Abstract: A communication protocol translation system includes a non-self-describing protocol (NSDP) sensor device configured to receive electrical signals from at least one sensor, generate NSDP sensor data according to a NSDP based on the received electrical signals; a multi-function medical device configured to receive and process self-describing protocol (SDP) data formatted according to an SDP; and an SDP translating device interposed between and in communication with the NSDP sensor device and the multi-function medical device, wherein the SDP translating device is configured to receive the NSDP sensor data, generate the SDP data based on the NSDP sensor data and an NSDP-to-SDP conversion algorithm, enrich the SDP data with additional information, and transmit the enriched SDP data to the multi-function medical device.

Abstract: The method for identifying a sentinel lymph node located within a grouping of regional nodes at a lymph draininage basin associated with neoplastic tissue wherein a radiopharmaceutical is injected at the situs of the neoplastic tissue. This radiopharmaceutical migrates along a lymph duct toward the drainage basin containing the sentinel node. A hand-held probe with a forwardly disposed radiation detector crystal is maneuvered along the duct while the clinician observes a graphical readout of count rate amplitudes to determine when the probe is aligned with the duct. The region containing the sentinel node is identified when the count rate at the probe substantially increases. Following incision, the probe is maneuvered utilizing a sound output in connection with actuation of the probe to establish increasing count rate thresholds followed by incremental movements until the threshold is not reached and no sound cue is given the surgeon.