U.S. patent application number 10/310353 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for apparatus and method for transporting radiopharmaceuticals.
Invention is credited to Chen Fu, Monty Mong, Zhu, Bing Bing.
Application Number | 20030222228 10/310353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29586545 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030222228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen Fu, Monty Mong ; et
al. |
December 4, 2003 |
Apparatus and method for transporting radiopharmaceuticals
Abstract
A method and apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals.
Typically, the apparatus is a two-part assembly, each part having
an exterior shell, a radiation shield and a non-porous lining.
Additionally, the assembled apparatus has a sealed internal chamber
suitable for carrying a syringe or a sharps container containing a
syringe. The internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig is
lined with a non-porous lining, typically a durable plastic, that
prevents contamination of the radiopharmaceutical doses, the
radiation shield, or the environment. Additionally, the non-porous
lining can be quickly and easily cleaned and sterilized, avoiding
the often difficult, to impossible, task of cleaning and
sterilizing the radiation shield of the radiopharmaceutical pig.
The non-porous lining is surrounded by a radiation shield that is
typically comprised of elemental lead. The radiation shield
prevents radiation from the radiopharmaceutical from contaminating
the user or environment. The radiation shield is surrounded by an
exterior shell that absorbs impact and prevents the
radiopharmaceutical pig from breaking. Additionally, the exterior
shell prevents environmental exposure to the potentially hazardous
material of the radiation shield. Generally, a method of
transporting a radiopharmaceutical by filling the container with a
radiopharmaceutical, inserting the container into the internal
chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig having a non-porous lining,
and assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so the that the
container is in the internal chamber and is encapsulated by the
radiation shield, is also provided.
Inventors: |
Chen Fu, Monty Mong;
(Chatsworth, CA) ; Zhu, Bing Bing; (Stevensons
Ranch, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP
333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
48TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-1448
US
|
Family ID: |
29586545 |
Appl. No.: |
10/310353 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60338355 |
Dec 5, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
250/507.1 ;
206/365; 206/524.4; 29/428; 29/469; 600/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49904 20150115;
G21F 5/018 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A61M 5/1785
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/507.1 ;
206/365; 206/524.4; 600/5; 29/469; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
G21F 005/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals comprising: a
radiopharmaceutical pig including an upper portion removably
securable to a lower portion, the upper portion and lower portion
each including an exterior shell, a radiation shield and a
non-porous lining, the non-porous lining having an interior surface
defining an internal chamber, wherein the exterior shell of the
upper portion and the lower portion together surround the radiation
shield, the non-porous lining and the internal chamber of the upper
portion and the lower portion, wherein the radiation shield of the
upper portion and the lower portion together surround the
non-porous lining and the internal chamber of the upper portion and
the lower portion, and wherein the non-porous lining of the upper
portion and lower portion together substantially surround the
internal chamber of the lower portion.
2. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the internal chamber is sized to fit a
syringe.
3. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the internal chamber is sized to fit a
removable container having a cap and a housing.
4. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 3, wherein the removable container is sized to fit a
syringe.
5. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower exterior shells comprise a
plastic.
6. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower exterior shells comprise a
paint.
7. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower radiation shields comprise
lead.
8. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower radiation shields comprise
a metal.
9. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower non-porous linings comprise
a plastic.
10. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower non-porous linings comprise
a polymer.
11. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower non-porous linings comprise
a paint.
12. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 1, wherein the radiopharmaceutical pig additionally
comprises a removable container having a cap and housing, the
removable container sized to contain a syringe and fit within the
internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig.
13. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 12, wherein the removable container additionally comprises
protrusions; and wherein the non-porous lining and the radiation
shield of the lower portion additionally comprises cutouts that
correspond with the protrusions on the removable container.
14. An apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals comprising:
a radiopharmaceutical pig having an interior surface defining an
internal chamber, the radiopharmaceutical pig having a non-porous
lining, a radiation shield and an exterior shell, wherein the
non-porous lining surrounds at least a portion of the internal
chamber, wherein the radiation shield surrounds the non-porous
lining and the internal chamber, and wherein the exterior shell
surrounds the radiation shield, the nonporous lining and the
internal chamber.
15. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the internal chamber is sized to fit a
syringe.
16. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the internal chamber is sized to fit a
removable container having a cap and a housing.
17. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 16, wherein the removable container is sized to fit a
syringe.
18. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the exterior shell comprises a plastic.
19. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the exterior shell comprises a paint.
20. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the radiation shield comprises lead.
21. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the radiation shield comprises a metal.
22. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the non-porous lining comprises a plastic.
23. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the non-porous lining comprises a polymer.
24. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the non-porous lining comprises a paint.
25. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 14, wherein the radiopharmaceutical pig additionally
comprises a removable container having a cap and housing, the
removable container being sized to contain a syringe and fit within
the internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig.
26. The apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals as defined
in claim 25, wherein the removable container additionally comprises
protrusions, and wherein the non-porous lining and the radiation
shield of the lower portion additionally comprise cutouts that
correspond with the protrusions on the removable container.
27. A method of preparing an apparatus for transporting a
radiopharmaceutical, the method utilizing a radiopharmaceutical pig
comprised of an exterior shell, a radiation shield, and a
non-porous lining, and having an interior surface defining an
internal chamber sized to contain a container, the method
comprising: filling the container with a radiopharmaceutical;
inserting the container into the internal chamber of the
radiopharmaceutical pig having a non-porous lining; and assembling
the radiopharmaceutical pig so the container is in the internal
chamber and encapsulated by the radiation shield.
28. The method as defined in claim 27, further comprising placing a
housing sized to contain a syringe into the internal chamber before
inserting the container into the internal chamber.
29. The method as defined in claim 28, further comprising placing a
cap on the housing or container after inserting the container into
the internal chamber.
30. The method as defined in claim 28, further comprising placing a
label having information that is useful to the user or patient on
the container before inserting the container into the internal
chamber.
31. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein the information is
selected from a group consisting of a patient's name, a production
lot number, an expiration date for the radioactive material, a
quantity of the radioactive material, a name of an intended medical
procedure, a half life for the radioactive material, a bar code,
and a color code.
32. The method as defined in claim 27, further comprising placing
the radiopharmaceutical pig into a shipping container for
transportation to the location for use.
33. The method as defined in claim 32, further comprising
transporting the radiopharmaceutical pig to the location for
use.
34. The method as defined in claim 33, further comprising placing a
label having information that is useful to the user or patient on
the radiopharmaceutical pig before transporting the
radiopharmaceutical pig to the location for use.
35. The method as defined in claim 34, wherein the information is
selected from a group consisting of a patient's name, a production
lot number, an expiration date for the radioactive material, a
quantity of the radioactive material, a name of an intended medical
procedure, a half life for the radioactive material, a bar code,
and a color code.
36. The method as defined in claim 27, wherein assembling the
radiopharmaceutical pig includes screwing one portion of the
radiopharmaceutical pig to another portion of the
radiopharmaceutical pig.
Description
[0001] This application claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/338,355 filed Dec. 5, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to shielded
apparatuses and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for
transporting radiopharmaceuticals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the health care industry and, more specifically, in the
field of nuclear medicine, radioactive materials known as
radiopharmaceuticals are used in various applications, including
non-invasive imaging of patients for various diagnostic, as well as
therapeutic purposes. Over the years, the health care industry has
developed many different radiopharmaceuticals designed to
facilitate such applications.
[0004] Radiopharmaceuticals should be handled carefully because of
their radioactive nature. Recognizing the need to carefully handle
radioactive materials, various governmental agencies, including the
U.S. Department of Transportation, the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), have
promulgated regulations to ensure that they are handled safely. To
avoid some of the overhead costs associated with addressing the
above concerns, many hospitals have resorted to using outside
pharmacy companies having expertise in the compounding and handling
of radiopharmaceuticals to provide them with their radioactive
drugs.
[0005] Typically, patients who require radioactive drugs require
only a small dose of a specific drug. Therefore, if the number of
patients generally requiring radioactive drugs is small, health
care providers typically order radiopharmaceuticals in individual
or "unit" doses for each specific patient. Furthermore, the
radioactive agents in the drugs have various half lives and lose
their effectiveness after a predetermined time period. Thus, if a
hospital does not have the required demand, some of its unused
radioactive agents may decay and become unusable. To avoid the
expense of such in-house production of radioactive drugs, many
hospitals now purchase each prescribed dose of a radioactive drug
from an outside pharmacy.
