Multi-lumen instrument for providing radiation to a body cavity

Abstract

A brachytherapy system for treating metastases on and around a patient's spinous process is provided. The device generally includes a catheter member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The distal portion of the catheter member includes first and second branch members that are adapted to be positioned on opposed sides of a patient's spinous process. The device further includes first and second elongate anchoring elements disposed on the first and second branch members, and optionally can include at least one centering mechanism disposed within each of the first and second anchoring elements.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to apparatus for use in treating proliferative tissue disorders, and more particularly to an apparatus for the treatment of such disorders in the body by the application of radiation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Malignant tumors are often treated by surgical resection of the tumor to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Infiltration of the tumor cells into normal tissue surrounding the tumor, however, can limit the therapeutic value of surgical resection because the infiltration can be difficult or impossible to treat surgically. Radiation therapy can be used to supplement surgical resection by targeting the residual tumor margin after resection, with the goal of reducing its size or stabilizing it. Radiation therapy, or surgical excision followed by radiation therapy, is commonly used to treat spinal metastases. Metastases are tumors that have grown in a location that is remote from the site that the tumor ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a brachytherapy system for treating metastases on and around a patient's spinous process. The system includes a catheter member with a proximal and distal end and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The catheter member has at least one anchoring element disposed proximate to the distal end for positioning the system between a spinous process and transverse process of at least one vertebral body. The system can deliver radiation to tissue surrounding the anchoring element using a radiation source through the catheter's lumen. The system can also include a centering mechanism to maintain the system's symmetry and a controlled dose of radiation can be delivered to the tissue surrounding the system. The system can be easily placed and removed and can provide a targeted treatment for spinal metastases."

Problems solved by technology

Infiltration of the tumor cells into normal tissue surrounding the tumor, however, can limit the therapeutic value of surgical resection because the infiltration can be difficult or impossible to treat surgically.

At present, there are no devices configured for treatment of such proliferation, especially where the proliferation extends through more than one vertebra within the spine.

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