Patent ID: 6293899
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: A61N,G21G

Abstract:
An implantable interstitial radiotherapy device for in situ delivery of radiation to tumorous tissue, comprising:a net or near net shape interstitial radiotherapy delivery structure made substantially of rhodium, wherein a portion of the rhodium is transformed into palladium-103 upon activation by a beam of charged particles including protons having energy above a predetermined threshold energy, at least a portion of the energy in excess of the predetermined threshold energy being captured within the radiotherapy delivery structure and used to form the palladium-103 and at least a portion of the energy below the predetermined threshold energy not being retained in the radiotherapy delivery structure, wherein the protons have an energy of at least approximately 4 MeV, wherein the predetermined threshold energy of the charged particles is at least approximately 6 MeV, and wherein transformation of the radiotherapy delivery structure, and heat production within the structure, are functions of initial energy of the beam of charged particles entering the structure and thickness of the structure in the direction of beam penetration.