CONTAINER FOR STORING AND SHIPPING RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

Abstract: A container (2) for storing and transporting devices (12) containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such devices (12) may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container of the present invention has an upper portion (6) and a lower portion (4), and at least one of the portions (4, 6) includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Devices (12) containing radioactive material are placed within the container (2) for storage and shipping. The container (2) may contain a holder (10) which secures the devices (12) against lateral movement within the container (2) to protect them from breakage or release of the radioactive materials contained in the devices (12). The radiation shielding material of the lower portion (4) of the container (2) may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device (12) to contain more of the emitted radiation that is contained by the device (12) alone. The container (2) and the holder (10) may be sterilizable to allow such devices to be transported in sterilized form for medical use.

Description: CONTAINER FOR STORING AND SHIPPING RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS FD2LD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to containers for the storage and transportation of devices which contain radioactive material, preferably for shipping of radioactive seeds or needle cartridges containing radioactive seeds used for medical treatments. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Radioactive materials may be used for treating various illnesses including tumors and nodules. For example, radioactive materials, such as iodine 125 , palladium 103 , or the like, may be implanted into a patient to provide localized radiation treatment of tumors. It will be appreciated that such radioactive materials must be stored and transported in containers which protect patients, medical personnel and others that must handle the radioactive materials from unnecessary exposure to radiation. Additionally, the radioactive materials must be packaged to allow safe transport from the manufacturer to an end user. Further, such radioactive materials must be safely packaged for storage at a facility, such as a warehouse or a hospital. Conventional containers for transporting devices containing radioactive material are generally made of lead or steel or some other radiation shielding material. These containers, however, may be large, awkward and heavy. Shipping such containers may be difficult, thereby increasing costs for the radioactive material, and discouraging return, cleaning and/or reuse of the containers. One such existing container is made from a large block of steel having a handle formed integrally therewith. Within the steel block are formed a number of cylindrical cavities each for receiving a magazine containing radioactive seeds. Such steel containers are inordinately heavy and cumbersome and do not provide complete shielding of the radiation which escapes from the magazine. Additionally, it is often necessary to sterilize medical equipment before use. The large size and weight of existing containers for magazines of radioactive seeds make them awkward to clean and/or sterilize. Also, these containers are unwieldy for handling the small quantities of radioactive material used in individual surgical procedures. These and other drawbacks for presently available containers exist. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to overcome these and other drawbacks in existing containers. Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a convenient, relatively lightweight container for storage and transportation of radioactive materials. Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a container for transporting and storing devices housing radioactive material, wherein the container and the device cooperate to provide radiation shielding. Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a container for transporting and storing devices housing radioactive material, whereby the devices are secured within the container to resist movement during transport and use. Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a container for transporting and storing devices housing radioactive material, wherein the container includes a separate device holder which may be sterilized within or apart from the radiation shielding container, thereby easing the process of sterilizing the devices for use. Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a container for transporting and storing devices housing radioactive material, wherein the devices are sealed within the container of the invention in a sterilized condition, thereby enabling transportation of sterilized devices. These and other objects of the invention are accomplished according to various embodiments of the invention. One embodiment of the invention provides a container for storage and transportation of one or more devices each containing a plurality of individual dosage units of radioactive material. The container also includes structure for securing the devices for transport. The container of the present invention is designed such that it acts to contain at least some of the radiation emitted by the stored radioactive material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a container for needle cartridges according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a top view of the container of Figure 1 with the top and foam or plastic inserts removed. Figure 3 shows a view of the bottom side of the top for the container of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention to illustrate an embodiment employing threads. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a top view of the container of Figure 3 with the slip-on lid and packing foam or plastic removed. Figure 7 shows a view of the bottom side of the top for the container of Figure 5. Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the container shown in Fig. 8. Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a tray useful in a container according to a further embodiment of the invention including a plurality of magazines stored therein. Figure 11 illustrates a side view of the tray shown in Fig. 10. Figure 12 illustrates a side view of a container for use in combination with the tray shown in Figs 10-11. Figure 13 illustrates a top view of a container according to a yet another embodiment of the present invention with the upper portion removed. Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the container depicted in Fig. 13 with the upper portion in place. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The container of the present invention may be used for storage and transportation of one or more magazines or needle cartridges housing radioactive materials. Nonetheless, the structures and characteristics of the invention are equally applicable to the storage and transport of other devices including radioactive material, as well. Specific embodiments of the present invention, as will be illustrated further in Figs. 1-4, provide a container for the storage and transportation of needle cartridges containing radioactive material. Radioactive seeds, which are used in the treatment of tumors and other medical problems, are often dispensed using needle cartridges which generally contain a plurality of such seeds. The needle cartridges function to both contain a large number of seeds in an easy to use manner and to provide a convenient way to dispense the seeds when needed for treatment. Such needle cartridges typically dispense one seed at a time in a predetermined manner and orientation for use. The present invention is designed to store a variety of conventional needle cartridges. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a container 2 according to the invention for storing and transporting one or more needle cartridges 12 containing radioactive materials. Container 2 includes a lower portion 4 and a top 6. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention lower portion 4 and top 6 are separate elements which can be taken apart to allow access to the inside of container 2. Lower portion 4 may include a conventional radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate materials. In a more preferred embodiment, both top 6 and lower portion 4 of container of 2 include a radiation shielding material. Top 6 may be fitted into place on lower portion 4 of container 2 by virtue of a lip 8 which extends around the periphery of top 6 and fits snugly within the inside edges of container 4 as shown in Fig. 1. The closure is preferably a friction fit or slip-fit, although it is also possible to use mechanical fasteners, threads, or other similar closing structures in order to affix the top 6 to the lower portion 4 of the container of the present invention. The container may also further be taped closed * oh the outside to provide "additional security, and such tape may also contain a radiation shielding material. A basket 10, which serves as a holder for needle cartridges 12, is located within lower portion 4 of container 2 as shown in Fig. 1. Basket 10 also functions to isolate needle cartridges 12 from contact with the lower portion 4 of container 2. Such isolation may be required depending on the material used to fabricate lower portion 4 of container 2. Also, it may be desirable to isolate needle cartridges 12 from container 2, so that it is not necessary to sterilize container 2 for each use,. Instead, basket 10 can be removed and sterilized for each use thereby facilitating easy sterilization of the transport container. Needle cartridges 12 may be placed in recesses 14 of basket 10. Optionally a drain port 18 may be located in the bottom of each recess 14 of basket 10 to allow liquids to drain from recesses 14 in order to facilitate cleaning and sterilization of basket 10. The desirability of a drain port 18 will depend on whether it is necessary to maintain complete isolation between the lower portion 4 of container 2 and basket 10 or whether it is possible to allow some contact of liquids with lower portion 4 of container 2 via drain port 18. Recesses 14 may be customized to conform to the specific shape of the needle cartridges 12 or to help properly align needle cartridges 12 in recesses 14 during insertion, such as, for example by providing a narrower section of recesses 16 formed by a shoulder 20. Narrower portion 16 of recesses 14 can also provide a friction fit, snap fit or slip-fit for needle cartridges 12 in order to more securely hold them in position in the shipping container 2 for shipment and storage. Basket 10 may also include . a downwardly protruding lip 22, as shown in Fig. 1 in order to maintain a space 24 between basket 10 and lower portion 4 of container 2. Space 24 in conjunction with drain ports 18 provides an area where liquid can drain into the bottom of container 2, if desirable. In order to secure needle cartridges 12 in basket 10, it is preferable to employ a foam or plastic insert 26 which is located atop needle cartridges 12 once they are in basket 10. Foam or plastic insert 26 may be a single piece of foam or plastic which includes a plurality of channels 28 therein for receiving the tips 13 of needle cartridges 12. Alternatively, foam or plastic insert 26 can be formed from a plurality of individual piece of foam or plastic, each of which covers either a single needle cartridge or several needle cartridges. Individual pieces of foam or plastic are preferred since a single needle cartridge 12 can be exposed at a time while leaving the remaining needle cartridges 12 secured in basket 10. Foam or plastic insert 26 is designed to rest against the top surface of needle cartridge shoulders 11 as shown in Fig. 1. Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown a top view of the container 2 in accordance with the present invention with the top 6 removed. The container 2 shown in Fig. 2 is fully loaded with needle cartridges 12. As shown in Fig. 2, basket 10 preferably includes reinforcing ribs 30 to provide additional structural integrity to basket 10. As can be also seen from Fig. 2, container 2 can hold up to twenty-five needle cartridges 12 in the embodiment shown, although container 2 can be designed to hold more or less cartridges 12, as desired. In a, preferred embodiment of the invention basket 10 is made of a sterilizable material. Basket 10 may be removed from container 2, and be separately placed in a sterilization unit such as an autoclave or chemical disinfection, chemical sterilization or other conventional means of sterilization, or may be sterilized while within lower portion 4 of container 2. Basket 10 may optionally be provided with a handle (not shown) to facilitate removal and replacement of basket 10 in container 2. Thus, basket 10 may act as a simple transfer device for handling one or more needle cartridges 12 prior to, and during use. Basket 10 may be injection molded from, for example, nucleated polypropylenes, polysulfones, polycarbonates, high temperature acrylics or polyether sulfones. Other conventional materials and/or methods of making basket 10 may also be employed. In an alternative embodiment, container 2 may itself be sterilized, such as by an autoclave or other conventional means, thereby allowing sterilized needle cartridges 12 to be sterilized directly in container 2 or stored or transported in container 2 in a sterilized condition. Basket 10 of container 2 allows needle cartridges 12 to be transported and sterilized easily, e.g., within a medical facility. Ease of transportation helps minimize handling, thereby reducing the potential for exposure to radiation. A lightweight basket 7 also reduces the overall weight of container 2, thereby reducing transportation costs and facilitating the handling of container 2. In an alternative, less preferred embodiment, basket 10 may be formed integrally with container 2. Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown an underside view of top 6 of container 2. From this view it is possible to see circumferential lip 8 of top 6. Other suitable tops 6 may be employed and circumferential lip 8 need not extend completely around the circumference of top 6 although it is preferred to do so. To use the container shown in Figs. 1-3, one or more needle cartridges 12 containing radioactive material are placed in recesses 14 of basket 10. Basket 10 is then located in lower portion 4 of container 2. In this configuration, without top 6 the radiation shielding material included in lower portion 4 may cooperate with radiation shielding of needle cartridges 12, if applicable, to together contain a substantial portion of the radiation emitted by the radioactive material when the needle cartridge 12 is the type which includes its own radiation shielding material. Thus, even with the top 6 taken off, the potential for exposure to radiation, is minimized due to either the radiation shielding of the lower portion 4 of container 2 or to the cooperative shielding provided by the radiation shielding of needle cartridges 12 and the lower portion 4 of container 2. Needle cartridges 12 may be fitted into recesses 14 of lower portion 4 by a friction fit, mechanical fastener, slip-fit or by a thread 17, provided on the inner surface of each recess 14 and a cooperating thread 13 provided on the outer surface of needle cartridges 12, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4. Subsequently, top 6 is fitted onto lower portion 4 such that the circumferential lip 8 fits snugly within lower portion 4 to hold top 6 in place in lower portion 4. Before top 6 is put on, foam or plastic insert 26 is positioned atop needle cartridge shoulder 11 to secure the needle cartridges 12 to minimize or prevent vertical movement of needle cartridges 12 within recesses 14 during storage and transport. Top 6 may also optionally include a radiation shielding material to provide additional shielding against radiation emitted in the vertical direction from needle cartridges 12. Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a container 102 of the present invention. Container 102 of Fig. 5 comprises a lower portion 104 and a top 106. Lower portion 104 preferably includes a conventional radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate materials. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, both top 106 and lower portion 104 of container 102 include a radiation shielding material. Top 106 and lower portion 104 may be joined by a closure 107 such as a friction fit, a mechanical fastener, a slip-fit, threads or other similar closing structures. Tape may be provided on the outside of container 102 to ensure that the container 102 is not open during transport. Basket 108 is designed to be placed within container 102. Basket 108 includes a plurality of recesses 112 for holding needle cartridges 12. Recesses 112 are preferably generally cylindrical in shape and more preferably are designed to provide a friction fit with at least a portion of a needle cartridge 12. Alternatively, recesses 112 are shaped to provide a form fit with needle cartridges 12. As shown in Fig. 5, recesses 112 are tapered such that recesses 112 form a friction fit with needle cartridges 12 over a bottom portion of needle cartridges 12. Recesses 112 thereby hold needle cartridges 12 by limiting their lateral movement within container 102 in order to prevent breakage or release of the radioactive material from the needle cartridges 12. Basket 108 may be vacuumed-formed, molded or injection molded, for example, and is preferably made from plastic or other suitable material. Basket 108 may be made from, for example, nucleated polypropylenes, polysulfones, polycarbonates, high temperature acrylics or polyether sulfones. Basket 108 stabilizes needle cartridges 12 during shipment and isolates needle cartridges 12 from direct contact with container 102. