Patent ID: 6450939
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A spacer element for use with radioactive seeds in needle implant treatment of prostate cancer, comprising:a spacer element having a central section and two end sections extending outwardly therefrom, the spacer element comprising two separate portions joined by a longitudinal hinge element, such that the two portions come adjacent one another in a closed position of the spacer element and move apart from one another about the hinge element into an open position, wherein the two end sections are each configured and adapted, respectively, to receive and hold a portion of a radioactive seed when the spacer element is in its closed position and to permit convenient loading of radioactive seeds into the respective end sections when the spacer element is in its open position, thereby permitting convenient assembly of a series string of radioactive seeds and spacers; and wherein said string of spacer elements and radioactive seeds is fittable within a hollow needle for subsequent insertion into the prostate for use in radioactive seed therapy treatment.