Kenneth Durham Weeks

US Patent:

63224909, Nov 27, 2001

Filed:

Feb 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/514143

Inventors:

Richard S. Stack - Chapel Hill NC
Kenneth J. Weeks - Chapel Hill NC

Assignee:

Duke University - Durham NC

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 3

Abstract:

Methods and apparatuses for irradiating stent structures that are selectively collapsible or reducible along their longitudinal axis to reduce the total length thereof are described. Providing a collapsible stent structure reduces the effective surface area which must be exposed to the radiation beam, thereby reducing the time required for the irradiation process. Stent structures suitable for irradiation using the method and apparatus are also described.

US Patent:

55625940, Oct 8, 1996

Filed:

Jun 10, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/257884

Inventors:

Kenneth J. Weeks - Chapel Hill NC

Assignee:

Duke University - Durham NC

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 3

Abstract:

This invention provides a novel applicator system for brachytherapy of the uterine cervix which overcomes the problems of the prior art. In particular, this invention provides a Fletcher-like system having an attenuation effect functionally similar to previous applicators, but produced in a smaller sized applicator by a novel arrangement of high and low density metals. The applicator system according to the present invention is constructed so that radiation from the source must transit high density material obliquely to reach the protected tissue, traversing a greater distance in the high density material of the applicator system, with resultant greater attenuation of the radiation for a given amount of high density material. Thus, a far lesser radial extent of highly attenuating material is needed to attain the desired attenuation, and the size of the applicator can be far smaller.