Abstract: A fiducial marker for use in the body of a living being to enable the localization of targeted internal tissue. The implant is in the form of an elongated, e.g., rod-like, spacer located between pair of end members, e.g., gold cylinders, and held together by an elongated sleeve, e.g., a heat-shrinkable sleeve. When so connected portions of the end members are exposed, i.e., extend beyond the ends of the sleeve. The outer surface of the exposed portions of each of the end members is textured, e.g., grooved, to provide resistance to migration when the marker is implanted. The spacer and the sleeve are each be formed of an absorbable material.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting specimens removed from different regions of targeted tissue, e.g., the prostate gland. The system is made up a plurality of templates for receipt of respective ones of the specimens and a plurality of specimen identifiers. The templates include respective areas representing corresponding to respective regions of the targeted tissue and each area bears respective visible indicia representative of the corresponding region of the targeted tissue. The specimen identifiers, e.g., label for specimen containers, include visible indicia corresponding to the respective visible indicia areas of the templates. Graphic representations of the targeted tissue showing the pathology of the regions thereof can be computer generated based on the specimens collected.

Abstract: A device in the form of an elongated articulating arm having a base for mounting it on or at the MRI apparatus. The free end of the arm is arranged to releasably mount any type of device, e.g., a clamp, a bracket, a biopsy needle guide, etc. The arm includes a plurality of interconnected segments each of which is arranged to pivot with respect to adjacent segments. A flexible elongated adjustable tensioning member extends through the arm between the base and the distal end portion to enable the arm to be moved or bent into a desired shape when tension is released and then held in that shape when tension is applied.

Abstract: A system is provided for supporting a patient during computed axial tomography imaging. The system includes a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material, a discrete attachment region in the platform, and a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform at the discrete attachment region. A method for supporting a patient during a plurality of procedures also is provided. The method includes: disposing the patient on a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material; positioning a device with respect to the patient, the device being disposed on a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform; placing the platform, positioned device, and patient in a computed axial tomography imaging system and performing an imaging procedure.

Abstract: A support assembly for the head and neck of a patient. The assembly includes a concave shaped, conformable (e.g., a resilient foamed plastic) cushion, a holder for the cushion and a conformable, curable (e.g., thermoplastic) cover sheet. The cover sheet is heated to soften it, whereupon it can be disposed over the cushion so that the patient's head and neck can be impressed into it to conform to the contour of the head and neck. The cover sheet is then cured to permanently retain its shape. A conventional conformable mask can be used to conform it to the face of the patient whose head and neck is supported on the support assembly, thereby resulting in a combination that immobilizes the head and neck.

Abstract: A needle guide for use with an imaging instrument is disclosed. The needle guide is suitable for delivery of a needle at a shallow angle into a patient during imaging analysis. Thus, the needle guide is well suited to the controlled collection of biopsy tissue or other sample material near the surface of a patient.

Abstract: A fiducial implant for use in the body of a living being to enable the localization, e.g., radiographic, of targeted internal tissue. The implant is in the form of an elongated, e.g., rod-like, central section and a pair of end sections, each of said end sections is arranged so that it can be readily imaged by a first type of imaging, e.g, X-ray imaging, ultrasonic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. The implant can be inserted via a needle or cannula into targeted tissue so that when exposed to the first type of imaging the bulbous ends of the implant can be readily discerned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for irrigating and collecting tissue from a body cavity in a patient. The system includes an irrigation and collection device for injecting an irrigation fluid into the body cavity. The irrigation device injects fluid into the body cavity by creating a positive pressure within the device to expel the irrigation fluid from the device into the body cavity. The irrigation fluid is evacuated from the body cavity by the resulting negative pressure within the device, drawing the irrigation fluid and any loose tissue or particulate material into the device. The irrigation fluid is filtered, collecting the evacuated tissue and particulate material in a collection receptacle thereby isolating the evacuated tissue and particulate material within the irrigation fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue warming device for use with an ultrasound probe having top and bottom sides located diametrically opposite to each other viewed from a frontal cross-section of the probe. The device includes a sheath configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the probe. A first sack, which is associated with the sheath, covers at least a portion of the top side of the probe. The sack includes first and second passages. The first passage allows warm fluid to be directed into the first sack for expansion thereof. The second passage allows fluid to be removed from the first sack. When expanded with warm fluid, the first sack warms body tissue disposed adjacent thereto. The warm fluid may be a warm liquid, such as an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter that includes an elongate body having distal and proximal ends, the elongate body having at least one lumen therethrough, a distal portion of the elongate body having a perimeter. First and second retention members of the catheter are first and second retention members selectively disposed in either an insertion state or a retention state. In the insertion state, the first and second retention members form a distal body defining a central axis, the central axis being generally spaced apart from the perimeter of the distal portion of the elongate body, the distal body and elongate body insertable along a passageway of a mammal. In the retention state, the first and second retention members are selectively disposed in a spaced apart configuration to resist proximal movement of the catheter along the passage of the mammal.