Patent ID: 6048300
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A replaceable cartridge adapted to be inserted into a receptacle of afterloader apparatus to be placed in operative relation to a primary drive mechanism of the afterloader apparatus for selectively advancing an elongate wire having a radioactive source affixed to a distal end of the wire from said cartridge into and out of a catheter implanted in a patient, and to be readily removed from said receptacle and said operative relation to said primary drive mechanism of the afterloader apparatus when said cartridge is to be replaced, said replaceable cartridge comprising:a housing adapted to receive a proximal end of the catheter;said radioactive source wire positioned in said housing;a secondary drive mechanism mounted in said housing for entering into said operative relation to said primary drive mechanism when said cartridge is inserted into said receptacle of said afterloader apparatus said secondary drive mechanism including a first wire storage drum having a rotational axis and a periphery with a groove formed therein for receiving said radioactive source wire, said radioactive source wire being wound and affixed to said first storage drum at a proximal end of said radioactive source wire so as to maintain a compressive force from end to end on said radioactive source wire during unwinding thereof from said first storage drum; anda plurality of low friction elements mounted about the periphery of said first storage drum adjacent said groove for maintaining free-rolling contact against said radioactive source wire and said first storage drum for tight low-friction containment of said radioactive source wire in said groove during unwinding from the drum under said compressive force and into said catheter when said catheter is received in said housing;said secondary drive mechanism of the cartridge being selectively engageable with said primary drive mechanism of the afterloader apparatus after said cartridge is inserted in said receptacle whereby to selectively rotate said drum to advance or retract said radioactive source wire therein via said groove and thereupon into or out of said catheter when said catheter is received in said housing.