[0006] The pharmacies which provide radioactive drugs to hospitals
utilize the principles of mass production to reduce their per-unit
costs. The pharmacies receive prescription orders and deliver the
corresponding radioactive drugs to nearby hospitals. Each
prescription is individually filled, and each dose of radioactive
drug is packaged in a syringe intended for a specific patient. The
syringes containing the radioactive drugs must be carefully handled
and delivered inside containers offering some degree of radiation
shielding. Furthermore, government regulations require syringes to
be disposed of in a container that shields others from the risk of
injury posed by their sharp hypodermic needles. Such a container,
generally referred to as a "sharps" container, typically has an
internal cavity or chamber that can hold at least one syringe. One
type of sharps container has a chamber sealed by a spring-biased
pivoting gate to keep syringes safely inside.
[0007] Conventionally, each dose of radioactive drug is packaged in
a syringe intended for a specific patient, and transported and
handled within a reusable apparatus having a radiation shield,
commonly known as a radiopharmaceutical pig. The
radiopharmaceutical pig typically is a two-part assembly, with an
upper portion removably attached to the lower portion. Once the pig
is assembled, it includes a sealed internal chamber suitable for
carrying a syringe. The internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical
pig is surrounded by a radiation shield that is typically made of
elemental lead. The heavy lead particles provide the desired
radiation shielding. The radiation shield can be surrounded by an
exterior shell, which typically is made of a polystyrene plastic.
The exterior shell prevents damage to the radiopharmaceutical pig
by absorbing any impact to it. By acting as a barrier between the
radiation shield and the environment, the exterior shell also
prevents lead particles from the radiation shield from
contaminating the environment.
[0008] Once the syringe containing radioactive drugs is ready to be
transported, it is placed into the internal chamber of the bottom
portion of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The radiopharmaceutical pig
is then assembled by removably attaching the top portion of the pig
to the bottom portion of the pig. The assembled pig is then
transported to the desired destination with the interior chamber
containing the syringe and the radioactive drug.
[0009] Once the radiopharmaceutical pig containing the syringe and
radioactive drug has arrived to its destination and the radioactive
drug is ready to be used, the pig is disassembled and the syringe
is removed. The dose is then injected into the patient, as needed.
Once the syringe has been used, it is generally referred to as
"spent," but usually contains at least a small amount of residual
radioactive drug. Additionally, the hypodermic needle of the spent
syringe is now biologically contaminated from coming into contact
with the patient. The contaminated spent syringe is then put back
into the bottom portion of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The top
portion of the radiopharmaceutical pig is then removably attached,
usually by interlocking threads, to the bottom portion of the pig.
Once the top and bottom portions of the radiopharmaceutical pig are
removably attached to one another, the radiopharmaceutical pig is
sent back to the pharmacy for proper disposal of the contaminated
spent syringe.
[0010] Using the radiopharmaceutical pig apparatus and method
described above has certain drawbacks. One such drawback is the
additional expense and hazard that arises from contaminating the
radiopharmaceutical pig. The spent syringe is often placed back
into the radiopharmaceutical pigs with the needle uncapped.
Therefore, any residual amount of radioactive drug or biologically
contaminated blood can come into direct contact with the radiation
shield of the pig and cause unsuspected contamination of the
radiation shield. Consequently, subsequent doses of
radiopharmaceuticals may be distributed in radiopharmaceutical pigs
that are contaminated with biological and radioactive contaminants.
Transporting radiopharmaceutical doses in contaminated pigs thus
exposes both hospital staff and patients to potential environmental
transmission of blood-borne pathogens, such as Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and to
harmful radioactive materials.
[0011] Additionally, because some of the materials used to make the
radiation shield, including lead, are very porous, biological
contaminants that contaminate the porous material can be very
difficult to detect and remove. Often, biological contaminants
cannot be detected in a radiation shield that is made of a porous
material regardless of the detection methods used. Because
biological contaminants often cannot be detected, any potential
exposure to biological contaminants would require sterilization and
sanitization of the radiation shield. Known processes of
sterilizing and sanitizing the pig, including autoclaving, gas
sterilization, high pressure steam, and moist heat treatment are
often ineffective, time-consuming and expensive. Additionally,
because known methods of sterilization and sanitation are often not
effective at removing biological contaminants from the radiation
shield, the contaminated radiopharmaceutical pig would have to be
disposed of.