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, basket 108 is sterilizable. As such, basket 108 may be placed in a sterilization unit, such as an autoclave or other conventional sterilization means, to facilitate handling and sterilization of the needle cartridges 12 or may be_ sterilized together with container 102. Top 106 is preferably a slip-on lid as shown in Fig. 5 having a downwardly facing peripheral side portion 107 which fits snugly over the outer edge of container 102. Top 106 is shown in a bottom view in Fig. 7 to show the downwardly extending side portion 107. Basket 108 may include drain ports 118 located in the bottom of each recess 112 of basket 108 to allow liquids to drain from recesses 112 to facilitate cleaning and sterilization of basket 108 including the inner surfaces of recesses 112. In addition, basket 108 may include a peripheral lip 122 to raise the bottom of basket 108 above the lower surface of lower portion 104 of container 102 as shown in Fig. 5 to provide a space where liquid may drain through drain ports 118. Basket 108 also preferably includes a circumferential lip 116 as shown in Fig. 5 which provides a friction or slip- fit with the inside edge of lower portion 104 of container 102. Packing foam or plastic 126 may be employed to secure needle cartridges 12 in basket 108 as shown in Fig. 5. Packing foam or plastic 126 may be any suitable packing foam or plastic and may come in the forms described above for foam or plastic insert 26 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a top view of container 102 with the top 106 removed and which is completely filled with twenty-five needle cartridges 12. As shown in the figure, basket 108 may include a plurality of ribs 130 to provide structural integrity to basket 108. Basket 108 may accommodate twenty-five needle cartridges 12 in the embodiment shown although other suitable embodiments can include more or less needle cartridges 12 as desired. Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of top 106 showing the downwardly extending side portion 107 which extends around the circumference of top 106. Container 102 may be used in the same manner as container 2 described above. Also, top 106 may include additional radiation shielding material in order to provide further shielding against radiation emitted in the vertical direction from needle cartridges 12. Specific embodiments of the present invention, as will be illustrated further in Figs. 8-14, provide a container for the storage and transportation of magazines containing radioactive material. Radioactive seeds, which are used in the treatment of tumors and other medical problems, are often housed in magazines which generally contain a plurality of such seeds. The magazines function to both contain the seeds and to ease their loading into the applicators used to introduce the seeds into the human body. Such magazines typically dispense one seed at a time in a predetermined manner and orientation which facilitates the loading of such seeds into their applicators for use. One such magazine is available from Mick Radio and is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,860,909. Another is illustrated in Figs. 8-14 herein. The invention is generally applicable to a variety of such magazines, as well as other devices containing radioactive material. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a first embodiment of a container 302 according to the invention for storing and transporting one or more magazines containing radioactive materials. Container 302 includes a lower portion 304 and an upper portion 306, which may be separated to allow access to the inside of container 302. Lower portion 304 may include a conventional radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate materials. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, both upper portion 306 and lower portion 304 of container 302 may be joined together by a closure 310. The closure may be a friction fit, a mechanical fastener, threads, a slip-fit, or other similar closing structures. The container may also be taped closed on the outside to provide additional security, and such tape may also contain a radiation shielding material. A basket 307, which serves as a holder for magazines 308, may be located within lower portion 304 of container 302. Basket 307 also functions to isolate magazines 308 from contact with the lower portion 304 of container 302. Such isolation may be required depending on the materials used to fabricate lower portion 304 of container 302. Basket 307 may optionally include a handle 312 to facilitate removal of basket 307 from container 302. Magazines 308 may be placed in recesses 316 of basket 307 which are defined by sleeves 314 which function to surround and laterally support magazines 308. A drain port 318 may be located in the bottom of each recess 316 of basket 307 to allow liquids to drain from recesses 316 in order to facilitate cleaning and sterilization of basket 307 including the inner surfaces of sleeves 314. Recesses 316 may be customized to conform to the specific shape of the magazines' 308 or to help properly align " magazines 308 in recesses 316 during insertion, such as, for example by providing a narrower section of recesses 316 formed by shoulder 320 in sleeve 314. Magazines 308 may optionally be secured in recesses 316 by threads 313 on magazines 308 which mate with threads 317 in recesses 316. Sleeves 314 are preferably connected to one another by ribs 322 which, optionally, may all connect at a handle 312 if such is included as part of basket 307. Secondary ribs 323 may also be provided to enhance the mechanical integrity of basket 307. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, basket 307 is made of a sterilizable material. Basket 307 may be removed from container 302, and be ' separately placed in a sterilization unit, such. as an autoclave, chemical disinfection, chemical sterilization or other conventional means of sterilization, or may be sterilized while within lower portion 304 of container 302. Thus, basket 307 may act as a sample transfer device for handling one or more magazines 308 prior to, and during use. Basket 307 may be injection molded from, for example, nucleated polypropylenes, polysulfones, polycarbonates, high temperature acrylics or polyether sulfones. Other conventional materials and/or method of making baskets 307 may also be employed. In another embodiment, container 302 may itself be sterilized, such as by an autoclave or other conventional means, thereby allowing sterilized magazines 308 to be sterilized directly in container 302 or stored or transported in container 302 in sterilized condition. Referring still to Figs. 8-9, upper portion 306 may also include a shoulder 324 which may be used to substantially secure magazines 308 against vertical movement in basket 307, when upper portion 306 and lower portion 304 are associated to form container 302. As described previously, magazine 308 may comprise a casing having an upper surface 311. When a magazine 308 is placed into recess 316 of basket 307, located in lower portion 304 and upper portion 306 is placed on lower portion 304 to enclose basket 307, shoulder 324 is positioned closely adjacent to, or in abutment with, the upper surface 311 of each magazine 308. Shoulder 324 thereby substantially secures magazine 308 in the vertical direction to minimize or prevent vertical movement of magazine 308 during transport. Basket 307 of container 302 allows magazines 308 to be transported and sterilized easily, e.g., within a medical facility. Ease of transportation helps to minimize handling, thereby reducing the potential for exposure to radiation. A lightweight basket 307 also reduces the overall weight of container 302, thereby reducing transportation costs and facilitating the handling of container 302. To use the container shown in Figs 8-9, one or more magazines 308 containing radioactive material are placed in recesses 326 of basket 307. Basket 307 is located in lower portion 304 of container 302. In this configuration, without upper portion 306, the radiation shielding material included in lower portion 304 may cooperate with radiation shielding 309 of magazine 308 to together contain a substantial portion of radiation emitted by the radioactive material when the magazine 308 is the type which includes its own radiation shielding material. Thus, the potential for exposure to radiation, even with the container 302 in the open position, is minimized due to either the radiation shielding of the lower portion 304 of container 302, or due to the cooperative shielding provided by the radiation shielding 309 of magazines 308 and the lower portion 304 of container 302. Magazines 308 may be fitted into recesses 316 of lower portion 304 by a friction fit, mechanical fastener, slip-fit or by a thread 317, provided on the inner surface of the sleeve 314 and a cooperating thread 313 provided on the outer surface of magazine 308. Subsequently, upper portion 306 is fitted onto lower portion 304 such that the closure 310 holds upper portion 306 in place on lower portion 304. In this manner, shoulder 324 is positioned closely adjacent to, or in abutment with, upper surface 311 of magazine 308 to thereby minimize or prevent vertical movement of magazine 308 within recess 316 during storage and transport. Upper portion 306 may also optionally include a radiation shielding material to provide additional shielding against radiation emitted in the vertical direction. Fig. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a container 402 of the present invention, and Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate a tray 408 to be used in the container 402 illustrated in Fig. 12. Container 402 of Fig. 5 comprises a lower portion 104 and an upper portion 406. Lower portion 404 preferably includes a conventional radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate materials. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, both upper portion 406 and lower portion 404 of container 402 include a radiation shielding material. Upper portion 406 and lower portion 404 may be joined by a closure 407 such as a friction fit, a mechanical fastener, a slip-fit, threads, or other similar closing structures. Tape may be provided on the outside of container 402 to ensure that the container 402 is not opened during transport. Tray 408 is designed to be placed within container 402. Tray 408 includes a plurality of recesses 412 for holding magazines 308. Recesses 412 are preferably generally cylindrical in shape and more preferably are designed to provide a friction fit with at least a portion of a magazine 308. Recesses 412 hold magazines 308 by limiting their lateral movement within container 402. Tray 408 may be. vacuum- formed, molded, or injection molded, for example, and is preferably made from plastic or other suitable material. Tray 408 may be made from, for example, nucleated polypropylenes, polysulfones, polycarbonates, high temperature acrylics or polyether sulfones. Tray 408 stabilizes magazines 308 during shipment and isolates magazines 308 from direct contact with container 402. