Patent ID: 8603129
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. A prostate immobilizing rectal balloon, said rectal balloon comprising: a. a flexible shaft having a fluid passageway extending therethrough and having a distal end and a proximal end, b. a balloon having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a distal end near said distal end of said shaft and a proximal end that is affixed to the proximal end of said shaft, such that said fluid passageway communicates with an interior of said balloon, c. wherein said balloon comprises a top layer connected to a bottom layer to form said balloon, d. said balloon further comprising a middle layer extending between said top layer and said bottom layer, wherein said middle layer is connected to said top layer to form a groove overlying said shaft and making said upper surface generally flattened as compared with said bottom surface, e. wherein said balloon has a non-inflated condition, f. wherein said balloon has an inflated condition, wherein said groove has depth and forms a central seating area that is configured to engage with a prostate, and g. said balloon further comprising i) a radiation sensor in said groove for determining radiation dose from an external beam radiation device, or ii) one or more fiducial markers, or iii) both of i) and ii).