Patent US5857956A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5857956A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible source wire for localized internal irradiation of tissue
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
•
Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 1999-01-12
•
Expires: 2015-06-07
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 a thin flexible housing tube, housing therein a flexible backbone wire, wherein both the tube and the wire are constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive core is provided in the proximal end (i.e., the treatment end) of the thin flexible housing tube and abuts the proximal end of the backbone wire. 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
- 👤 Samuel F. Liprie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:48
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F5/00; G21F5/015; 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: 110
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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 is rounded; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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 is rounded; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means has a smaller outer diameter than said flexible backbone wire.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said housing tube is made of a titanium/nickel alloy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 3, wherein said titanium/nickel alloy is composed of about 55% nickel and about 45% titanium.
Claim 6
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 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said backbone wire is made of the same material as said housing tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein the first end of said backbone wire is attached to the distal end of said housing tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said backbone wire is affixed to said interior surface of said housing tube at more than one site.
Claim 10
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 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 9, wherein said non-oxidizing agent is gold.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means can be visualized with a flurorscope.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means comprises Ir-192.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means is at least 20 mm in length.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means is encapsulated within a thin-walled neutron permeable material prior to being localized within said housing tube.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 14, wherein said encapsulating material includes gold, acrylic, glue, epoxy, carbon, titanium, platinum, nickel, or high purity aluminum.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
46 words
The source wire of claim 1, further comprising a sealing device located between said backbone wire and said inner surface of said housing tube; said sealing device encircling said backbone wire to prevent radioactive material from migrating along said housing tube distal to said sealing device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said backbone wire includes an untapered portion and a tapered region distal to said second end of said backbone wire.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The source wire of claim 17, wherein said tapered region of said backbone wire extends from about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches proximate to said rounded end.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 18 wherein said rounded second end approximates the shape of a ball.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said backbone wire comprises a series of rounded ball-like sections interconnected by a wire having a smaller diameter than said ball-like sections.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means is a single radioactive source.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 1, wherein said radioactive means comprises a plurality of radioactive sources.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The source wire of claim 1, further comprising means for preventing radioactive particles released from the radioactive source from entering the space between the backbone wire and and the interior of said housing tube.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The source wire of claim 23 wherein said preventive means includes a seal between said backbone wire and said housing tube.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
162 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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; means for reducing stress at said second end of said backbone wire when stress is applied to said second end; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said housing tube adjacent to a rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
162 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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; means for reducing stress at said second end of said backbone wire when stress is applied to said second end; and means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means localized within said housing tube adjacent to a rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
51 words
The source wire of claim 25 wherein said stress reducing means includes a tapered region intermediate said rounded second end of said backbone wire and said first end of said backbone wire, said rounded end being adjacent to said radioactive means and attached to said tapered region of said backbone wire.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
160 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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 to tube and said second end is rounded; and a capsule localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means situated within said capsule; and wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is seated to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
160 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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 to tube and said second end is rounded; and a capsule localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means situated within said capsule; and wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is seated to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means has a smaller outer diameter than said flexible backbone wire.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said housing tube is made of a titanium/nickel alloy.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 29, wherein said titanium/nickel alloy is composed of about 55% nickel and about 45% titanium.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein an outer diameter of said housing tube is from about 0.012 in. to about 0.018 in.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said backbone wire is made of the same material as said housing tube.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein the first end of said backbone wire is attached to the distal end of said housing tube.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said backbone wire is affixed to said interior surface of said housing tube at more than one site.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said outer surface of said housing tube is coated with a non-oxidizing agent.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 35, wherein said non-oxidizing agent is gold.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means is radiopaque for visualizing said radioactive means with a fluoroscope.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means comprises Ir-192.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means is at least 20 mm in length.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means is encapsulated within a thin-walled neutron permeable material prior to being localized within said housing tube.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 40, wherein said encapsulating material includes gold, acrylic, glue, epoxy, carbon, titanium, platinum, nickel, or high purity aluminum.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
46 words
