Abstract: A computerized system for locating a device including a sensor module and a processor. A radioactive source, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. The sensor module includes a radiation detector capable of receiving a signal from the source attached to the device. The sensor module produces an output signal. The processor receives output signal(s) and translates output into information relating to a position of source.

Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one collimator arranged to block radiation from reaching the detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, the detector and the collimator, the detector and the collimator defining an aim for the sensor; and circuitry coupled to the detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of the relative orientation, wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that the slope of the signal as a function of angle varies by less than a factor of 2 over the working volume.

Abstract: A detector system adapted for monitoring a radiation treatment system comprising a pulsed beam radiation source for treating a body with a given beam intensity and beam configuration, with pulse times and intervals between pulses less than 100 milliseconds, using at least one monitoring radiation source located inside or outside the body, the detector system comprising; a) a detector designed to detect radiation from the monitoring source, and subject to interference radiation from the beam source; and b) control circuitry that creates a data record of radiation received by the detector, to provide information about the body; wherein, when the detector detects radiation in real time during operation of the beam, the data record selectively excludes data for radiation received by the detector during the pulses, as opposed to data for radiation received by the detector between pulses.

Abstract: A computerized system for locating a device including a sensor module and a processor. A radioactive source, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. The sensor module includes a radiation detector capable of receiving a signal from the source attached to the device. The sensor module produces an output signal. The processor receives output signal(s) and translates output into information relating to a position of source.

Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one radiation absorbing element arranged to block radiation from reaching said detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, said detector and said element, said detector and said element defining an aim for said sensor; and circuitry coupled to said detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of said relative orientation, wherein said detector and said element are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that said signal defines an accuracy of better than 3 mm within one standard deviation, over said working volume.

Abstract: System and methods disclosed provide a device for inserting an implant with a medical function into body tissue. The device can include a channel passing through the implant, a cannulus with a channel sized to hold the implant, and a pusher with a channel and sized to be situated inside the channel of the cannulus behind the implant, and adapted to push the implant through a distal end of the cannulus into the tissue. The device can also include a restraining element that extends through the channel of the pusher and at least partly through the channel of the implant when they are so situated in the channel of the cannulus, which restrains the implant, but allows the implant to exit the distal end of the cannulus when the implant is pushed with a force small enough so as not to damage the function of the implant in the tissue.

Abstract: A computerized system 40 for locating a device. System 40 includes a sensor module 20 and a CPU 42. A radioactive source 38, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. Module 20 includes a radiation detector 22 capable of receiving a signal from source 38 attached to the device. Module 20 produces an output signal 34. CPU 42 receives output signal(s) 34 and translates output 34 into directional information relating to a position of source 38.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a capsule to a target location within a subject body including a capsule including a locomotion element and a gamma emitting radioactive source, a radiation tracking subsystem capable of locating the gamma emitting radioactive source in three dimensions, and a locomotion control subsystem capable of controlling movement of the capsule by effecting movement of the locomotion element, based, at least partly, on a location of the gamma emitting radioactive source provided by the radiation tracking subsystem.

Abstract: A device for inserting into body tissue an implant with a medical function, with a channel passing at least partly through the implant, the device comprising: a) a cannulus with a distal end, and with a channel sized to hold the implant; b) a pusher with a channel passing through it, the pusher sized to be situated inside the channel of the cannulus behind the implant, and adapted to push the implant through the distal end of the cannulus into the tissue; and c) a restraining element that extends through the channel of the pusher and at least partly through the channel of the implant when they are so situated in the channel of the canulus, which restrains the implant from accidentally exiting the cannulus, but allows the implant to exit the distal end of the cannulus when it is pushed with a force small enough so as not to damage the function of the implant in the tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical marker, the marker comprising a marker body adapted for insertion via a needle and adapted to define a volume with a smallest dimension larger than an inner diameter of the needle; and a radiation source—characterized by gamma emissions sufficient to exit the human body.

Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one radiation absorbing element arranged to block radiation from reaching said detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, said detector and said element, said detector and said element defining an aim for said sensor; and circuitry coupled to said detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of said relative orientation, wherein said detector and said element are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that said signal defines an accuracy of better than 3 mm within one standard deviation, over said working volume.

Abstract: A method of determining a position of a second object which travels along a first object. The method comprising determining a position for a first object; determining a linear displacement of a second object relative to the first object; and ascertaining a position of said second object based upon said relative linear displacement and said position of said first object.

Abstract: A computerized system 40 for locating a device. System 40 includes a sensor module 20 and a CPU 42. A radioactive source 38, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. Module 20 includes a radiation detector 22 capable of receiving a signal from source 38 attached to the device. Module 20 produces an output signal 34. CPU 42 receives output signal(s) 34 and translates output 34 into directional information relating to a position of source 38.

Abstract: A method of aiming a therapeutic beam at a patient having a source of radioactive emissions implanted at a position having a geometric relationship to a target tissue, the method comprising: (a) providing a patient having a source of radioactive emissions implanted therein; (b) determining at least an indication of a location of said source using at least one radioactivity detecting position sensor; and (c) automatically aiming a therapeutic beam at said target based on said at least an indication of location.

Abstract: A method of guiding a tool, the method comprising: (a) implanting a source of radioactivity at a position having a geometric relationship to a target tissue; (b) determining at least an indication of a location of said source using at least one radioactivity detecting position sensor; and (c) positioning a tool at a desired relative location with respect to said target tissue based on said determined location.