The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 07, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 29, 1998
James F. Antaki, Allison Park, PA (US);
Joel S. Greenberger, Sewickley, PA (US);
John A. Holmes, Wexford, PA (US);
Philip Schauer, Wexford, PA (US);
University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and a method for depositing multiple implants carrying radioactive isotopes, pharmalogical agents or transgenes, in soft tissue including tumors and organs with precise, selectable spacing between implants includes an introducer in the form of a tube which is inserted into the soft tissue and an obturator for pushing implants out of the introducer one at a time. An operating mechanism incrementally withdraws the introducer while the obturator remains stationary thereby depositing a single implant. The obturator is then coupled to the introducer for the remainder of the stroke to provide the spacing. In a preferred embodiment, the introducer is resequenced to lay down parallel rows of implants. An indicator records the total number of implants deposited. The distal end of the introducer is configured to retain the implants and allow them to be discharged into the soft tissue singly. The invention is particularly suited, but not limited, to depositing the implants using laporascopic or thorascopic techniques.