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, tray 408 is sterilizable. As such, tray 408 may be placed separately from container 402 in a sterilization unit, such as an autoclave or other conventional sterilization means, to facilitate handling and sterilization of the magazines 308 or may be sterilized together with container 402. In another embodiment of the invention, tray 408 may include a film 414 to hold magazines 308 in tray 408 against vertical movement. More preferably, film 414 seals tray 408 to permit shipment of sterilized magazines 308. Alternatively, film 414 may include a radioactive shielding material and may optionally provide a seal for tray 408 as well. Film 414 may be appropriate material, such as foil, a laminate, or the like. In another embodiment, the entire container 402 may be sterilized and sealed in any conventional manner, thereby allowing sterilized magazines 308 to be transported in tray 408 without requiring film 414 to seal the tray 408. Lower portion 404 of container 402 may optionally include a shelf 416 upon which a peripheral flange 409 of tray 408 may rest when tray 408 is placed within lower portion 404 of container 402. Subsequently, when upper portion 406 of container 402 is put into place to close container 402, peripheral flange 409 is pinched between shelf 416 of lower portion 404 and a mating surface 417 of upper portion 406 to thereby substantially secure tray 408 in place and prevent movement and shifting of tray 408 during transport of container 402. Peripheral flange 409 may extend for only a portion of the periphery of tray 408 or around the entire periphery. Tray 408 of container 402 allows a plurality of magazines 308 to be removed from container 402 and transported and sterilized more easily than if the magazines 308 remained in container 402, e.g., within a medical facility. Additionally, the weight of the container 402 is reduced relative to the commercially available container, thereby reducing transportation costs and facilitating the handling of container 402. To use container 402, magazines 308 are inserted into recesses 412 of tray 408 as shown in Fig. 10. Tray 408 is positioned in lower portion 404 of container 402 as shown in Fig. 12. Radiation shielding is provided by lower portion 404 which may include a radiation shielding material which acts in cooperation with radiation shielding material 309 of magazine 308 to contain a substantial portion of the radiation emitted by the radioactive material contained in magazine 308. In this manner, the container shown in Figs. 10-12 minimizes the potential for exposure to radiation even when the container 402 is open. For storage and/or transport, upper portion 406 of container 402 is placed atop lower portion 404 as shown in Fig, 12 with closure 407 holding upper portion 406 in place on lower portion 404. As can be seen in Fig. 12, upper portion 406 preferably pinches flange 409 of tray 408 atop shelf 416 of lower portion 404 in order to firmly secure tray 408 in position within container 402. Upper portion 406 may optionally include a radiation shielding material to provide additional shielding against radiation emitted in the vertical direction. Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of a container 202 of the present invention. Container 202 comprises a lower portion 204 and an upper portion 206. Lower portion 204 includes a conventional radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate materials. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, upper portion 206 of container 202 also includes a radiation shielding material. Alternatively, upper portion 206 may be made of a material which does not act as a shield against radiation, such as a lightweight plastic, or other appropriate material. Upper portion 206 may be made from, for example, nucleated polypropylenes, polysulfones, polycarbonates, high temperature acrylics or polyether sulfones. Use of plastic in upper portion 206 further reduces the total weight of the container 202, with a possible weight reduction 40-45%, versus use of lead. Reduced weight reduces costs for shipping and transporting container 202 and makes it easier to handle. Upper portion 206 and lower portion 204 may be joined by a closure 213 such as a friction fit, a mechanical fastener, threads, a slip-fit, or other similar closing structures and may be taped closed to ensure that the container 202 is not opened during transport. Lower portion 204 includes recesses 210 to receive magazines 308. Recesses 210 are preferably cylindrical in shape and more preferably recesses 210 provide a friction fit with at least a portion of a magazine 308 or form fit with " the entire magazine 308. In one embodiment of the invention, it may be desirable to isolate magazines 308 from lower portion 204 through use of a plastic sleeve (not shown) or other appropriate device such as those described in the other embodiments of the present invention. A plastic sleeve may be placed over magazines 308, or may be placed in recesses 210. Upper portion 206 of container 202 includes a plurality of holders 212 formed by projections 214. Each holder 212 is designed to receive an end of a magazine 308. Upper portion 206 and lower portion 204 are manufactured so that holders 212 align with recesses 210 when the container 202 is closed, thereby allowing each magazine 308 to be secured against lateral movement by a combination of the action of holders 212 and recesses 210. Moreover, projections 214 of upper portion 206 can be fabricated to be closely adjacent to, or in abutment with, upper surfaces 311 of magazines 308 when container 202 is closed to further secure magazines 308 against vertical movement within container 202. More specifically, magazines 308 are preferably enclosed within holders 212 and recesses 210 to prevent lateral movement thereof as shown in Fig. 14. To use the container shown in Figs. 13-14, magazines 308 are placed into recesses 210 of lower portion 204 of container 202 as shown in Fig. 14. fn this position, without upper portion 206 of container 202, the radiation shielding material which may be contained in lower portion 204, may cooperate with the radiation shielding material 309 of magazines 308 to together contain a substantial portion of the radiation emitted by the radioactive material contained in magazines 308. In this manner, the potential for exposure to radiation is minimized, even when container 202 is open. For storage and shipment, upper portion 206 of container 202 is placed atop lower portion 204 as shown in Fig. 14 and the closure 213 maintains upper portion 206 in position on lower portion 204. Upper portion 206 provides vertical and additional lateral stability to magazines 308 by virtue of holders 214 which limit lateral movement of magazines 308 and which are closely adjacent to, or in abutment with, upper surface 311 of magazines 308 to thereby also limit vertical movement thereof. Upper portion 206 may optionally include a radiation shielding material to provide additional shielding against radiation emitted in the vertical direction. