Patent ID: 8114007

Claim:
An implantable therapeutic member for use in brachytherapy, comprising: a solitary radioactive seed including a metallic housing with radioactive material contained within the metallic housing; and a polymeric material molded to completely and monolithically encapsulate the housing of the solitary radioactive seed; wherein the implantable therapeutic member is adapted to be implanted into patient tissue using a hollow needle; wherein a first portion of the molded polymeric material extends in a leading longitudinal direction with respect to the solitary radioactive seed to form a first tab to reduce a tendency of the seed to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation of the member; wherein a second portion of the molded polymeric material extends in a trailing longitudinal direction with respect to the solitary radioactive seed to form a second tab to reduce a tendency of the seed to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation of the member; and wherein the polymeric material includes a void or groove between the first tab and the solitary radioactive seed and between the second tab and the solitary radioactive seed that at least some patient tissue will occupy after implantation of the therapeutic member.