For Ophthalmologists

Y-90 beta radiation brachytherapy for ocular tumors and benign growths

A new approach to ophthalmic brachytherapy

The LV Y-90 Disc and iWand® applicator system is designed to deliver episcleral beta radiation for the treatment of ocular tumors and benign growths. The system is FDA 510(k) cleared and offers a single-session, outpatient-capable approach to ophthalmic brachytherapy.

Unlike traditional multi-day plaque brachytherapy — which typically requires seed ordering from multiple vendors, manual plaque assembly, surgical suturing of the plaque to the sclera, multi-day hospitalization with radiation isolation, and a second surgery to remove the plaque — the LV Y-90 system is designed as an integrated, single-use device. The hand-held iWand applicator holds the Y-90 Disc and is applied to the treatment site for a calculated duration, typically measured in minutes.

Conditions where physicians have used Y-90 brachytherapy

The LV Y-90 Disc is FDA 510(k) cleared for episcleral brachytherapy of ocular tumors and benign growths. Physicians at multiple institutions have reported their experience using the LV Y-90 system in peer-reviewed publications for the following conditions:

Choroidal melanoma

Physicians have described using light-guided Y-90 brachytherapy for posterior choroidal melanoma with the iWand P applicator, which features four ophthalmoscopic guiding lights for positioning confirmation.

Finger PT. Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases, 2024.

Iris and iridociliary melanoma

Physicians have described using single-session Y-90 brachytherapy for iris and iridociliary melanoma with the iWand A anterior applicator.

Finger PT. Ophthalmology Science, 2024.

Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma

Physicians at Duke University Eye Center have described using Y-90 brachytherapy for sclera-invasive conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, including cases recurrent or refractory to other treatments.

Maniar A, Chino J, Meltsner S, Finger PT, Materin MA. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports, 2024.

Additional indications

The LV Y-90 Disc is FDA 510(k) cleared for episcleral brachytherapy of ocular tumors and benign growths. Beta radiation has a long history in ophthalmology, and physicians have used beta-emitting sources to treat a range of conditions including pterygium, choroidal hemangioma, and retinoblastoma.

Some publications referenced above were authored or co-authored by individuals affiliated with Liberty Vision Corporation. Full citations with disclosures of affiliation are available on our Publications page.

How the system works

The LV Y-90 system consists of two components: the LV Y-90 Disc sealed brachytherapy source and the iWand® hand-held applicator. The Y-90 Disc is a high-purity yttrium-90 beta radiation source available in 6mm and 10mm diameters. Activity is configurable for each order. The Y-90 half-life is 64 hours, enabling straightforward disposal.

Two applicator types are available:

  • The iWand® A is designed for anterior segment applications. The applicator features a transparent polymer shield that is designed to block beta radiation side-scatter while allowing the physician to view the treatment site during application.
  • The iWand® P is designed for posterior segment applications. The applicator features four guiding lights surrounding the Y-90 Disc that are visible ophthalmoscopically, enabling the physician to confirm disc positioning during treatment.

Both applicators are single-use, pre-sterilized, and weigh less than 8 grams. The iWand is designed for hand-held episcleral application — no sutures are required to hold the applicator in position during treatment.

Referring a patient

If your patient presents with an ocular tumor or benign growth that may be a candidate for brachytherapy, contact Liberty Vision for information about treatment centers using the LV Y-90 system.

Learn More

Contact Liberty Vision for information about the LV Y-90 Disc and iWand system, or to discuss your patients' needs.

Contact Us