The source wire of claim 27, further comprising a sealing device located between said backbone wire and said inner surface of said housing tube; said sealing device encircles said backbone wire to prevent radioactive material from migrating along said housing tube distal to said sealing device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said backbone wire includes an untapered portion and a tapered region distal to said second end of said backbone wire.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The source wire of claim 43, wherein said tapered region of said backbone wire extends from about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches proximate to said rounded area.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said backbone wire comprises a series of round-ed ball-like sections interconnected by a wire having a smaller diameter than said ball-like sections.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means is a single radioactive source.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means comprises a plurality of radioactive sources.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
172 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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; means for reducing stress at said second end of said backbone wire when stress is applied to said second end; a capsule localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means situated within said capsule; and wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is seated to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
172 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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; means for reducing stress at said second end of said backbone wire when stress is applied to said second end; a capsule localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube; means for emitting radioactivity, said radioactive means situated within said capsule; and wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is seated to prevent the release of said radioactive means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
54 words
The source wire of claim 48 wherein said stress reducing means includes a tapered region intermediate a rounded area on said second end of said backbone wire and said first end of said backbone wire, said rounded area being adjacent to said radioactive core and attached to said tapered region of said backbone wire.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
149 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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 is rounded; and an encapsulated radioactive core localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive core.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
149 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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 is rounded; and an encapsulated radioactive core localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive core.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said radioactive means has a smaller outer diameter than said flexible backbone.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said housing tube is made of a titanium/nickel alloy.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 52, wherein said titanium/nickel alloy is composed of about 55% nickel and about 45% titanium.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein an outer diameter of said housing tube is from about 0.012 in. to about 0.018 in.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said backbone wire is made of the same material as said housing tube.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein the first end of said backbone wire is attached to the distal end of said housing tube.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said backbone wire is affixed to said interior surface of said housing tube at more than one site.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said outer surface of said housing tube is coated with a non-oxidizing agent.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said non-oxidizing agent is gold.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said radioactive means is radiopaque for visualizing said radioactive means with a fluoroscope.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said radioactive means comprises Ir-192.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said radioactive means is at least 20 mm in length.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
26 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said radioactive means is encapsulated within a thin-walled neutron permeable material prior to being localized within said housing tube.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 63, wherein said encapsulating material includes gold, acrylic, glue, epoxy, carbon, titanium, platinum, nickel, or high purity aluminum.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
46 words
The source wire of claim 50, further comprising a sealing device located between said backbone wire and said inner surface of said housing tube; said sealing device encircles said backbone wire to prevent radioactive material from migrating along said housing tube distal to said sealing device.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
29 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said backbone wire includes an untapered portion, a tapered region, and a rounded area, said rounded area adjacent to said radioactive means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
28 words
The source wire of claim 66, wherein said tapered region of said backbone wire extends from about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches proximate to said rounded area.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
29 words
The source wire of claim 50, wherein said backbone wire comprises a series of rounded ball-like sections interconnected by a wire having a smaller diameter than said ball-like sections.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means is a single radioactive source.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 27, wherein said radioactive means comprises a plurality of radioactive sources.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
163 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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; means for reducing stress at said second end of said backbone wire when stress is applied to said second end; and an encapsulated radioactive core localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive core.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
163 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, a rounded proximal end, and an original configuration, said tube constructed of a material that can accept up to a 1% strain with less than a 1% permanent alteration in said tube's original configuration; 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; means for reducing stress at said second end of said backbone wire when stress is applied to said second end; and an encapsulated radioactive core localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive core.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
54 words
The source wire of claim 71, wherein said stress reducing means includes a tapered region intermediate a rounded area on said second end of said backbone wire and said first end of said backbone wire, said rounded area being adjacent to said radioactive core and attached to said tapered region of said backbone wire.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
164 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, and a rounded proximal end, said tube constructed of a nickel/titanium alloy; a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a second end, said wire encased within said housing tube wherein said first end is attached to said distal end of said tube and said second end is rounded and adjoins a tapered area of said backbone wire, said backbone wire being affixed to said interior surface of said housing tube at one or more points; and a radioactive core localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said radioactive core has a smaller diameter than said backbone wire; and wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive core.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
