Patent ID: 10342992

Abstract:
A device for orienting a brachytherapy applicator implanted in a treatment cavity may include an elongated body defining an open channel adapted for slidably receiving at least a portion of a shaft or catheter body of a brachytherapy applicator. A manually engageable gripping element at an end of the elongated body is actuated to constrict at least a portion of the channel around a portion of the shaft to help prevent shaft twist and rotational movement between the elongated body and brachytherapy applicator. At least one engaging element on the elongated body is actuated to releasably engage at least one corresponding engaging element on a brachytherapy applicator. Shaft twist and rotational discontinuity between the elongated body and brachytherapy applicator are further prevented when the at least one engaging element of the elongated body engages the at least one corresponding element of the brachytherapy applicator. The device can advantageously be mounted and removed while the applicator is inside the treatment cavity. Furthermore, the device is an “external tool” that engages the brachytherapy applicator externally about its outer surface.