Medical tools and devices with improved ultrasound visibility

This invention relates to radiotherapy. More particularly, it relates to radioactive sources for use in brachytherapy, and in particular to radioactive sources with improved ultrasound imaging visibility. A medical or surgical device or tool that is designed to be implanted or inserted inside the hu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Snow, Robert Allen, Wolfe, Henry, Rydbeck, Anna, Gjorsvik, Tore, Coffey, Steven, Malmgren, Hakan, Axellson, Oskar
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 15.06.2004
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Summary:This invention relates to radiotherapy. More particularly, it relates to radioactive sources for use in brachytherapy, and in particular to radioactive sources with improved ultrasound imaging visibility. A medical or surgical device or tool that is designed to be implanted or inserted inside the human or mammalian body, having at least part of its surface coated whereby the ultrasound visibility of said device or tool in vivo is enhanced, wherein the coating comprises one or more of the following: (i) a matrix material containing a plurality of contrast enhancing elements; (ii) magnesium; (iii) a liquid or polymer which alters its ultrasound imaging properties upon elevating the temperature from ambient to physiological temperature; (iv) a liquid or polymer which alters its ultrasound imaging properties as a result of a change in pH; (v) an essentially non-polymeric bio-compatible compound which forms a discontinuous coating. Preferably the device or tool is a radioactive source for use in brachytherapy, and in particular a radioactive seed.