Patent ID: 6514193
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: A61K,A61N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for administering a therapeutically active component to a target tissue in a subject, the method comprising the steps of:providing a brachytherapy seed comprising a non-metal biocompatible component, a therapeutically active component comprising a non-radioactive drug, and a radiopaque marker, said biocompatible component being (a) physically associated with a therapeutically active component and (b) in contact with said radiopaque marker, wherein said brachytherapy seed has a size and shape suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge); providing a brachytherapy implantation instrument comprising at least one brachytherapy implantation needle having a bore having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge), and being adapted to accept the brachytherapy seed into the bore of the at least one brachytherapy implantation needle and deliver the accepted implantation device into a target tissue; introducing the brachytherapy seed into the bore of the at least one implantation needle of the brachytherapy implantation instrument; introducing at least a portion of the at least one brachytherapy implantation needle into a target tissue in the subject; and actuating the brachytherapy implantation instrument such that the brachytherapy seed is delivered through the bore of the brachytherapy implantation needle into the target tissue.