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.

1 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A instrument for providing radiation to a desired region of tissue surrounding
 an interstitial body cavity, the instrument comprising:   a catheter member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a branch member; and   a first lumen and a second lumen disposed within the catheter member and extending from the proximal portion into the branch member, wherein the first and second lumens are configured to receive a radiation source.   
     
     
         45 . The instrument of  claim 44  wherein the distal portion has an asymmetric configuration with respect to a longitudinal axis of the instrument. 
     
     
         46 . The instrument of  claim 44  wherein the first lumen has an asymmetric configuration with respect to a longitudinal axis of the instrument. 
     
     
         47 . The instrument of  claim 44 , wherein the radiation source includes a first radioactive particle and a second radioactive particle, and wherein the first lumen is configured so that the first radioactive particle is farther from the longitudinal axis of the instrument than the second radioactive particle. 
     
     
         48 . The instrument of  claim 44 , wherein the branch member includes a centering mechanism that comprising an inflatable balloon. 
     
     
         49 . The instrument of  claim 48 , wherein the inflatable balloon has a polymetric film wall. 
     
     
         50 . The instrument of  claim 44 , wherein the first lumen is configured to receive a solid radiation particle. 
     
     
         51 . The instrument of  claim 44 , wherein the first lumen is configured to receive a radioactive seed on a wire. 
     
     
         52 . The instrument of  claim 44 , wherein at least part of the distal portion is coated with a radio-opaque material.