Patent ID: 8512217
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for delivering radiation therapy to a gynecological tissue comprising: advancing a gynecological brachytherapy applicator adjacent to a target tissue, the gynecological brachytherapy applicator comprising a foam matrix defining a substantially cylindrical conformable elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, a central passage at least partially therethrough, at least one pair of opposed peripheral passages at least partially therethrough, a central catheter at least partially residing in the central passage, and at least one pair of opposed peripheral catheters at least partially residing in the at least one pair of opposed peripheral passages; wherein portions of the at least one pair of opposed peripheral catheters are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, wherein the elongate body has an initial expanded configuration, an unexpanded configuration for advancement of the applicator to a target tissue, and an expanded deployed configuration, wherein the conformable elongate body is imageable by computed tomography, wherein the applicator further comprises an inflation/deflation catheter received in the elongate body configured to infuse or withdraw an inflation medium to allow the elongate body to expand or collapse between the expanded deployed configuration and the unexpanded configuration, and the elongate body provides a collapsible and expandable matrix of support to stabilize a position and spacing of the central catheter and the at least one pair of opposed peripheral catheters within the elongate body; and delivering radiation therapy to the target tissue using the brachytherapy applicator and according to a dose plan, wherein the radiation therapy produces a pre-determined dose cloud shape that covers the target tissue.