US5833593A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible source wire for localized internal irradiation of tissue
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
•
Filing: 1995-11-09
•
Granted: 1998-11-10
•
Expires: 2015-11-09
Abstract
Abstract A flexible source wire is provided containing a radioactive source that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire includes an elongated flexible housing tube with its proximal end (i.e., the treatment end) modified to receive a radioactive core. The preferred embodiment of the source wire is constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent such as certain nickel/titanium alloys. Both ends of the source wire are sealed and the proximal end of the source wire is rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body.
Inventors
- 👤 Sam F. Liprie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/10; A61N5/1001; A61N5/1002; A61N2005/1019; A61N2005/1025; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49888
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 93
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; a plug, said plug positioned to seal said lumen of said unmodified section to prevent radioactive material from entering therein; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; a plug, said plug positioned to seal said lumen of said unmodified section to prevent radioactive material from entering therein; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 1, further comprising means for transferring stress from said modified segment to said unmodified section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 2, wherein said stress transferring means includes a collapsible tapered structure that participates in the bending of the source wire.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said housing tube is constructed of a material that accepts up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in its original configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said housing tube is made of a titanium/nickel alloy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 5, wherein said titanium/nickel alloy is composed of about 55% nickel and about 45% titanium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of said unmodified section of said housing tube is from about 25 to about 60% the size of an outer diameter of said housing tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said modified segment is more flexible than said unmodified section.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of said housing tube is from about 0.012 in. to about 0.018 in.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of said unmodified section is at least 0.002" thicker than the wall thickness of said modified segment.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The source wire of claim 1, further comprising a tapered section, said tapered section having a first end adjoining said modified segment and a second end adjoining said unmodified section.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
The source wire of claim 11, wherein the wall thickness of said tapered section varies from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said outer surface of said housing tube is coated with a non-oxidizing agent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 13, wherein said non-oxidizing agent is gold.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said plug has a rounded surface that has a surface diameter that is larger than a lumen diameter of the lumen of said unmodified section.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said plug is positioned in the lumen of said unmodified section.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said plug is attached to an internal surface of said unmodified section.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said plug includes a tapered region and a rounded area, said rounded area adjacent said tapered region.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The source wire of claim 18, wherein said plug comprises means for reducing stress on the housing tube.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said plug is made of a flexible material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said plug is made of a non-metallic material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said plug is constructed of a material that accepts up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in its original configuration.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said plug is constructed of a titanium/nickel alloy.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means is radiopaque for visualizing said radioactive means with a fluoroscope.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means comprises Ir-192.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means is at least 20 mm in length.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means has a rounded end that abuts said plug.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The source wire of claim 1, further comprising a capsule localized within said housing tube and adjacent to said plug, said capsule configured to accept said radioactive means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 28, wherein said capsule has a rounded end that abuts said plug.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means is enclosed within a thin-walled neutron permeable capsule prior to being localized within said housing tube.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The source wire of claim 30, wherein said capsule has a rounded end, said rounded end abutting said plug.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The source wire of claim 31, wherein said rounded end is attached to a tapered section of said capsule.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The source wire of claim 30, wherein said capsule emits 10% or less of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 30, wherein said capsule is made of gold, epoxy, carbon, titanium, platium, nickel, high purity aluminum, or mixtures thereof.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means is a single radioactive source.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means comprises a plurality of radioactive sources.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
169 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube constructed of a material accepts up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in its original configuration, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; a plug, said plug positioned to seal said lumen of said unmodified section to prevent radioactive material from entering therein; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
169 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube constructed of a material accepts up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in its original configuration, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; a plug, said plug positioned to seal said lumen of said unmodified section to prevent radioactive material from entering therein; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
223 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; a plug, said plug positioned to seal said lumen of said unmodified section to prevent radioactive material from entering therein; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
223 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; a plug, said plug positioned to seal said lumen of said unmodified section to prevent radioactive material from entering therein; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
135 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means encapsulated in a thin-walled neutron permeable capsule and localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube and said encapsulated radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
135 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a disease within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means encapsulated in a thin-walled neutron permeable capsule and localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube and said encapsulated radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 39, wherein said radioactive means is encapsulated prior to being localized within said housing tube.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 39, wherein said encapsulated radioactive means has an outer diameter that is larger than said lumen of said unmodified section.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
170 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said rounded second end of said wire, wherein said proximal end of said tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means; and a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a second end, said wire encased and secured within said housing tube wherein said first end is adjacent to said distal end of said tube and said second end abuts said radioactive means; said tube, backbone wire and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
170 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said rounded second end of said wire, wherein said proximal end of said tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means; and a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a second end, said wire encased and secured within said housing tube wherein said first end is adjacent to said distal end of said tube and said second end abuts said radioactive means; said tube, backbone wire and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 42, further comprising means for transferring stress from said modified segment to said unmodified section.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 43, wherein said stress transferring means includes a collapsible tapered structure that participates in the bending of the source wire.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The source wire of claim 44, wherein said collapsible structure is a backbone wire having a tapered region adjoining said second end, said second end including a rounded surface.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein said radioactive means has a rounded end that abuts said second end of said backbone wire.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
33 words
The source wire of claim 42, further comprising a capsule localized within said housing tube and adjacent to said second end of said backbone wire, said capsule configured to accept said radioactive means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 47, wherein said capsule has a rounded end, said rounded end abutting said second end of said backbone wire.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein the first end of said backbone wire is attached to the distal end of said housing tube.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein the second end of said backbone wire is rounded.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 42, further comprising an internal safety mechanism to prevent a separation of the radioactive means from the source wire.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
