Patent ID: 7338430

Claim:
An applicator for delivering ionizing radiation for intracavity brachytherapy of the vagina and proximity, comprising: an inflatable balloon, with a shaft that extends 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 guide extending through the shaft and into the balloon and capable of receiving a source of ionizing radiation for delivery of radiation, and the source guide being rotatable relative to the balloon and the shaft substantially without loss of fluid from the interior of the balloon, including a rotary bearing connecting the distal end of the source guide to a distal end of the balloon, whereby the balloon on the shaft can be placed in a vaginal cavity with the balloon deflated, then inflated when in place, and with the ionizing radiation source in the source guide, the source guide can be rotated by manipulation of the source guide from exterior of the vaginal cavity to control locations at which the radiation is directed.