Abstract: A therapeutic instrument for irradiative treatment of the genital tract is provided comprising a tubular applicator, a separable vaginal retainer and an interlocking structure between the two. The tandem is adapted to receive a linear tube containing multiple sources of radiant energy and terminates at its inner end in a curved intrauterine portion. Two halves of the separable retainer surround the tandem and cooperatively form a vaginal cylinder for occupying the vaginal vault and a handle. The interlocking structure includes outwardly extending projections and cavities in the handle so positioned that the structure is visible to the physician at all times.

Abstract: A non-slip floor mat assembly made from a plurality of rectangular shaped floor mat panels which are coupled together provide a mat with a number of improved safety features including non-slip, not dangerous to high heels and good drainage. Each of the floor mat panels is integrally molded with a plurality of parallel extending first elongate members on one portion of each of the floor mat panels, and a plurality of parallel extending second elongate members on another portion of each of the floor mat panels. The first elongate members extend in a different direction to the second elongate members and openings are provided between the elongate members. Parallel ridges with breaks between are provided extending in line along the elongate members to provide a tread surface, and cross members extend across and support the first and second elongate members positioned below the tread surface.

Abstract: A floor mat assembly is disclosed which is molded from resilient plastic material, and made up of only two different elements, mat modules and ramp strips. The mat module comprises a rectangular shape with two adjoining edges, each of the edges having an upper coupling edge flap with a row of downward directed projections, and two other adjoining edges, each of the other edges having a lower coupling edge flap with a row of vertical holes to couple with a row of projections on an upper coupling edge flap of a ramp strip or an adjoining mat module. The ramp strip comprises a tapered face with an upper coupling edge flap adjacent the tapered face, and a lower coupling edge flap joined by a severable link to the upper coupling edge flap, the lower coupling edge flap of the ramp strip to couple with an upper coupling edge flap of a mat module, and when the link is severed, the upper coupling edge flap of the ramp strip to couple with a lower coupling edge flap of a mat module.

Abstract: Cancer of the uterine cervix is treated with a combination of external beam radiation to the pelvis and a linear source uterovaginal applicator which utilizes the maximum distance available between the source and vaginal mucosa, thus achieving an improved percentage depth dose as well as dose homogeneity around the entire circumference of the vaginal vault.

Abstract: A device implemented method for conformation radiotherapy of tumors or the like involves sequentially interposing a plurality of separate, individual radiation beam shaping shields between a tumor and a source of radiation as the latter is rotated about the tumor in order to deliver a plurality of separate doses of radiation to various profiles of the tumor which provides uniform, homogenious radiation dosage to the tumor. The method permits use of full thickness, central radiation absorbers for completely protecting healthy organs or living tissue lying in the path of the radiation beam. A treatment reel releasably carrying a plurality of the radiation shields each having a central absorber integral therewith, in aligned relationship on the circumference thereof is removably mounted for rotation on a treatment head carrying the radiation source which is revolvable in a course around the patient.

Abstract: The center of tissue within a patient to be subjected to radiation treatment is located in terms of coordinates with respect to a predetermined origin defined by three mutually orthogonal reference axes. Projections of at least one of the axes are superimposed upon two radiographs in different radiographic planes showing the tissue center and surrounding features in enlarged dimensions. In order to determine the reduced, true coordinates of the tissue center in cases where frontal and lateral radiographs are obtained, one method is disclosed in which analytic geometry is applied to reduce the values of the projected coordinates. Reduction factors for the two radiographs are also ascertained so that the actual length, width and breadth of the treatment volume may be calculated.

Abstract: A focused shield for use in connection with a radiation therapy machine or the like is constructed using a method and apparatus that results in a shield having a bevel-walled aperture. The aperture is cut into a focused shield blank and has a predetermined configuration corresponding to a selected area of a patient to be exposed to a field of radiation with the angularity of the aperture sidewalls relative to the radiation rays being such that any rays of a radiation beam in alignment with the aperture enter the same and do not strike the sidewalls thereof but rather pass through the aperture in an unimpeded manner.