Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a substantially radiotransparent cylindrical capsule provided with a radioactive isotope, a radiopaque marker, and an engagement structure adapted to engage tissue surrounding the seeds at the implant site. The engagement structure is also preferably adapted to releasably engage the inside of a delivery needle prior to implantation. The engagement structure is preferably adapted to prevent axial longitudinal movement and axial rotation of a seed about its longitudinal axis when the seed is implanted. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement structure includes three spring elements which are biased away from the seed capsule and which provide positive fixation in the tissue, and also frictionally engage the inside of the needle.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a seed capsule, a radioactive isotope, and a radiopaque marker. According to one embodiment of the invention, the radiopaque marker is a silver wire coil and the isotope is coated on the surface of the coil. According to a first method of the invention, the therapeutic dosage of the seed is adjusted during manufacture by expanding or contracting the coil before it sized and deposited in the capsule. According to second embodiment, the radiopaque marker is a silver rod and the isotope is coated on a radiotransparent coil which is placed over the rod. According to a third embodiment, the isotope is coated on a plurality of rings which are stacked on a radiopaque rod. According to a second method of the invention, the therapeutic dosage of the seed is adjusted during manufacture by stacking a mixture of radio-inactive rings with radioactive rings on the radiopaque rod before the capsule is sealed.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a substantially cylindrical capsule containing a radioactive isotope and, preferably, a radiopaque marker. According to one embodiment, the capsule is made of titanium or stainless steel, the isotope is deposited on the surface of a hollow cylinder and a titanium or stainless steel tube is disposed inside the hollow cylinder. The capsule is sealed by swaging the end of the capsule against the inner tube and welding the swaged end and tube. The inner tube facilitates swaging and protects the contents of the capsule from the heat of welding. In alternate embodiments, a radiopaque marker is disposed inside the inner tube or the cylinder bearing the radioisotope is radiopaque.

Abstract: An implantable brachytherapy device includes a biocompatible outer capsule containing a radiation shielding element and a radioactive isotope between the shielding element and the wall of the outer capsule. When the device is at body temperature, radiation is emitted by the isotope through the wall of the outer capsule. When a predetermined amount of energy is applied to the device, the shielding element is adapted to at least partially surround the isotope, and thereby at least partially prevent the transmission of radiation through the outer capsule.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a two part seed capsule, a radioactive isotope, and, preferably, a radiopaque marker. According to the invention, the seed capsule has an outer part, and an inner part which fits into the outer part and which carries the radioactive isotope. The capsule is sealed by welding the end(s) of the inner part to the end(s) of the outer part. According to one embodiment, the outer part of the seed capsule is a cylinder with one open end and one closed end. The inner part of the seed capsule has a reduced diameter portion which carries the isotope and a larger diameter portion which mates with the open end of the cylinder. According to another embodiment, the outer part of the seed capsule is a cylinder with two open ends. The inner part has a reduced diameter portion which carries the isotope and two larger diameter portions which mate with the open ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: The extension wire for a fixed balloon on a guidewire comprises a length of extension wire and a connector assembly mounted on the distal end of the length of extension wire. The connector assembly includes a tube which is received on and fixed to a distal end of the length of extension wire and which has means within the tube for grippingly engaging an outer covering sheath of a cut proximal end of the sheath and core wire of a fixed balloon on a guidewire.The fixed balloon on a guidewire extension wire assembly kit includes the extension wire and connector assembly at the distal end of the extension wire, and an alignment tool having a body and a throughbore adapted to receive the tube of the connector assembly at the distal end of the extension wire in one end thereof and the cut proximal end of a fixed balloon on a guidewire in the other end for guiding the cut end into the tube of the connector assembly.

Abstract: The guidewire extension system includes an extension guidewire adapted to be releasably but firmly connected to proximal end of an initial guidewire. The extension guidewire has a distal end and a proximal end, and the system further comprises a connecting assembly mounted at the distal end of extension guidewire and including a coiled spring constructed and arranged to receive and grippingly engage and lock against a distal end of the initial guidewire.