Patent ID: 8007427
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for the production of a radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising an elongate, bioabsorbable suture member with radioactive seeds and spacer members disposed alternately therein, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a hollow bioabsorbable suture member and a plurality of radioactive seeds and a plurality of bioabsorbable spacer members within the suture member, wherein the spacer members are dyed with a different color from that of the undyed radioactive seeds and of different diameter from that of radioactive seeds and wherein the sources and spacer members are alternately placed into the suture member in a predetermined pattern; b) heating the radioactive sources to a temperature above the softening temperature of the suture material wherein said heating allows coloration to transfer from the spacer members to the suture member; and f) cooling the suture member such that it solidifies or hardens about each source and spacer member so as to securely retain each source in place.