Patent ID: 6428463
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A method for loading and discharging a plurality of seeds from an implantation device, comprising the steps of:loading the seeds into the implantation device; selectively positioning one of the seeds in aligned relation to and communication with a bore through a hollow implantation needle operatively connected to the device; selectively moving an elongated plunger from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position to advance the aligned seed through the needle bore and out of the needle; and viewing the aligned seed prior to advancement through the needle and following discharge of the aligned seed out of the needle using an optical device carried by the implantation device to provide visual assistance to the operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the discharged seed into a target area of a patient, wherein the optical device is operatively connected to and carried by the plunger so that when the plunger is selectively moved to the extended position, the optical device is carried by the plunger through the needle bore to a position proximate the distal end of the needle.