164 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a generally cylindrical elongated housing tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, a distal end, and a rounded proximal end, said tube constructed of a nickel/titanium alloy; a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a second end, said wire encased within said housing tube wherein said first end is attached to said distal end of said tube and said second end is rounded and adjoins a tapered area of said backbone wire, said backbone wire being affixed to said interior surface of said housing tube at one or more points; and a radioactive core localized within said housing tube adjacent to said rounded second end of said wire and proximate to said proximal end of said housing tube, wherein said radioactive core has a smaller diameter than said backbone wire; and wherein said proximal end of said housing tube is sealed to prevent the release of said radioactive core.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein an outer diameter of said housing tube is from about 0.012 in. to about 0.018 in.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said backbone wire is made of the same material as said housing tube.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said outer surface of said housing tube is coated with a non-oxidizing agent.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 76, wherein said non-oxidizing agent is gold.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said radioactive means is radiopaque for visualizing said radioactive means with a fluoroscope.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
12 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said radioactive means comprises Ir-192.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said radioactive means is at least 20 mm in length.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
26 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said radioactive means is encapsulated within a thin-walled neutron permeable material prior to being localized within said housing tube.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
23 words
The source wire of claim 81, wherein said encapsulating material includes gold, acrylic, glue, epoxy, carbon, titanium, platinum, nickel, or high purity aluminum.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
46 words
The source wire of claim 73, further comprising a sealing device located between said backbone wire and said inner surface of said housing tube; said sealing device encircles said backbone wire to prevent radioactive material from migrating along said housing tube distal to said sealing device.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
28 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said tapered region of said backbone wire extends from about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches proximate to said rounded area.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
15 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said radioactive means is a single radioactive source.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said radioactive means comprises a plurality of radioactive sources.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
16 words
The source wire of claim 73, wherein said housing tube is made of a titanium/nickel alloy.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
20 words
The source wire of claim 81, wherein said titanium/nickel alloy is composed of about 55% nickel and about 45% titanium.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
101 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 non-radioactive 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 means for increasing the flexibility of said source wire at the junction of said backbone wire and said radioactive source, wherein said means for increasing the flexibility of said source wire includes providing the backbone wire with a tapered proximal end terminating in a ball.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
101 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 non-radioactive 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 means for increasing the flexibility of said source wire at the junction of said backbone wire and said radioactive source, wherein said means for increasing the flexibility of said source wire includes providing the backbone wire with a tapered proximal end terminating in a ball.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
18 words
The source wire of claim 89 wherein said means for increasing flexibility is formed on said backbone wire.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
89 words
In an elongated source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which a substantially elongated housing tube containing a substantially elongated 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 and a portion of the substantially elongated housing tube from separating from the substantially elongated backbone wire if the housing tube is broken.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
89 words
In an elongated source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to a site requiring treatment within a patient's body, in which a substantially elongated housing tube containing a substantially elongated 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 and a portion of the substantially elongated housing tube from separating from the substantially elongated backbone wire if the housing tube is broken.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source wire of claim 91 wherein said safety mechanism includes at least one site of attachment.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
97 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 the particles released from the radioactive source from entering the space between the backbone wire and the housing tube wherein said means for preventing is a circumferential weld formed between said backbone wire and an inner surface of said housing.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
97 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 the particles released from the radioactive source from entering the space between the backbone wire and the housing tube wherein said means for preventing is a circumferential weld formed between said backbone wire and an inner surface of said housing.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
55 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a flexible housing; a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a rounded second end, said backbone wire encased within said housing; and means for emitting radiation within said housing and adjacent to said rounded second end of the flexible backbone wire.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
55 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a flexible housing; a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a rounded second end, said backbone wire encased within said housing; and means for emitting radiation within said housing and adjacent to said rounded second end of the flexible backbone wire.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
21 words
A source wire according to claim 94 wherein said radiation emitting means is a radioactive core approximately 20 mm in length.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
25 words
A source wire according to claim 95 wherein said radioactive core is radiopaque for visualizing said radioactive core in the patient's body with a fluoroscope.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
50 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a flexible housing; a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a rounded second end, said backbone wire encased within said housing; and a radiation source adjacent to said rounded second end of the flexible backbone wire.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
50 words
A source wire for radiation treatment of disease within a body comprising: a flexible housing; a flexible backbone wire having a first end and a rounded second end, said backbone wire encased within said housing; and a radiation source adjacent to said rounded second end of the flexible backbone wire.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
17 words
A source wire according to claim 97 wherein said radiation source is approximately 20 mm in length.
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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) | 2002-01-11 | 2002-07-13 | 2003-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-11 | 2006-07-13 | 2007-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-11 | 2010-07-13 | 2011-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |