Patent ID: 7862498
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A brachytherapy treatment apparatus, comprising: an elongate core member comprising a proximal end and a distal end configured for introduction into a tract through tissue, the proximal and distal ends defining a longitudinal axis; a distal hub coupled to the distal end of the core member; a proximal hub on the proximal end of the core member and movable axially relative to the distal hub; and a plurality of elongate members coupled to the proximal and distal hubs and extending between the proximal and distal ends of the core member, the elongate members movable from a collapsed configuration extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis for introduction through a tissue tract to a target location, and an expanded configuration when the proximal hub is directed distally relative to the distal hub, the elongate members comprising pathways for receiving a source of radiation therealong, wherein the core member comprises first and second telescoping tubes, the first tube coupled to one of the proximal hub and the distal hub and the second tube coupled to the other of the proximal hub and the distal hub such that rotation of the first tube relative to the second tube causes the proximal hub to move distally to direct the elongate members towards the expanded configuration, and wherein the first and second tubes are telescopingly coupled such that the first tube telescopes at least partially into the second tube and external first threads on the first tube mate with internal second threads on the second tube, the second tube including an unthreaded region located adjacent the internal second threads and having a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the external first threads, such that, when the first tube is rotated sufficiently to direct the elongate members to the expanded configuration, the external first threads pass entirely through the internal second threads and enter the unthreaded region of the second tube to disengage the threads, thereby limiting further distal movement of the proximal hub.