US6592508B1 — Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applic…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 198 words

A seed cartridge for holding a plurality of seeds for use with an implantation device 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 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, further comprising an elongated, cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the core member.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 198 words

A seed cartridge for holding a plurality of seeds for use with an implantation device 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 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, further comprising an elongated, cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the core member.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 70 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 1 , 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.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 64 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 2 , wherein the outer sleeve has 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.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 28 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the circumferential groove formed in the outer sleeve is substantially parallel to the slot formed in the core member.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 67 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 3 , 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.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 56 words

The implantation device according to claim 5 , 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.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 21 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the locking means is formed on an end of the outer sleeve.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 96 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 3 , 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.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 128 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 2 , 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.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 59 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 9 , 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.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 52 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 1 , 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.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 105 words

A seed cartridge for a medical instrument that is used to implant seeds into a patient, the seed cartridge comprising: a cylindrically-shaped inner core having a plurality of chambers extending longitudinally therethrough, each of said chambers configured to hold a plurality of seeds therein; and a plurality of longitudinal slots provided on a circumference of the cylindrically-shaped inner core for the plurality of chambers, respectively, the plurality of longitudinal slots being of a width smaller than the seeds so that the seeds remain in the plurality of chambers, further comprising an elongated, cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the inner core.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 105 words

A seed cartridge for a medical instrument that is used to implant seeds into a patient, the seed cartridge comprising: a cylindrically-shaped inner core having a plurality of chambers extending longitudinally therethrough, each of said chambers configured to hold a plurality of seeds therein; and a plurality of longitudinal slots provided on a circumference of the cylindrically-shaped inner core for the plurality of chambers, respectively, the plurality of longitudinal slots being of a width smaller than the seeds so that the seeds remain in the plurality of chambers, further comprising an elongated, cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the inner core.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 21 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 12 , wherein the cylindrically-shaped inner core is made from one of plastic and metal.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 39 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 12 , wherein the outer sleeve is made from one of lead and steel to provide a radioactive shield for radioactive seeds placed within the plurality of chambers of the cylindrically-shaped inner core.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 63 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the outer sleeve includes a circumferential slot extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, wherein only one seed within the plurality of chambers of the cylindrically-shaped inner core is exposed to an exterior of the seed cartridge based on a rotational positioning of the cylindrically-shaped inner core and the outer sleeve.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 71 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 14 , further comprising: a first end cap provided on a distal end of the seed cartridge; and a second end cap provided on a proximal end of the seed cartridge, wherein the first and second end caps are made from one of lead and steel to provide a radioactive shield for radioactive seeds placed within the plurality of chambers of the cylindrically-shaped inner core.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 37 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 12 , further comprising: a first end cap provided on a distal end of the seed cartridge; and a second end cap provided on a proximal end of the seed cartridge.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 50 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 12 , wherein the outer sleeve has a longer longitudinal length than the cylindrically-shaped inner core, so that a portion of an interior of the outer sleeve is substantially open when the cylindrically-shaped inner core is inserted within a bore of the outer sleeve.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 39 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 12 , wherein the outer sleeve includes a plurality of spaced-apart locking keys that are configured to be fitted onto a plurality of grooves of an alignment adaptor/seed repository of the medical instrument.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 244 words

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 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 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, 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.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 244 words

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 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 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, 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.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 150 words

A seed cartridge for a medical instrument that is used to implant seeds into a patient, the seed cartridge comprising: a cylindrically-shaped inner core having a plurality of chambers extending longitudinally therethrough, each of said chambers configured to hold a plurality of seeds therein; and a plurality of longitudinal slots provided on a circumference of the cylindrically-shaped inner core for the plurality of chambers, respectively, the plurality of longitudinally slots being of a width smaller than the seeds so that the seeds remain in the plurality of chambers, 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.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 150 words

A seed cartridge for a medical instrument that is used to implant seeds into a patient, the seed cartridge comprising: a cylindrically-shaped inner core having a plurality of chambers extending longitudinally therethrough, each of said chambers configured to hold a plurality of seeds therein; and a plurality of longitudinal slots provided on a circumference of the cylindrically-shaped inner core for the plurality of chambers, respectively, the plurality of longitudinally slots being of a width smaller than the seeds so that the seeds remain in the plurality of chambers, 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.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 63 words

A seed cartridge for holding a plurality of seeds for use with an implantation device comprising: a means for holding a plurality of seeds in an end-to-end aligned relation; a locking means for connecting the means for holding seeds to the implantation device; and a pushing means adapted to cause the seeds to advance into a seed alignment channel of the implantation device.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 63 words

A seed cartridge for holding a plurality of seeds for use with an implantation device comprising: a means for holding a plurality of seeds in an end-to-end aligned relation; a locking means for connecting the means for holding seeds to the implantation device; and a pushing means adapted to cause the seeds to advance into a seed alignment channel of the implantation device.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 59 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 22 , wherein the means for holding a plurality of seeds 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.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 60 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 23 , wherein the pushing means comprises an elongated seed advancement push rod slidably received within a seed conduit, the push rod being adapted to move longitudinally with the seed conduit to cause the seeds contained within the seed conduit to advance into the alignment channel of the implantation device from the seed cartridge.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 46 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 22 , wherein the means for locking is 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.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 70 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 23 , 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.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 25 words

The seed cartridge according to claim 23 , further comprising an elongated, cylindrically-shaped outer sleeve having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the core member.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2006-07-14	2007-01-13	2007-07-15	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2010-07-14	2011-01-13	2011-07-15	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2014-07-14	2015-01-13	2015-07-15	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Fiberoptic-guided interstitial seed manual applicator and seed cartridge

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