[0012] Radioactive materials can also be very difficult to remove
from porous materials. Using known processes to try and remove
radioactive contaminants and sanitize the pig is undesirable,
because the various processes are often expensive, time-consuming
and ineffective. Alternatively, disposing of the contaminated
radiopharmaceutical pigs is also not a desirable option, because
the radiopharmaceutical pigs are expensive to replace and difficult
to dispose of if they contain hazardous materials such as lead.
[0013] Another drawback of the above method and apparatus is the
exposure to potentially hazardous particles of the exposed
radiation shield. The exposed radiation shield creates the
potential danger that hazardous particles from the radiation shield
will contaminate the environment or the user. Often, a
radiopharmaceutical pig with a radiation shield made of lead will
create lead dust particles that will remain in the
radiopharmaceutical pig, or escape from the radiopharmaceutical
pig, and settle on eradiopharmacy surfaces. Accordingly, there is
the potential danger of human inhalation or ingestion of lead dust
from the lead radiation shield. Also, the lead particles could
contaminate the syringe and radiopharmaceuticals inserted into the
pig, and result in harmful lead particles being unknowingly
injected into a patient. To avoid the potential that lead particles
would contaminate the environment, the syringe or the
radiopharmaceuticals, additional safety procedures and handling
equipment that are time-consuming, expensive and not completely
effective would need to be implemented. Additionally, if the
radiopharmaceutical doses were contaminated with hazardous
particles, they would be unuseable, and additional effort and
expense would be required to obtain new doses and dispose of the
contaminated ones.
[0014] The prior art attempted to solve some of the drawbacks
described above. One approach involves using a disposable sharps
container to encapsulate the syringe containing
radiopharmaceuticals before inserting the syringe into the
radiopharmaceutical pig. Typically, a disposable sharps container
is a two-part assembly including a bottom portion, commonly called
a housing, and a top portion, commonly called a cap. The sharps
container can be assembled by removably attaching the cap and
housing together to create a sealed internal chamber, sized to hold
a syringe. In the approach used in the prior art, the sharps
container acts as a barrier that prevents potentially hazardous
particles from the radiation shield from contaminating the syringe
or radiopharmaceuticals, and prevents biological and radioactive
contaminants on the spent syringe from contaminating the radiation
shield.
[0015] Once the syringe containing radiopharmaceuticals is ready to
be transported, it is placed into the bottom portion, or housing,
of the sharps container. The cap is then removably attached to the
housing, thereby causing the syringe to be contained in the sealed
internal chamber of the assembled sharps container. The sharps
container and the syringe it contains are then inserted into the
internal chamber of a radiopharmaceutical pig similar to the one
described above. The radiopharmaceutical pig is then assembled and
transported to the desired destination, where it is disassembled
when the radiopharmaceutical is needed. Once the pig is
disassembled, the cap of the disposable sharps container is removed
from the housing, allowing the user access to the syringe. The
syringe is then removed while the housing of the disposable sharps
container remains in the lower portion of the radiopharmaceutical
pig. The syringe is then used for its intended purpose and the
contaminated spent syringe is placed back into the housing of the
sharps container that remained in the lower portion of the pig. The
cap of the sharps container is then placed back onto the housing of
the sharps container, thereby encapsulating the contaminated spent
syringe. The pig is then assembled with the sharps container and
contaminated spent syringe inside the internal chamber of the pig.
The assembled pig is then transported into the proper destination
for disposal of the sharps container and contaminated spent
syringe.
[0016] Alternatively, the method described above can be modified to
transport the syringe containing radiopharmaceuticals without it
being encapsulated in a sharps container. Instead, the sharps
container is either included in the same shipping container as the
assembled radiopharmaceutical pig or it is obtained through
alternative means. Once the syringe has been used or spent it is
placed into the bottom portion or housing of the sharps container
and the cap is removably attached to the housing, encapsulating the
syringe. The sharps container containing the spent syringe is then
placed into the bottom portion of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The
pig is then assembled and transported to the proper location for
disposal of the sharps container and contaminated spent syringe.
Using the radiopharmaceutical pig apparatus and methods described
above also has certain drawbacks.
[0017] One such drawback is potential contamination that results if
the user of the radiopharmaceutical pig does not use the disposable
sharps container to contain the syringe either before or after its
use. Often, users of the radiopharmaceutical pig forget to use the
disposable sharps container. When the unused syringe is placed into
the lower portion of the pig without the housing of the sharps
container, hazardous particles from the radiation shield, like lead
dust, can contaminate the syringe and the radiopharmaceuticals it
contains. As mentioned above, the radiation shield is typically
made of elemental lead, which is a hazardous material. Not using
the disposable sharps container to contain the syringe before
inserting it into the radiopharmaceutical pig creates the potential
that the radiopharmaceutical doses are contaminated with hazardous
particles. To avoid possible injury to patients or hospital staff,
the radiopharmaceutical doses would need to be discarded and
replaced with uncontaminated doses.
