Patent ID: 7686755
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A radiation brachytherapy applicator with selective shielding, comprising: an applicator with a shaft capable of being positioned within a living patient, the shaft having a lumen within which is positioned an electronic x-ray source, near a distal end of the applicator, the x-ray source being controllable on/off and as to depth of penetration of radiation, a shield in the applicator in a generally cylindrical shape and generally surrounding the x-ray source, the shield having radiation attenuating properties that vary with position, and the shield and x-ray source being relatively movable by manipulation from a location proximal of the source and outside the patient, the x-ray source being movable axially relative to the shield, including positions extending out beyond a distal end of the shield and positions within the shield, whereby change of position of the shield relative to the x-ray source changes the pattern of radiation emanating from the applicator and administered to the patient's tissue.