ClearPath, from North American Scientific Inc. (NASI), is a multi-catheter high dose rate breast brachytherapy device. Designed to conform to the resection cavity following lumpectomy, allowing for more conformal radiation dose distribution during treatment, and to accommodate either high-dose or low-dose rate treatments, ClearPath is placed through a single incision. NASI received 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA for a low-dose rate, or continuous release treatment using the company’s Prospera brachytherapy seeds in April 2006. The high-dose rate version of ClearPath earned the FDA’s nod back in mid-November 2006.
ClearPath is intended to provide multiple catheters for easy dose optimization and is designed to allow for reduced radiation to the skin and other critical structures when compared to other treatment modalities. ClearPath also is the first multi-catheter brachytherapy device designed to provide for both high dose and continuous release treatments, according to the company.
ClearPath offers a short, convenient treatment regimen. Both continuous release and high-dose treatment options can be delivered over four to five days, compared with a six- to eight-week whole breast irradiation treatment.
North American Scientific Inc.