ( 14 ) slideably received in the elongate member ( 12 ).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 5 , wherein the elongate member ( 12 ) includes a longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) therein, and wherein the handle ( 34 ) includes an interior ramp surface ( 40 ) therein in communication with the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 6 , wherein the interior ramp surface ( 40 ) of the handle ( 34 ) is frustoconical in shape and possesses an included apical angle of at least about 16°.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 7 , wherein the included apical angle of the interior ramp surface ( 40 ) of the handle ( 34 ) is about 24°.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
210 words
A brachytherapy device ( 10 ) for exposing radioactivity to a human or veterinary patient, comprising: an elongate member ( 12 ) capable of containing a radioactive material, the elongate member ( 12 ) being adapted for introduction into the patient, and the elongate member ( 12 ) including a longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) therein and a proximal end ( 18 ); a stylet ( 14 ) slideably receivable in the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ), the stylet ( 14 ) including a distal end ( 24 ); and a portion ( 64 ) near at least one of the proximal end ( 18 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ) and the distal end ( 24 ) of the stylet ( 14 ), the portion ( 64 ) providing a local, defined amount of friction between the elongate member ( 12 ) and the stylet ( 14 ); wherein the stylet ( 14 ) is otherwise generally closely dimensioned to the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) in the elongate member ( 12 ) such that the stylet ( 14 ) would be generally freely movable in the throughbore ( 16 ) in the absence of the portion ( 64 ).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
210 words
A brachytherapy device ( 10 ) for exposing radioactivity to a human or veterinary patient, comprising: an elongate member ( 12 ) capable of containing a radioactive material, the elongate member ( 12 ) being adapted for introduction into the patient, and the elongate member ( 12 ) including a longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) therein and a proximal end ( 18 ); a stylet ( 14 ) slideably receivable in the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ), the stylet ( 14 ) including a distal end ( 24 ); and a portion ( 64 ) near at least one of the proximal end ( 18 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ) and the distal end ( 24 ) of the stylet ( 14 ), the portion ( 64 ) providing a local, defined amount of friction between the elongate member ( 12 ) and the stylet ( 14 ); wherein the stylet ( 14 ) is otherwise generally closely dimensioned to the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) in the elongate member ( 12 ) such that the stylet ( 14 ) would be generally freely movable in the throughbore ( 16 ) in the absence of the portion ( 64 ).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , wherein the portion ( 64 ) comprises a crimp ( 44 ) in the elongate member ( 12 ).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , wherein the portion ( 64 ) comprises an elliptical or oval deformation ( 46 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , wherein the portion ( 64 ) comprises at least one of a crimp and a flange ( 48 ) on the stylet ( 14 ).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , wherein the local, defined amount of friction provided by the portion ( 64 ) is just adequate to prevent sliding of the stylet ( 14 ) in the throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ) under weight of the stylet ( 14 ).
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , wherein the portion ( 64 ) comprises a cap ( 50 ) near the proximal end ( 18 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ).
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
82 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 14 , wherein the cap ( 50 ) includes a V-shaped notch ( 54 ) and a recess ( 56 ) in the notch ( 54 ), the recess ( 56 ) being dimensioned to receive the distal end ( 24 ) of the stylet ( 14 ) therethrough, and the notch ( 54 ) being dimensioned to allow access therethrough to the throughbore ( 16 ) in the elongate member ( 12 ).
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
97 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , further comprising a handle ( 34 ) connected to the elongate member ( 12 ), the handle ( 34 ) being manipulable by a healthcare practitioner; wherein the handle ( 34 ) includes an interior ramp surface ( 40 ) therein in communication with the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ); and wherein the interior ramp surface ( 40 ) of the handle ( 34 ) is frustoconical in shape and possesses an included apical angle of at least about 16°.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , further comprising a handle ( 34 ) connected to the elongate member ( 12 ), the handle ( 34 ) being anti-static and being manipulable by a healthcare practitioner.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 17 , wherein the handle ( 34 ) comprises a polycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, an acetal resin, a hydroscopic nylon blend, a polyacetylene polymer, a poly-p-phenylene polymer, a poly(p-phenylene sulphide) polymer, a polypyrrole polymer or a poly-1,6-heptadiyne polymer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
114 words
The device ( 10 ) according to claim 9 , wherein the device ( 10 ) is adapted for use with a plurality of radioactive seeds ( 26 ) introduced into the elongate member ( 12 ) through the handle ( 34 ) and contained in the elongate member ( 12 ), and at least one spacer ( 28 ) similarly introduced and contained in the elongate member ( 12 ), located between individual ones of the plurality of seeds ( 26 ); wherein the conductivity of the handle ( 34 ) is sufficient to substantially preclude static cling of the at least one spacer ( 28 ) to the handle ( 34 ).