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, lower portion 204' and upper portion 206 may be placed in a sterilization unit, such as an autoclave or other conventional sterilization means and subsequently sealed in any conventional manner. This allows container 202 to store and transport magazines 308 in a sterilized condition. These and other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, containers may be altered to accept needle cartridges of various sizes and shapes. The specification and examples should be considered exemplary only. The scope of the invention is to be determined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A container for housing at least one needle cartridge containing radioactive material therein, said container comprising: a first portion which includes a radiation shielding material; a second portion which, when associated with the first portion encloses the at least one needle cartridge; and a structure for retaining the at least one needle cartridge in said first portion in the manner whereby the radiation shielding material of said first portion contains more of the radiation emitted by the radioactive material than is contained by the needle cartridge itself. 2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure for retaining the at least one needle cartridge in the first portion of the container is separable from the first portion, and the structure limits lateral movement of the at least one needle cartridge within the container. 3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the structure for retaining the at least one needle cartridge in the first portion comprises a sterilizable basket including at least one recess therein, each recess being adapted for retaining at least όήe needle cartridge therein. 4. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the structure for retaining the at least one needle cartridge in the first portion includes at least one recess for receiving and retaining at least one needle cartridge therein and wherein the container further comprises a means for releasably securing the at least one needle cartridge in the at least one recess. 5. A container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said means for releasably securing the at least one device in the at least one recess is selected from a friction fit or a form fit between said at least one recess and the at least one needle cartridge, a mechanical fastener, and a thread provided in the at least one recess which mates with a thread provided on the at least one needle cartridge. 6. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion of the container includes a circumferential lip which, when the second portion is associated with the first portion to close the container, provides a friction fit, form fit or slip fit between the second portion and the first portion to close the container. 7. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a radiation shielding material. 8. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein each recess is tapered to provide a friction fit, form fit or slip fit with a needle cartridge along a bottom portion thereof while allowing space between the edges of the recess and the needle cartridge along a top portion of the needle cartridge. 9. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one recess is provided with a drain port in the bottom thereof to permit liquids to drain out of said first portion via the drain port. 10. A container as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first portion further comprises a circumferential shoulder around the outer edge of a bottom of the first portion which provides spacing between a top surface of a bottom of said first portion and the bottom surface of the basket. 11. A container for housing at least one device which contains radioactive material therein, said container comprising: a first portion which includes a radiation shielding material; a second portion which, when associated with the first portion, encloses the at least one device; and a structure for retaining the at least one device in said first portion in a manner whereby the radiation shielding material of said first portion contains mόϊe of the radiation emitted by the radioactive material than is contained by only the at least one device. 12. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein substantially all of the radiation emitted by the radioactive material contained in the at least one device is contained by the cooperation of the radiation shielding material of the device and the radiation shielding material of the first portion of the container. 13. A container as claimed in claim 12 wherein the structure for retaining the at least one device in said container is formed integrally with the first portion of the container, and said structure limits lateral movement of the at least one device within the container. 14. A container as claimed in claim 12 wherein the structure for retaining the at least one device in said first portion of the container is separable from said first portion, and said structure limits lateral movement of the at least one device within the container. 15. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein said structure for retaining the at least one device in said first portion of the container comprises a sterilizable basket including at least one recess therein, each said recess being adapted for retaining at least one device therein. 16. A container as claimed in claim 12 wherein said structure for retaining the at least one device in the first portion includes at least one recess for receiving and retaining at least one device therein, and wherein said container further comprises a means for releasably securing the at least one device in the at least one recess. 17. A container as claimed in claim 16 wherein said means for releasably securing the at least one device in the at least one recess is selected from a friction fit or a form fit between said at least one recess and the at least one device, a mechanical fastener, and a thread provided in said at least one recess which mates with a thread provided on the at least one device. 18. A container as claimed in claim 12 wherein said portion of the container includes a shoulder which, when the second portion is associated with the first portion to close the container, is positioned closely adjacent to, or in abutment with, an upper surface of the at least one device in order to limit vertical movement of the at least one device within the container. 19. A container as claimed in claim 12 wherein the second portion comprises a radiation shielding material. 20. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein the structure for retaining the at least one device in the container is a tray provided with at least one recess therein which is adapted to receive and limit lateral movement of the at least one device in said container. 21. A container as claimed in claim 20 wherein the at least one recess in said tray is formed to provide either a friction fit with a portion of the at least one device or a form fit with the at least one device. 22. A container as claimed in claim 20 wherein said tray further comprises a flange which extends along at least a portion of a periphery of said tray, said first portion further comprises a shelf positioned such that said flange rests on said shelf when the tray is located within the first portion, and said second portion further comprises a mating surface which cooperates with said shelf to hold the flange and thereby secure the tray against vertical movement within the container. 23. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein said second portion includes at least one holder adapted to receive and limit lateral movement of the at least one device and being positioned on said second portion to be in alignment with at least one recess in said first portion when said first and second portions are associated to close the container. 24. A container as claimed in claim 23 wherein the at least one holder extends to a location closely adjacent to, or in abutment with, an upper surface of the at least one device to thereby limit vertical movement of the at least one device when the first and second portions are associated to close the container. 25. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein the devices is a magazine containing radioactive seeds. 26. A container as claimed in claim 25 wherein the magazine includes a radiation shielding material and the first portion of the container cooperates with the magazine to shield the radiation emitted by the radioactive material. 27. A container for housing at least one device which contains radioactive material therein, said container comprising: a first portion which includes a radiation shielding material; a second portion which includes a radiation shielding material; and a holder having at least one recess for retaining at least one magazine therein and limiting lateral movement of the at least one device, and wherein said holder is removeably retained within the container. 28. The container of claim 27, wherein the holder comprises a tray having a flange located on at least a portion of a periphery of the tray; and the first and second portions of the container further comprise mating surfaces which cooperate with the flange of the tray to limit vertical movement of the tray within the container. 29. The container of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of each recess in said holder is formed to have a friction fit with a portion of each device to thereby limit lateral movement of the at least one device in said holder. 30. The container of claim 27, wherein each recess in said holder is form fitted to the form of each device to thereby limit lateral movement of the at least one device. 31. The container of claim 27, wherein the holder comprises a tray having at least one recess adapted to receive the at least one device, and wherein the holder further comprises a film to cover the at least one recess, thereby limiting vertical movement of the at least one device within the at least one recess of the tray. 32. The container of claim 31 , wherein the holder comprises a basket having at least one recess for holding the at least one device; and wherein the second portion of the container further comprises a shoulder positioned such that the basket and the shoulder cooperate to limit both vertical and lateral movement of the at least one device within the container. 33. The container of claim 27 wherein the holder is made of a sterilizable material.

Inventors: DILL GLENN, RODGERS JOSEPH, WHITE JACK C, DILL, GLENN, RODGERS, JOSEPH, WHITE, JACK, C.
Applicants: DILL GLENN, RODGERS JOSEPH, THERAGENICS CORP, WHITE JACK C, DILL, GLENN, RODGERS, JOSEPH, THERAGENICS CORPORATION, WHITE, JACK, C.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G21F5
IPC codes: A61M36, A61N5, G21F5