Patent ID: 7918778

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, the shaft also being capable of receiving a source of ionizing radiation for delivery of radiation, and adjustment means for adjusting the length of an inflated portion of the balloon, comprising a slidable sheath that slides axially relative to the balloon, covering a desired length portion of the balloon from its proximal end so as to limit expansion of the balloon to a remaining portion distal to and not covered by the sheath, whereby the balloon on the shaft can be placed in a vaginal cavity with the balloon deflated, with adjustment made via the adjustment means, and, with the balloon inflated and the ionizing radiation source in the shaft, the applicator can be used to irradiate a selected region of tissue.