Patent ID: 6432035
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
An implantation device for implanting seeds within or adjacent to a target area, such as a tumor, located within a patient, comprising:an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough; an elongated plunger extending longitudinally through the implantation device, the plunger being in aligned relation to the needle bore and being selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area; an outer sheath; an optical device carried by and operatively connected to the implantation device, the optical device providing visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area; and an elongated inner sheath located within the outer sheath, the inner sheath substantially enclosing the plunger and at least a portion of the needle, wherein the optical device is at least temporarily positioned within the implantation device adjacent the distal end of the needle, and wherein the optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger so that when the plunger is selectively moved to the extended position, the optical device is carried by the plunger through the needle bore to a position proximate the distal end of the needle.