Patent ID: 7510520
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A device for sensing the presence of the distal end of a source wire in a reference position within a guidance channel of an afterloading apparatus, said afterloading apparatus being used for positioning an energy emitting source fixed to said distal end of said source wire at a desired position within an animal body for radiation therapy treatment purposes, by driving said source wire from said reference position towards said desired position through said guidance channel and a catheter tube, which catheter tube is connected with one tube end to the afterloading apparatus and implanted with its other tube end in said animal body, the sensing device comprising a lever element pivotally mounted near said guidance channel, which lever element is urged by said distal end in a first position, when said distal end of said source wire is not present in its reference position and whereas said lever element is in a second position, when said distal end is present in its reference position, and wherein said lever element is urged by said distal end in a third position when said distal end is past said reference position and wherein detecting means are present for detecting the presence of said lever element in said first, second or third position.