Patent ID: 6102844
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
An implantation device for implanting seeds within or adjacent to a target area, 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, 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 needle bore, out of the distal end of the needle into the target area; andan 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,wherein the optical device is at least temporarily positioned within the implantation device adjacent the distal end of the needle, andwherein 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.