Patent ID: 7985172

Claim:
An after-loader device useful for loading an implant into a hollow needle after the needle is inserted into patient tissue, the hollow needle having a inner diameter, an outer diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, and a cylindrical needle hub at the proximal end, the cylindrical needle hub having an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the needle, the after-loader device comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a bore that extends axially through said body between said proximal and distal ends of said body; wherein a main portion of said bore has a first diameter that is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the hollow needle; wherein a distal portion of said bore has a second diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the needle hub and configured to receive, and thereby connect to, the needle hub; and wherein a depth of the distal portion of said bore is sufficient to enable the body to rigidly connect to the cylindrical needle hub of the hollow needle without requiring additional support.