초록 ▼

An apparatus for delivering a formulation into a body in integer amounts includes a cannula with an insertion end for insertion into the body. The cannula includes a channel such as a tube to store the formulation. A rod is inserted into an end of the cannula opposite the insertion end; the rod h

An apparatus for delivering a formulation into a body in integer amounts includes a cannula with an insertion end for insertion into the body. The cannula includes a channel such as a tube to store the formulation. A rod is inserted into an end of the cannula opposite the insertion end; the rod has one end to contact the formulation and another end. The actuator controllably moves the rod through the tube of the cannula to deliver the formulation through the insertion end of the cannula.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for delivering a pellet formulation into a body comprising: a cannula including an insertion end for insertion into the body and a channel to store the formulation comprising pellets abutted to each other end to end within the channel; a flexible rod to insert in

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for delivering a pellet formulation into a body comprising: a cannula including an insertion end for insertion into the body and a channel to store the formulation comprising pellets abutted to each other end to end within the channel; a flexible rod to insert into an end of the cannula opposite the insertion end, the flexible rod having one end to contact the pellet formulation and having another end; and an index wheel that rotates about an axis that advances the flexible rod in length increments to advance the pellets through the channel of the cannula to deliver the formulation through the insertion end of the cannula, wherein at least part of the flexible rod is disposed about a curved track and the index wheel has one or more knobs and a toothed wheel coupled to the index wheel to engage the rod in the curved track and move the flexible rod laterally along the curved track in a predetermined distance upon rotation of one or more knobs of the index wheel by the operator; and a body in which the index wheel is disposed, wherein the body includes a plurality of windows disposed along the track, at least one of which windows is marked to indicate a number of units that remain in the cannula, and the other end of the flexible rod is visible from outside the body via one of the plurality of windows. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index wheel moves the rod through the channel of the cannula in a predetermined length increment that matches the length increment of one or more units of the formulation. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the formulation comprises one or more units having a predetermined shape. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined shape of the units of the formulation comprises one of the following: a cylinder, a sphere, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cuboid, a semiregular polyhedron, a convex polyhedron, a prism, and a wedge. 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the units of the formulation comprise radioactive seeds for brachytherapy. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cannula includes at least one of an echogenic and radiopaque tip for use with ultrasound or fluoroscopic applications. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cannula is flexible and sized to be used in a working channel of a scope. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the formulation includes one of the following: a liquid, a solid, a gas, a dissolvable capsule, and a drug filled capsule. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the units of the formulation comprise a pellet having a point at one end. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cannula stores more than two units of the formulation. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined rotation of the index wheel causes a predetermined rotation of the toothed wheel to move the rod in the track in a lateral distance equal to one or more units of the formulation. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined rotation comprises: one turn, a �� turn, a ⅓ turn, a �� turn, and a ⅛ turn. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one end of the rod is colored to increase visibility through the windows. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a dial to indicate a number of units that remain in the cannula. 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a counter to indicate a number of units that remain in the cannula. 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toothed wheel includes a cover being comprised of a material designed to grip the rod. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the cover comprises a material including one of the following: latex, silicone, and rubber. 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index wheel rotates only in one direction. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the insertion end is sharpened. 20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the formulation comprises one or more pellets.