abstract |
A medical device useful for localized delivery of radiation in vivo is provided. The medical device includes a structure including a porous material; and a plurality of discrete particles including a water-insoluble radioactive salt dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the porous material. The water-insoluble radioactive salt is formed by contacting an aqueous radioactive salt solution with a heavy metal water-soluble salt dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the porous material. The heavy metal water-soluble salt can be dispersed in the porous material so that the device can be sterilized and the radioactive material can be loaded in the device in situ, for example, just prior to implantation. |