[0018] Another problem arises if the contaminated spent syringe is
placed into the lower portion of the pig without the housing of the
sharps container. The residual amount of radiopharmaceuticals and
biological contaminants on the spent syringe would very likely come
into direct contact with the radiation shield of the
radiopharmaceutical pig, and would require expensive and
time-consuming cleaning and sterilization of the radiation shield.
Additionally, if the radiation shield could not be properly cleaned
or sterilized, the contaminated radiopharmaceutical pig would need
to be disposed of, resulting in additional expense. Therefore, the
method and apparatus described in the prior art eventually results
in contamination of the radiation shield of radiopharmaceutical
pig, which can be difficult, to impossible, to clean, not to
mention expensive and time-consuming.
[0019] Additionally, another drawback of the apparatus and method
described above is the environmental contamination that can occur
because the potentially hazardous particles from the radiation
shield are exposed to the environment. When the pig is unassembled,
the radiation shield and any loose particles of the radiation
shield are exposed to the environment. Hazardous particles, such as
lead dust, may escape from the inner chamber of the pig,
contaminating the environment and exposing individuals in the
vicinity to potentially serious harm. To try to minimize the
potentially serious harm that would result from exposure to
hazardous particles, such as lead dust, additional safety
procedures and handling equipment that are time-consuming,
expensive, and not completely effective would need to be
implemented.
[0020] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved
radiopharmaceutical pig that prevents particles from the radiation
shield from contaminating the syringe, the radiopharmaceuticals or
the environment, and that prevents biological or radioactive
contaminants from contaminating the radiation shield or the
environment. The present invention fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention resides
in an improved method and apparatus for transporting a container,
typically a syringe, containing radioactive material.
Advantageously, the present invention provides an apparatus and
method that prevents potentially hazardous particles from the
radiation shield of a radiopharmaceutical pig from contaminating
the radiopharmaceutical container or the environment. The method
and apparatus of the present invention also prevents the radiation
shield of the radiopharmaceutical pig from being contaminated by
the biological or radioactive contaminants on the spent syringe.
Additionally, the present invention provides for an apparatus for
transporting radiopharmaceuticals that can be quickly and
inexpensively cleaned and sanitized.
[0022] More specifically, by way of example and not limitation, in
a presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present
invention forms a radiopharmaceutical pig with an upper portion
that can be removably secured to its lower portion. Both portions
of the radiopharmaceutical pig include an exterior shell, a
radiation shield, a non-porous lining, and an interior surface that
defines an internal chamber. The exterior shell of the upper
portion and lower portion surround the radiation shield, the
non-porous lining, and the internal chamber of the upper portion
and the lower portion, respectively. Additionally, the radiation
shield of the upper portion and lower portion surround the
non-porous lining and the internal chamber of the upper portion and
the lower portion, respectively. The non-porous lining of the upper
portion and lower portion surrounds the internal chamber.
[0023] The non-porous lining covers the radiation shield and
prevents hazardous particles from the radiation shield from
contaminating the user or environment. By preventing hazardous
particles from the radiation shield from contaminating the
environment, the apparatus of the present invention allows the
contaminated syringe to be transported to the disposal area, where
it can be handled by users without using time-consuming and
expensive techniques required to handle hazardous materials. This
saves the hospital the in-house handling and disposal costs
associated with the need to use special techniques when dealing
with hazardous materials, like lead. The non-porous liner also
allows the internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig to be
cleaned and sterilized quickly and inexpensively.
[0024] In another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the apparatus additionally includes a removable,
disposable container having a cap and housing. The internal chamber
of the assembled radiopharmaceutical pig is also sized to fit the
disposable container and the assembled, disposable container is
sized to contain a syringe. By placing the syringe containing
radiopharmaceuticals into the housing and then placing the cap on
the housing, the syringe is encapsulated by the disposable
container. The container and the syringe it holds are then placed
in the internal chamber of the bottom portion of the
radiopharmaceutical pig and the pig is assembled by removably
attaching the top portion of the radiopharmaceutical pig to the
bottom portion containing the container and syringe.