45 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein said backbone wire extends throughout the length of said unmodified section and terminates in a rounded area, said rounded area is localized in said modified segment and is too large to enter said lumen of said unmodified section.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein said backbone wire is affixed to said interior surface of said housing tube at more than one site.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein said backbone wire includes an untapered portion, a tapered region, and a rounded area, said rounded area adjacent to said radioactive means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein said tapered region of said backbone wire adjoins said rounded area.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 42 further comprising means for reducing stress at said proximal end of said backbone wire.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
The source wire of claim 42 wherein said stress reducing means includes a rounded area on said second end of said backbone wire, said rounded area being adjacent to said radioactive core and attached to a tapered region of said backbone wire.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 42, wherein said backbone wire is made of the same material as said housing tube.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
The source wire of claim 42, further comprising means for preventing radioactive particles released from the radioactive source from entering the space between the backbone wire and the interior of said housing tube.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
The source wire of claim 59 wherein said preventive means includes a seal between said backbone wire and said housing tube.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 60, wherein said seal is made of a non-metallic material.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
The source wire of claim 42, further comprising a seal between said backbone wire and said interior surface of said unmodified surface.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
19 words
The source wire of claim 62, wherein said seal is adjacent to said second end of said backbone wire.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising means for increasing the flexibility of said source wire at the junction of said backbone wire and said radioactive source.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising means for increasing the flexibility of said source wire at the junction of said backbone wire and said radioactive source.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
72 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising the radioactive source being radiopaque for directly visualizing said radioactive source in the patient's body with a fluoroscope.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
72 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising the radioactive source being radiopaque for directly visualizing said radioactive source in the patient's body with a fluoroscope.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising a safety mechanism to prevent the radioactive source from detaching from the backbone wire if the housing tube is broken.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising a safety mechanism to prevent the radioactive source from detaching from the backbone wire if the housing tube is broken.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
75 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising means for preventing particles released from the radioactive source from entering the space between the backbone wire and the housing tube.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
75 words
In a source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which an elongated housing tube containing a flexible backbone wire and a radioactive source is used to advance and withdraw the radioactive source to the desired location in the patient's body, the improvement comprising means for preventing particles released from the radioactive source from entering the space between the backbone wire and the housing tube.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
226 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a diseased area within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an internal surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; a plug, said plug attached to said internal surface of said unmodified section and extending into said tapered section; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
226 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a diseased area within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an internal surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; a plug, said plug attached to said internal surface of said unmodified section and extending into said tapered section; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; said tube, plug and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
262 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a diseased area within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an internal surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; and a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is attached to said distal end of said housing tube and said second end having a rounded surface that extends into said tapered section, said rounded surface being too large to enter said lumen of said unmodified section; said tube, backbone wire and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
262 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a diseased area within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an internal surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; and a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is attached to said distal end of said housing tube and said second end having a rounded surface that extends into said tapered section, said rounded surface being too large to enter said lumen of said unmodified section; said tube, backbone wire and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 69, further comprising means for transferring stress from said modified segment to said unmodified section.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 70, wherein said stress transferring means includes a collapsible tapered structure that participates in the bending of the source wire.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
22 words
The source wire of claim 71, wherein said collapsible structure is a tapered region of said backbone wire adjoining said second end.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The source wire of claim 69, wherein said backbone wire includes a tapered region adjoining said rounded surface.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 69, further comprising means for reducing stress at said proximal end of said backbone wire.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
The source wire of claim 74 wherein said stress reducing means includes a tapered region of said backbone wire attached to said rounded surface, said rounded surface adjacent to said radioactive means.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
246 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a diseased area within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an internal surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; and a flexible backbone wire having a first end, a second end, an untapered portion, a tapered region, and a rounded area, wherein said second end includes said rounded area adjoining said tapered region and abutting said radioactive means; said tube, backbone wire and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
246 words
A source wire for delivering radiation treatment to a diseased area within a body comprising: a thin, generally cylindrical, elongated, flexible housing tube having a wall thickness, a lumen, an internal surface, a distal end and a rounded proximal end, said tube further including an unmodified section at said distal end, a tapered section and a modified segment at said proximal end, wherein said wall thickness is greater in said unmodified section than in said modified segment and wherein said tapered section has a first end and a second end, said first end adjoining said modified segment and said second end adjoining said unmodified section, said tapered section having a wall thickness that varies along its length from a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of the modified segment at said first end to a wall thickness similar to the wall thickness of said unmodified section at said second end; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said modified segment proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means from said source wire; and a flexible backbone wire having a first end, a second end, an untapered portion, a tapered region, and a rounded area, wherein said second end includes said rounded area adjoining said tapered region and abutting said radioactive means; said tube, backbone wire and radioactive means forming a composite source wire for performing the radiation treatment.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
27 words
The source wire of claim 76, wherein said tapered region of said backbone wire is collapsible to transfer stress from said modified segment to said unmodified section.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 76, further comprising a capsule localized within said housing tube and adjacent to said rounded area of said backbone wire.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 78, wherein said capsule has a rounded end, said rounded end abutting said rounded area of said backbone wire.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 76, wherein said first end of said backbone wire is attached to the distal end of said housing tube.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
49 words
The source wire of claim 76, wherein said backbone wire extends throughout the length of said unmodified section of said housing tube and said rounded area of said backbone wire extends into said tapered section, said rounded area being too large to enter said lumen of said unmodified section.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-11-09 | 2002-05-11 | 2002-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-09 | 2006-05-11 | 2006-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-09 | 2010-05-11 | 2010-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |