Abstract: A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array.

Abstract: In order to increase the accuracy and speed of catheter reconstruction in surgical procedures such as an HDR prostate implant procedure, an automatic tracking system is provided preferably using an electromagnetic tracking device. The system uses a transmitter with a sensor used for catheter position. Due to substantial interference in the electromagnetic field from the surgical table, implant stepper/stabilizer etc, a calibration algorithm using a scattered data interpolation scheme is implemented to correct tracking location errors. The invention includes methods and systems used to carry out the methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing a stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for containing the sanitizing fluid, one or more applicator pads mounted on the housing, and a dispensing valve for dispensing the sanitizing fluid from the reservoir onto the applicator pad.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing increased risk of developing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) hospital-acquired (HA-MRSA) or community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) which includes obtaining a biological sample from a subject, detecting in the sample a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FAM129B gene at position 17 of SEQ ID NO 1, and comparing the nucleotide at position 17 of SEQ ID NO. 1 in the sample with the nucleotide at position 17 in SEQ ID NO. 1, wherein an adenine at position 17 of SEQ ID NO. 1 in the sample indicates an increased risk of developing MRSA or CA-MRSA in the subject.

Abstract: A radiation treatment and imaging system for emitting a radiation treatment beam and X-ray imaging beams towards an object. The system includes an x-ray source and a collimator, first and second detectors, and a linear accelerator that delivers radiation beams to an object. The linear accelerator includes a radiation source positioned between the first and second detectors and emitting a therapy radiation beam in-line with the x-ray beams received by the first and second detectors. The system also includes a data processing device in communication with the first and second detectors. The data processing device receives imaging signals from the first and second detectors and reconstructs a three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography (TBCT) image from the received imaging signals. The system also includes a display in communication with the data processing device and for displaying the TBCT image.

Abstract: A volumetric imaging device for constructing a three dimensional image includes a source, and absorbing detector, and an image constructor. The source includes a photon source, and a scatter detector arranged between the object and the photon source. The photon source emits photons towards the scatter detector. The scatter detector scatters at least some of the photons and detects the scattered photons. The object scatters at least some of the photons that were first scattered by the scatter detector. The absorbing detector is arranged to detect scattered photons from the object. The image constructor constructs the three dimensional image based on the scattered photons.

Abstract: A method for predicting the response to treatment in a patient suffering from a head or neck cancer including: obtaining a biological sample for the patient; measuring the expression level of several gene and using the measurement to predict a patient's response to treatment. The methods may include predicting the treatment response in a patient having virally-induced head or neck cancer; and/or using the prediction to treat the patient.

Abstract: A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array.

Abstract: A biodegradable nanocomposite and a method of forming a biodegradable nanocomposite are provided. In one aspect, the biodegradable nanocomposite includes a biodegradable polymer and a reinforcing agent substantially dispersed throughout the biodegradable polymer by rapid depressurization of a supercritical fluid. The biodegradable nanocomposite further includes a plurality of pores formed in the nanocomposite, the plurality of pores having an average pore size greater than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: A lens support system for use during extracapsular cataract surgery. The lens support system may be used to support a lens or lens fragment in the event of a posterior capsule tear or zonular dialysis. The lens support system comprises a cannula in which a piston attached to a lens support is slidably disposed. By means of the piston, the lens support is movable between collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy includes a couch having a top lateral surface upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned. The couch has continuous arc rotation for delivery of accelerated irradiation to the patient. The couch is movable rotationally and translationally. Delivery of the accelerated irradiation is performed during at least a portion of the movement.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy that includes a couch upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned, the couch having continuous arc rotation for delivery accelerated irradiation to the patient.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy that includes a couch upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned, the couch having continuous arc rotation for delivery accelerated irradiation to the patient.

Abstract: A method of imaging an object that includes directing a plurality of x-ray beams in a fan-shaped form towards an object, detecting x-rays that pass through the object due to the directing a plurality of x-ray beams and generating a plurality of imaging data regarding the object from the detected x-rays. The method further includes forming either a three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography, digital tomosynthesis or Megavoltage image from the plurality of imaging data and displaying the image.

Abstract: A breathing system for hyperthermic assisted radiation therapy includes at least one heating element that modulates the temperature of air inhaled by a patient, at least one cooling element that modulates the humidity of the air inhaled by a patient, and a controller that maintains the desired humidity and temperature.

Abstract: A cradle for positioning an anatomical portion of a patient during treatment includes a plurality of expandable fluid chambers and a pressure regulator configured to supply fluid to and withdraw fluid from each of the fluid chambers. A system for positioning an anatomical portion of a patient during treatment includes the aforementioned cradle and a control unit configured to control the pressure of each of the fluid chambers. A method for positioning an anatomical portion of a patient during treatment comprises the steps of placing the anatomical portion in the aforementioned cradle and adjusting the pressure of each of the fluid chambers to hold the anatomical portion in a desired position.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy includes a first imaging system and a second imaging system. The first imaging system generates projection images of an area of interest of an object, and the second imaging system generates portal images of the area of interest of the object synchronously with the generation of the projection images. The radiotherapy system further includes a processing system that receives data associated with the projection images and data associated with the portal images and reconstructs 3D and 4D portal images from the projection images and the portal images.

Abstract: A cradle for supporting an anatomical portion of a patient during radiotherapy includes a plurality of air chambers and at least one pressure regulator that adjusts the pressure in each air chamber. The cradle may be connected to an electronic control unit that sends instructions to the at least one pressure regulator to pressure each air chamber to a desired pressure.

Abstract: A breathing system for hyperthermic assisted radiation therapy includes at least one heating element that modulates the temperature of air inhaled by a patient, at least one cooling element that modulates the humidity of the air inhaled by a patient, and a controller that maintains the desired humidity and temperature.