[0025] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the exterior shell and the non-porous lining
of the upper portion together form one continuous piece that
encapsulates the radiation shield of the upper portion.
Additionally, the exterior shell and the non-porous lining of the
lower portion together form one continuous piece that encapsulates
the radiation shield of the lower portion.
[0026] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the non-porous lining of the upper portion
and lower portion is made of latex or vinyl paints, lacquers,
rubbers, varnishes, epoxy resins, plastics, elastomers, urethane,
metals, steels, metal composites, Teflon or silicon.
[0027] In yet another detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the non-porous lining of the upper portion
and lower portion is made of any combination of latex or vinyl
paints, lacquers, rubbers, varnishes, epoxy resins, plastics,
elastomers, urethane, metals, steels, metal composites, Teflon and
silicon.
[0028] In a presently preferred method of the present invention, by
way of example and not limitation, a container, typically a
syringe, is filled with a radiopharmaceutical. The container and
the radiopharmaceutical it contains are then inserted into the
internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The internal
chamber of the pig is surrounded by a non-porous lining that is
located between the internal cavity of the radiopharmaceutical pig
and a radiation shield. The non-porous lining is surrounded by the
radiation shield and the radiation shield is surrounded by an
exterior shell of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The
radiopharmaceutical pig is then assembled by securing the upper and
lower portions of the radiopharmaceutical pig together. Once the
radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled, the radiation shield
encapsulates the container that resides in the internal chamber of
the pig.
[0029] An alternative method of the present invention begins with
filling a syringe with a radiopharmaceutical. The syringe is then
inserted into a housing that covers the bottom portion of the
syringe. The housing and syringe are then inserted into the
internal chamber of the pig together. The internal chamber of the
radiopharmaceutical pig is sized to accept the housing and syringe.
The radiopharmaceutical pig is then assembled by securing the upper
and lower portion of the radiopharmaceutical pig together. Once the
radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled, the radiation shield of the
pig encapsulates the housing and the syringe.
[0030] In another detailed aspect of a preferred method of the
present invention, a cap is placed on the housing after the syringe
and housing are inserted into the internal chamber of the
radiopharmaceutical pig. The cap and housing together encapsulate
the syringe and protect the container and radiopharmaceuticals from
becoming contaminated by particles from the radiation shield. The
cap and housing also protects the radiation shield and environment
from becoming contaminated with biological or radioactive
contaminants on the spent syringe.
[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention will now be described with reference to the
presently preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, which are
provided only as examples to illustrate the principles of the
invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown,
and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The
embodiments are not shown or described in more detail than
necessary to describe the invention, and the manner and process of
making and using it, to those skilled in the art.
[0033] In the drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exploded apparatus for
transporting radiopharmaceuticals, in accordance with the present
invention, showing the relative placement of the exterior shell,
radiation shield, and the non-porous lining;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the
apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the exploded apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals of the
present invention showing the relative placement of the exterior
shell, radiation shield, and the non-porous lining;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the
apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals of FIG. 3;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the exploded apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals of the
present invention showing the relative placement of the exterior
shell, radiation shield, and the non-porous lining; and
[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the
apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The present invention provides for an improved apparatus and
method for transporting radiopharmaceuticals. The improved method
and apparatus of the present invention described herein provide a
number of significant advantages. By way of example only, some of
the advantages of the present invention include avoiding biological
or radioactive contamination of the radiation shield of
radiopharmaceutical pig, preventing environmental contamination of
potentially hazardous particles from the radiation, and providing
an apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals that can be
quickly and inexpensively cleaned and sanitized.
[0041] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown, by way of example and not limitation, an apparatus
for transporting radiopharmaceuticals that is typically called a
radiopharmaceutical pig, indicated generally by reference numeral
10, in accordance with the a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The structural components of radiopharmaceutical pig 10
include a non-porous upper lining 12 and a non-porous lower lining
14 that nest within an upper radiation shield 16 and a lower
radiation shield 18, respectively. The upper shield 16 and the
lower shield 18 nest within an upper exterior shell 20 and a lower
exterior shell 22, respectively. The interior surface of upper
lining 12 and lower lining 14 that does not contact either the
upper shield 16 or the lower shield 18 defines the bounds of an
internal chamber that contains the radiopharmaceuticals. The
internal chamber of the upper shield 16 is surrounded by the upper
lining 12. The internal chamber of the lower shield 18 is
surrounded by the lower lining 14.
