Patent ID: 8814775
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. A brachytherapy treatment apparatus, comprising: an elongate core member comprising a proximal end and a distal end configured for introduction into a tract through tissue and terminating in a distal tip; an outer member surrounding a portion of the core member proximal to the distal tip and movable relative to the core member; a plurality of helical members, each helical member comprising a distal end coupled to the core member distal end, a proximal end coupled to the outer member, an elongate portion that extends helically in a first helical direction around the core member between the helical member proximal and distal ends such that the helical members do not overlap one another, and a pathway extending between the helical member proximal and distal ends for receiving a source of radiation therealong, the outer member being actuatable for moving the helical members from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration such that each elongate portion is directed radially outwardly away from the core member; and a balloon comprising a proximal end coupled to the outer member and a distal end coupled to the distal tip of the core member such that the balloon surrounds at least a portion of the core member distal end, the helical members extending helically around and outside an outer surface of the balloon and uncoupled from the balloon such that the helical members are expandable independently of the balloon, wherein the helical members comprise a pair of helical members extending in the first helical direction and offset from one another such that the helical members do not overlap one another in the collapsed configuration.