Method and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy
A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
1. A method for delivering radiation to a target tissue comprising sub-macular choroidal neo vascularization (CNV) associated with macular degeneration in an eye from the interior of the eye with a radiation delivery device having an elongated probe associated therewith, the probe having a distal end through which radiation can be selectively administered to the target tissue, the method comprising:
creating an access to the interior of the eye through a surface of the eye;
introducing the probe into the interior of the eye through the access;
positioning the distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the target tissue;
protecting non-target tissue from radiation emitted from the distal end of the probe by introducing a radiation attenuating fluid into the interior of the eye;
delivering a dose of radiation to the target tissue, including attenuating the peak radiation dose delivered by the probe to the target tissue closest to the distal tip of the probe.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the probe comprises an inflatable balloon.
3. A method for delivering radiation to a target tissue comprising sub-macular choroidal neo vascularization (CNV) associated with macular degeneration in an eye from the interior of the eye with a radiation delivery device having an elongated probe associated therewith, the probe having a distal end through which radiation can be selectively administered to the target tissue, the method comprising:
creating an access to the interior of the eye through a surface of the eye;
introducing the probe into the interior of the eye through the access;
positioning the distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the target tissue;
protecting non-target tissue from radiation emitted from the distal end of the probe by detaching a portion of the retina from the target tissue to form a bleb;
maintaining the bleb by injecting a high viscosity fluid into the sub-retinal space;
delivering a dose of radiation to the target tissue, including attenuating the peak radiation dose delivered by the probe to the target tissue closest to the distal tip of the probe; and
after exposing the sub-retinal space to radiation, removing the high viscosity fluid from the bleb.