Patent ID: 8641593
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing a brachytherapy treatment, comprising: a. determining a brachytherapy device loading configuration per a patient dose plan; b. inserting one or more than one brachytherapy elements into a brachytherapy element transfer device according to the brachytherapy device loading configuration to form a loaded brachytherapy element transfer device, the loaded brachytherapy element transfer device comprising a cannula defining a lumen and a gating feature at least partially occluding the lumen in an occlusive position, wherein the gating feature includes an attachment feature, an arm, and an occlusive feature, and wherein the attachment feature attaches to an outer surface of the cannula by snapping the attachment feature into an indentation on the outer surface of the cannula, and the arm is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the gating feature so that the occlusive feature is biased into the lumen, and wherein the loaded brachytherapy element transfer device is configured for use by placing a distal end of the cannula against a proximal end of a brachytherapy needle that is inserted into a region in which the brachytherapy elements are to be implanted, the cannula and the brachytherapy needle in communication such that use of a stylet can urge the at least one brachytherapy element against the gating feature such that the gating feature moves into a non-occlusive position, past the gating feature, and from the loaded brachytherapy element transfer device into the brachytherapy needle; c. placing the loaded brachytherapy element transfer device into a rack in a configuration corresponding to the patient dose plan; and d. repeating steps b-c for at least one additional brachytherapy element transfer device until the rack contains at least substantially the patient dose plan.