Patent ID: 7534202
Filing Date: 2009-05-19
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A body cavity brachytherapy apparatus comprising: a catheter body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is positionable substantially adjacent to a body cavity surface of a subject; two or more lumens extending at least partially along the length of the catheter body, at least one of the lumens being a first lumen, wherein the first lumen is configured to accept a radiation seed; and an inflatable balloon coupled to the distal end of the catheter body, said balloon comprising an outer wall defining a first volume, and a plurality of inner walls extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the distal end of the catheter body and coupling the outer wall to the distal end of the catheter body and partitioning the first volume of the balloon into a plurality of inflatable inner volumes, wherein the inner walls are configured such that, when the inner volumes are equally inflated, at least a portion of the distal end of the catheter body remains positioned at substantially the center of the first volume, wherein the inner volumes are adapted to be inflated with a liquid or a gas delivered though a lumen other than the first lumen; and wherein at least a portion of the inflatable balloon is positioned such that radiation from a radiation seed disposed in the first lumen passes through the balloon to the body cavity surface during use.