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
435 words
A brachytherapy device ( 10 ) for exposing radioactivity to a human or veterinary patient, comprising: an elongate member ( 12 ) capable of containing a radioactive material, the elongate member ( 12 ) being adapted for introduction into the patient, and the elongate member ( 12 ) including a longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) therein and a proximal end ( 18 ); a stylet ( 14 ) slideably receivable in the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ), the stylet ( 14 ) including a distal end ( 24 ); a portion ( 64 ) near at least one of the proximal end ( 18 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ) and the distal end ( 24 ) of the stylet ( 14 ), the portion ( 64 ) providing a local, defined amount of friction between the elongate member ( 12 ) and the stylet ( 14 ); and a handle ( 34 ) connected to the elongate member ( 12 ), wherein the handle ( 34 ) includes an interior ramp surface ( 40 ) therein in communication with the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ); wherein the interior ramp surface ( 40 ) of the handle ( 34 ) is frustoconical in shape and possesses an included apical angle of at least about 16°; and wherein the handle ( 34 ) is anti-static and is manipulable by a healthcare practitioner; wherein the elongate member ( 12 ) comprises a needle or cannula ( 12 ); wherein the portion ( 64 ) comprises at least one of a crimp or a flange ( 48 ) on the stylet ( 14 ); wherein the local, defined amount of friction provided by the portion ( 64 ) is just adequate to prevent sliding of the stylet ( 14 ) in the throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ) under weight of the stylet ( 14 ); wherein the handle ( 34 ) is incapable of generating a static spark under normal operating room conditions; wherein the handle ( 34 ) comprises a carbon-filled polycarbonate resin, a carbon-filled acrylic resin, a carbon-filled acetal resin or a hydroscopic nylon blend or otherwise electro static reduced polymer; and wherein the stylet ( 14 ) is otherwise generally closely dimensioned to the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) in the elongate member ( 12 ) such that the stylet ( 14 ) would be generally freely movable in the throughbore ( 16 ) in the absence of the portion ( 64 ).
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
435 words
A brachytherapy device ( 10 ) for exposing radioactivity to a human or veterinary patient, comprising: an elongate member ( 12 ) capable of containing a radioactive material, the elongate member ( 12 ) being adapted for introduction into the patient, and the elongate member ( 12 ) including a longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) therein and a proximal end ( 18 ); a stylet ( 14 ) slideably receivable in the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ), the stylet ( 14 ) including a distal end ( 24 ); a portion ( 64 ) near at least one of the proximal end ( 18 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ) and the distal end ( 24 ) of the stylet ( 14 ), the portion ( 64 ) providing a local, defined amount of friction between the elongate member ( 12 ) and the stylet ( 14 ); and a handle ( 34 ) connected to the elongate member ( 12 ), wherein the handle ( 34 ) includes an interior ramp surface ( 40 ) therein in communication with the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ); wherein the interior ramp surface ( 40 ) of the handle ( 34 ) is frustoconical in shape and possesses an included apical angle of at least about 16°; and wherein the handle ( 34 ) is anti-static and is manipulable by a healthcare practitioner; wherein the elongate member ( 12 ) comprises a needle or cannula ( 12 ); wherein the portion ( 64 ) comprises at least one of a crimp or a flange ( 48 ) on the stylet ( 14 ); wherein the local, defined amount of friction provided by the portion ( 64 ) is just adequate to prevent sliding of the stylet ( 14 ) in the throughbore ( 16 ) of the elongate member ( 12 ) under weight of the stylet ( 14 ); wherein the handle ( 34 ) is incapable of generating a static spark under normal operating room conditions; wherein the handle ( 34 ) comprises a carbon-filled polycarbonate resin, a carbon-filled acrylic resin, a carbon-filled acetal resin or a hydroscopic nylon blend or otherwise electro static reduced polymer; and wherein the stylet ( 14 ) is otherwise generally closely dimensioned to the longitudinal throughbore ( 16 ) in the elongate member ( 12 ) such that the stylet ( 14 ) would be generally freely movable in the throughbore ( 16 ) in the absence of the portion ( 64 ).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3070132A
Cited
US3914002A
Cited
US4086914A
Cited
US4402308A
Cited
US4627420A
Cited
US5141487A
Cited
DE4109205A1
Cited
US5242373A
Cited
US5380290A
Cited
US5484284A
Cited
US6102844A
Cited
US5860909A
Cited
US6007474A
Cited
US5938583A
Cited
US5928130A
Cited
US6095967A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-04-02 | 2004-10-02 | 2005-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-04-02 | 2008-10-02 | 2009-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-04-02 | 2012-10-02 | 2013-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |