Abstract: A braided suture fiducial metallic marker system includes a braided suture fiducial metallic marker system includes a metallic marker, a multiplicity of suture threads (absorbable or non-absorbable), braided with one another and encapsulating the marker, and a needle disposed at a distal end of the multiplicity of threads and a needle disposed at an opposite distal end. In this regard, a portion of the braided suture threads in which the marker is encapsulated may be visually demarcated with a contrasting color. As well, the marker may define a cavity which may in turn, contain a radioactive material. As another option, a single one of the multiplicity of suture threads may extend through one end of the cavity to another end of the cavity so that the single one of the multiplicity of threads is braided with others of the multiplicity of suture threads.

Abstract: A radiation target is provided. The radiation target includes an implant, which includes a marker comprising a channel defined therethrough from one end of the marker to an opposite end of the marker. The implant further comprises a single non-looping suture thread disposed within the channel and a coating applied to both the single non-looping suture thread and to the marker.

Abstract: A radiation target is provided. The radiation target includes an implant, which includes a marker comprising a channel defined therethrough from one end of the marker to an opposite end of the marker. The implant further comprises a single non-looping suture thread disposed within the channel and a coating applied to both the single non-looping suture thread and to the marker.

Abstract: A novel method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient includes placing within a cavity in the body of the patient an implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the implant having radio-opaque properties; and directing a radiation beam to the implant.

Abstract: A radiation targeting system is provided. The system can include an introducer and an implant. The implant can be disposed within a cannula of the introducer and the implant can include a wire stem and multiple different wire branches each extending outwardly from a proximal portion of the wire stem. A radiation source can then be used to target the implant so that radiation therapy can be delivered to a patient. Optionally, a loader and a trocar can be included with the system.

Abstract: A radiation targeting system is provided. The system can include an introducer and an implant. The implant can be disposed within a cannula of the introducer and the implant can include a wire stem and multiple different wire branches each extending outwardly from a proximal portion of the wire stem. A radiation source can then be used to target the implant so that radiation therapy can be delivered to a patient. Optionally, a loader and a trocar can be included with the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining the opening of a garbage bag is provided. A garbage bag retention ring can include a flexible and invertible base ring and a flexible and invertible retention ring fixed to the base ring. The base ring and the retention ring can each have about the same diameter. The base ring and the retention ring invert to expose an interior surface of the retention ring as an exterior surface. The garbage bag retention ring can further include at least one aperture formed between a junction of the base ring and the retention ring that is adapted to receive an edge of a circumferential portion of a garbage bag.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an implant in a breast cavity in a human breast, comprising forming a substantially radio-opaque implant constructed of biodegradable material, the biodegradable material being elastic, compressible, expandable, and allowing for in-growth of fibrous tissue into the biodegradable material, the substantially radio-opaque implant being compressed during implantation in the breast cavity; and the substantially radio-opaque implant configured to expand in the breast cavity when implanted within the breast cavity for supporting the tissue surrounding the breast cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining the opening of a garbage bag is provided. A garbage bag retention ring can include a flexible and invertible base ring and a flexible and invertible retention ring fixed to the base ring. The base ring and the retention ring can each have about the same diameter. The base ring and the retention ring invert to expose an interior surface of the retention ring as an exterior surface. The garbage bag retention ring can further include at least one aperture formed between a junction of the base ring and the retention ring that is adapted to receive an edge of a circumferential portion of a garbage bag.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an implant in a human breast includes forming a breast cavity within the breast at a lumpectomy site, the breast cavity having surrounding tissue; forming a substantially radio-opaque implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to allow for in-growth of fibrous tissue into and replacing the biocompatible and biodegradable material, the biocompatible and biodegradable material being elastically compressible; sizing the substantially radio-opaque implant to occupy the breast cavity; and implanting within the breast cavity the substantially radio-opaque implant to support the tissue surrounding the breast cavity, the step of implanting including compressing the biocompatible and biodegradable material.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an implant in a human breast includes forming a breast cavity within the breast at a lumpectomy site, the breast cavity having surrounding tissue; forming a substantially radio-opaque implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to allow for in-growth of fibrous tissue into and replacing the biocompatible and biodegradable material, the biocompatible and biodegradable material being elastically compressible; sizing the substantially radio-opaque implant to occupy the breast cavity; and implanting within the breast cavity the substantially radio-opaque implant to support the tissue surrounding the breast cavity, the step of implanting including compressing the biocompatible and biodegradable material.

Abstract: A method of partial breast radiation therapy includes placing within a breast cavity a substantially radio-opaque implant constructed of biocompatible material, said substantially radio-opaque implant supporting the tissue surrounding the breast cavity; and directing a radiation beam to said substantially radio-opaque implant serving as a target for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the breast cavity, such that the radiation beam does not materially irradiate the whole of the breast.

Abstract: A radiation targeting system is provided. The system can include an introducer and an implant. The implant can be disposed within a cannula of the introducer and the implant can include a wire stem and multiple different wire branches each extending outwardly from a proximal portion of the wire stem. A radiation source can then be used to target the implant so that radiation therapy can be delivered to a patient. Optionally, a loader and a trocar can be included with the system.

Abstract: A method of partial breast radiation therapy includes placing within a breast cavity a substantially radio-opaque implant constructed of biocompatible material, said substantially radio-opaque implant supporting the tissue surrounding the breast cavity; and directing a radiation beam to said substantially radio-opaque implant serving as a target for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the breast cavity, such that the radiation beam does not materially irradiate the whole of the breast.