[0042] The upper lining 12 and the lower lining 14 of the present
invention are preferably made of a durable plastic, but may be made
of any non-porous material that prevents contamination of the
radiation shield. Examples of material that the upper lining 12 and
lower lining 14 might be made of include, but are not limited to,
oil-based, latex or vinyl paints, lacquers, rubbers, varnishes,
epoxy resins, plastics, elastomers, urethane, metals, steels, metal
composites, Teflon, silicon and any non-porous material known to
those skilled in the art.
[0043] The upper lining 12 and lower lining 14 are preferably made
of a durable material, so the internal chamber of the
radiopharmaceutical pig 10 can be repeatedly cleaned and sanitized
without damage or wear to the linings. Therefore, if either the
upper lining 12 or the lower lining 14 become contaminated with
blood-borne pathogens or radioactive material, they can quickly and
easily be cleaned with sodium hypochlorite or gluteraldehyde.
Without the upper lining 12 and lower lining 14, a more expensive
and time consuming cleaning process would be required to clean the
upper radiation shield 16 and the lower radiation shield 18.
Additionally, if the upper shield 16 and a lower shield 18 are made
of a porous material, it is difficult, to impossible, to
satisfactorily clean and sanitize them.
[0044] The upper lining 12 and lower lining 14 of the
radiopharmaceutical pig 10 also allows the internal chamber of the
radiopharmaceutical pig 10 to be cleaned and sterilized without
requiring the time and expense associated with cleaning and
sterilizing the upper radiation shield 16 and the lower radiation
shield 18. Additionally, the upper lining 12 covers the upper
radiation shield 16 and the lower lining 14 covers the lower
radiation shield 18, preventing particles from the upper radiation
shield 16 and the lower radiation shield 18, such as lead dust,
from contaminating the environment. The upper lining 12 and lower
lining 14 also prevents the radiopharmaceutical doses that are
placed into the inner chamber of the pig from becoming contaminated
by particles from the upper radiation shield 16 and the lower
radiation shield 18.
[0045] The upper lining 12 has a generally tubular, cup-like shape,
featuring a closed end 56 and an open end 58, with a
circumferential ridge 60. The lower lining 14 has a generally
tubular, elongated cup-like shape featuring a closed end 62 and an
open mating end 64 and a ridge 66. The upper lining 12 and the
lower lining 14 have internal chambers or cavities sized to accept
a syringe, or a container that can accommodate a syringe.
[0046] The external dimensions of the upper lining 12 and lower
lining 14 are sized so that they nest within the upper shield 16
and lower shield 18, respectively. The circumferential ridge 60 on
the mating end 58 of the upper lining 12 abuts the mating end 64 of
the lower lining 14 when the radiopharmaceutical pig 10 is
assembled.
[0047] The upper shield 16 has a generally tubular, cup-like shape
featuring a closed end 44 and an open end 46 with a circumferential
flange 48. The lower shield 18 has a generally tubular, elongated
cup-like shape, featuring a closed end 50 and an open mating end
52. The upper radiation shield 16 and lower radiation shield 18
have internal chambers or cavities sized to accept their respective
upper lining 12 and lower lining 14.
[0048] The external dimensions of the upper shield 16 and lower
shield 18 are sized so that they nest within the upper shell 20 and
lower shell 22, respectively. The upper shield 16 and the lower
shield 18 are preferably constructed of elemental lead, but may be
constructed of any material that prevents more than a minimal
amount of radiation from the radiopharmaceutical from going through
either upper shield 16 or lower shield 18.
[0049] The exterior upper shell 20 of the radiopharmaceutical pig
10 has a generally tubular, cup-like shape, a closed end 28 and an
open mating end 30 with internal threads. Similarly, the exterior
lower shell 22 has a generally tubular, elongated cup-like shape,
featuring a closed end 32 and an open mating end 34 with external
threads 36. The mating end of the upper shell 20 has a flange 38 to
provide for the internal threads that engage the external threads
located on the mating end 34 of the lower shell 22. The upper shell
20 and lower shell 22 have interior surfaces sized to accept
radiation shield 16 and radiation shield 18, respectively. External
anti-roll ridges 40 are circumferentially located adjacent to the
mating ends 30 and 34 of the upper shell 20 and the lower shell
22.
