Patent ID: 8444544
Filing Date: 2013-05-21
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A modulating applicator for use in treating cancerous tissues with radiation, said modulating applicator comprising: one or more modulating members, said modulating member being positioned about a radioactive source when inserted into a patient, said modulating member being adapted to reduce radioactive doses to predetermined values to tissues/structures of the patient at given distances from the radioactive source, said modulating member being composed of a radioactive absorbing material, said modulating member having predetermined dimensions to control the isodose distribution based upon clinical assessment of the patient, said modulating member being composed of gold or a similar material having a thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.50 mm, said modulating member having a length substantially equivalent to the length of radioactive source; and a catheter, said modulating member being integrally mounted to said catheter in a predetermined position proximally to one end thereof, said catheter having an enclosure into which the radioactive source can be positioned proximal to said modulating member wherein radiation from the radioactive source must partially pass through said modulating member, said modulating member extending over an axial angular extent range about an axis of said catheter from about 5 to 180 degrees, said modulating member being composed of a material that does not shield the radiation from the radioactive source but allows for a predetermined reduction thereof, said catheter being inserted into a patient during treatment, said catheter further having a capped end.