Patent ID: 7578780
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An applicator for delivering ionizing radiation for intracorporeal brachytherapy on a patient, comprising: an inflatable balloon, with a shaft connected to and extending into the interior of the balloon, the shaft having a conduit for inflating the balloon by admitting fluid to the interior of the balloon, a source of ionizing radiation received in and carried within the shaft and inside the balloon for delivery of radiation outwardly through the balloon to the patient's tissue, the source of ionizing radiation comprising a small electronic controllable x-ray source, at least one dosimeter sensor at the balloon surface capable of sensing dose received at the sensor from the ionizing radiation source positioned in the shaft at an inward location in the balloon relative to the sensor, and communication means for communicating between the sensor and a processor or controller remote from the applicator, for communicating delivered radiation dose information from the sensor to the processor or controller.