[0050] The upper shell 20 and lower shell 22 are preferably
constructed from an ABS plastic, such as ABS Sinkral B-54
acrylontrile butadiene styrene from Enichem America, Inc., 1211
Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 11436. ABS plastic material
is more durable than other plastics. Accordingly, both upper shell
20 and lower shell 22 are less likely to crack or fracture, giving
the radiopharmaceutical pig 10 a longer, useful life and
advantageously reducing expenses by reducing the number of broken
radiopharmaceutical pigs that need to be replaced. Additionally,
upper shell 20 and lower shell 22 prevent potentially harmful
particles from the upper shield 16 and a lower shield 18 from
contaminating the user or the environment. In accordance with the
present invention, the upper shell 20 and lower shell 22 can be
made of any durable material, including, but not limited to,
plastics, metals, stainless steel, metal composites or any durable
material commonly used by those skilled in the art.
[0051] An "O" ring 42 fits between the upper shell 20 and the lower
shell 22 to provide an air and fluid tight seal. The "O" ring is
preferably made from a nitrile rubber, such as Nitrile, from DWA
Industrial Products, Inc., 9780 Variel Avenue, Chatsworth, Calif.
91311. However, the "O" ring could be made from any other material
suitable for providing an effective seal.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the
radiopharmaceutical pig of FIG. 1, described above, is shown. FIG.
2 shows the internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig being
empty.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown, by way of example
only, the components of a radiation-shielded container, in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The structural components of the radiopharmaceutical pig
include an upper lining 12 and a lower lining 14 that nest within
an upper radiation shield 16 and a lower radiation shield 18,
respectively. The upper shield 16 and the lower shield 18 nest
within an upper exterior shell 20 and a lower exterior shell 22,
respectively. Additionally, in FIG. 3, a syringe 80 with a plunger
14 and protrusions 78 is shown, by way of example only, as one
device that could be used with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention to contain radiopharmaceuticals. In accordance
with the present invention, other devices that are known to those
skilled in the art to contain radiopharmaceuticals can also be
used.
[0054] The radiopharmaceutical pig shown in FIG. 3 is identical to
the radiopharmaceutical pig shown in FIG. 1 and discussed above,
except that the radiopharmaceutical pig of FIG. 3 additionally
contains a pair of cutouts 68 on the lower lining 62 and a pair of
cutouts 54 on the lower shield 50. The protrusions 78 of the
syringe 80 mate with the pair of cutouts 68 on the lower lining 62
and the pair of cutouts 54 on the lower shield 50. The protrusions
78 of the syringe 80 and the cutouts 68 and 54 prevent the syringe
80 from rotating about its longitudinal axis.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown, by way of example
only, the components of a radiopharmaceutical pig 10 in accordance
with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
structural components of the radiopharmaceutical pig include an
upper lining 12 and a lower lining 14 that nest within an upper
radiation shield 16 and a lower radiation shield 18, respectively.
The upper shield 16 and the lower shield 18 each nest within an
upper shell 20 and a lower shell 22, respectively. Additionally, in
FIG. 3 there is shown a housing 84 with protrusions 86 and a cap
82, by way of example only, as a disposable container that could be
used with the present invention to house the syringe containing the
radiopharmaceuticals. In accordance with the present invention,
other disposable containers known to those skilled in the art could
also be used.
[0056] The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is identical to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, except that FIG. 5 shows an embodiment
wherein the syringe 80 is completely encapsulated by a housing 84
and a cap 82 which include protrusions 86. Additionally, unlike the
syringe 80 shown in FIG. 3, the syringe 80 in FIG. 5 does not have
protrusions 78 that mate with the cutouts 68 on the lower lining 62
and cutouts 54 the lower shield 50. Instead, the embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 5 includes a housing 84 with
protrusions 86 that mate with the cutouts 68 on the lower lining 14
and the cutouts 54 on the lower shield 50. The protrusions 86 on
the container prevent the housing 84 and the syringe 80 that it
contains from rotating about its longitudinal axis.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown, by way of example
only, a cross-sectional view of the radiopharmaceutical pig shown
in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows the syringe 80 with plunger 14 inside the
housing 84 and cap 82, and the syringe 80 with plunger 14 and the
housing 84 and cap 82 inside the internal chamber of the
radiopharmaceutical pig 10.
[0058] The foregoing detailed description of the present invention
is provided for the purposes of illustration and is not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments
disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is
defined only by the following claims.
* * * * *