Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be inserted into a medical instrument for treating patients with radioactive seeds. The cartridge includes a rotating internal barrel that is loaded with a plurality of seeds, where the internal barrel has a plurality of conduits for accepting the seeds. As the internal barrel rotates, a seed from one of the conduits is deposited into a shuttle, and then the shuttle is fully extended so as to provide the seed to the medical instrument. The shuttle is then retracted, and the barrel is rotated to the next conduit, so as to receive a seed from that next conduit. The cartridge includes a first shield and a second shield, each having slots where the slots of the first and second shields are aligned in a first verification or calibration mode, and where the slots are not aligned in a normal, seed depositing mode. The second shield also includes a plurality of numeric indicators that indicate a current number of seeds remaining in the cartridge.

Abstract: A displacement difference dosimetry method is provided for use with in-vivo scintillating fiber radiation detectors. A scintillating fiber includes an insertion end which is incrementally inserted into a human body using a catheter or hypodermic needle to provide a fixed (but not necessarily known) insertion path. A photomultiplier tube is coupled to the other end of the scintillating fiber and detects both scintillation light and any Cerenkov light for each position of the scintillating fiber insertion end along the fixed insertion path. The change in the amount of light detected by the photomultiplier tube divided by the corresponding amount of change in position of the scintillating fiber insertion end gives a measure of the dose rate at the scintillation fiber tip which is substantially free from the effects of Cerenkov light.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the invention are directed to surgically non-invasively treating skeleto/muscular injuries or of diagnosing bone fractures, involving application of two components of ultrasonic energy, to an external surface of living tissue, wherein the two components are of different frequencies in the range between 10 kHz and 4 MHz, and wherein separate transducers, each uniquely supplied with an excitation signal at a different one of said two frequencies, are directionally disposed for acoustic propagation on the same directional axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for handling a solution. The apparatus comprises a housing and a vial assembly positioned within an enclosure of the housing. The vial assembly maintains at least one vial within the enclosure of the housing. A valve manifold extends within the enclosure of the housing for connection to the vial. A rotation mechanism, also extending within the enclosure of the housing, is operatively connected to the vial assembly for rotating the vial assembly.

Abstract: A methodology and system for lysing adipose tissue including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating prostate glands or other targeted soft tissue using a solid-state laser. The laser can be operated to generate a pulsed output beam having pulse durations of between 0.1 and 500 milliseconds. The output beam is delivered to the targeted tissue through an optical fiber, preferably terminating in a side-firing probe or diffusing tip. By operating the laser in a long-duration pulse mode, charring of the targeted tissue is initiated quickly, thereby increasing ablation rates and reducing overall procedure time.

Abstract: A general computer-implemented method and computer program for an independent MU or dose and fluence calculation of an intensity modulated photon field in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is provided. The present invention provides for the verification MU or dose calculation in high dose regions or low dose regions. In general, the dose at an arbitrary spatial point is expressed as a summation of the contributions from all the beamlets in a treatment field, each modulated by a dynamic modulation factor. The verification of a low dose region is based on using the inverted field of the low dose region. The advantage of the present invention that it is an independent method and therefore generally applicable and useful irrespective of the type of leaf sequence algorithm and delivery machines. It provides an automated computer-implemented method or program that generalizes and simplifies dose verification in IMRT.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for microscopic operations in accordance with the present invention consists mainly of an ultrasonic probe body, an elongated tubular member, and a bent handle member. The ultrasonic probe body has a transducer assembly attached to the distal end of a soft elongated tube that is extended from a connector to be coupled to an ultrasonic observation apparatus, and has a coupler mounted on the tube thereof. The transducer assembly and tube are passed through the elongated tubular member. The handle member is attached to the proximal end of the tubular member and includes a coupling mechanism for use in coupling the coupler to the handle member so that the coupler can be uncoupled freely.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for treating tissue of a varicose vein, the method comprising applying ultrasonic vibrational energy targeting said varicose vein effective for stimulating and restoring tissue physiological functions of said vein. A catheter for treating tissue of a blood vessel comprises at least one ultrasound transducer element and at least a suction element configured and adapted for pulling the tissue toward the catheter radially, wherein the ultrasonic vibrational energy is provided by an ultrasound transducer element connected to an adjustable high frequency current source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for MR based volumetric frameless 3-D interactive localization, virtual simulation, and dosimetric radiation therapy planning. Using an MR imaging device, a patient is scanned to generate a magnetic resonance image volume data set. Using the MR data set exclusively, parallel and divergent volume images of the patient is displayed for target tissue identification, localization, virtual simulation, and dosimetric radiation therapy planning. Preferably, the interactive localization, simulation, and dosimetric RTP is based exclusively on the 3-dimensional MR volume data set rendered in the form of at least one of a multi-planar reformatted image (MPR), an oblique multi-planar reformatted image (OMPR), a digitally reconstructed “radiograph” (DRR), and a digitally composited “radiograph” (DCR).

Abstract: Novel radioactive seeds for brachytherapy and a reproducible method of manufacturing the seeds is described, wherein the seeds contain either Pd-103 or I-125 disposed within a cured resin matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to an underlying subcutaneous layer or deeper soft tissue layers that includes loculations of fat with fibrous septae made of collagen tissue. This creates a desired contour effect without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane conforms a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane. A focussing element focuses thermal energy to the underlying collagen tissue. The focusing element and the electrolytic solution create a reverse thermal gradient from the skin to the collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy probe includes a therapy transducer movably mounted on a probe body, a partially deformable flexible casing disposed around the therapy transducer, and a guard ring that limits deformations of the flexible casing when the transducer moves with respect to the probe body. The therapy transducer can be moved between a therapy position and a retracted position, and the guard ring provides an end-of-travel stop against which the therapy transducer bears when in a therapy position. A first opening is provided for injecting liquid into the flexible casing, and a second opening is provided for withdrawing liquid from the flexible casing. The second opening is located on the guard ring so that bubbles are withdrawn from the flexible casing as soon as they form.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of photofrin as a radiosensitizer in the treatment of tumorous tissue, wherein after a predetermined time interval after application of the photofrin an irradiation of the tumorous tissue with ionizing radiation is effected.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue has a tissue specimen isolating tool and a tissue specimen damager. The tissue specimen isolating tool isolates the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue. The tissue specimen damager damages the tissue, with a possible end result being necrosis. The severing tool may have a cutting member that is extendable to an outwardly radially bowed position about device. The tissue specimen is isolated by rotating the cutting member about the tissue specimen. The cutting member may be functionally connected to a cutting member radio frequency generation source. The tissue specimen damager may damage the tissue specimen using ionizing radiation, cutting devices, thermal treatment devices, chemical treatment devices, or sealing an outer boundary of the tissue specimen.

Abstract: An energy based surgical device for the application of ultrasonic energy and Radio Frequency energy is disclosed. The surgical device has a housing and an acoustic assembly having an electrically conductive waveguide. The waveguide has a solid core and extends from the housing. A conductive element for conducting Radio Frequency energy to the waveguide is operably coupled to the waveguide. The distal end of the waveguide of the acoustic assembly has an end effector for the conduction of ultrasonic energy or Radio Frequency energy. A number of novel end effectors for the emulsification and cauterization of tissue are described.

Abstract: A radio therapy system includes measuring an actual position of a micro-radiation source and radiation dose actually generated from the source, at predetermined times, during a therapeutic treatment. An accumulative radiation dose distribution is constantly generated in realtime, during the treatment, from the actually measured position and radiation dose and reference radiation dose distribution. An operator can monitor, in realtime, how the radiation dose distribution is developed, temporally, during the treatment. As a result, it is possible to irradiate a lesion with a requisite dose of radiation, minimize any un-required irradiation to a normal area around the lesion and achieve a therapeutic treatment with high precision.

Abstract: Pharmaceuticals and Apparatus used in combination for diagnosis and tissue necrosis applicable to provide effective and selective therapy using the Mossbauer absorption phenomenon. Selected pharmaceutical compounds containing a radiation absorber isotope are administered to a tissue and excited by a radiation source which provides energy at the corresponding resonant Mossbauer absorption frequency of isotope containing pharmaceutical, where excitation effects nuclear transitions to cause highly selective energy absorption in the selected target tissue. For diagnostic purposes, de-excitation fluorescence of the isotope is monitored. For therapeutic purposes, the energy is converted to particle radiation by the isotope at the target tissue by internal conversion followed by an Auger electron cascade which results in radiolysis of DNA resulting in lethal double strand breaks in the DNA molecules of the target tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to treat a disease process in a luminal structure. A dual-balloon catheter for treating a disease process in a luminal structure of a patient comprises an inner balloon, an outer balloon substantially concentric with and substantially surrounding the inner balloon, an inner balloon fluid delivery lumen in fluid connection with the inner balloon, and an outer balloon fluid delivery lumen in fluid connection with the outer balloon.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus system for treating tissues or atherosclerosis on a patient having a stent or a metallic implant, wherein said stent or metallic implant comprises a coating layer including a carrier composed of a biocompatible material and having dispersed therein a radioactive substance, the ablation apparatus system comprising an electrical conducting wire that is coupled to an external radiofrequency generator for delivering the radiofrequency current to the stent or the metallic implant for the purposes of thermally enhanced irradiation capability for tissue therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A system for treatment of a target volume of cancerous tissue comprises a probe carrying a microwave antenna positioned in a body cavity proximate the target volume. At least one energy-emitting element is placed in the target volume. The microwave antenna is energized so that energy emitted from the antenna and the energy-emitting element necroses cancerous tissue in the target volume.

Abstract: A completely implantable apparatus is provided for treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity left by surgical removal of a brain tumor. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon constructed for placement in the cavity. A subcutaneously implantable treatment fluid receptacle is provided for receiving a transdermal injection of a treatment fluid. A catheter connects the receptacle to the inflatable balloon. Various embodiments provide for simultaneous application of heat therapy and/or radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to the remaining tissue surrounding the cavity from which the tumor was removed.

Abstract: An implantable seed for simultaneous delivery of thermal and radioactive radiation to target tissue comprises a tube or rod of a ferromagnetic alloy which, when subjected to an oscillating magnetic field will heat up, the alloy also being coated or otherwise treated with a radioactive isotope which gives off X-ray radiation during the decay thereof.

Abstract: Past techniques utilized wet chemistry to produce a carrier free radioisotope for a seed implant. However, by using the technique of ion implantation, it is possible to physically separate the precursor isotope by magnetic means and further, to physically direct a beam of these isotopically pure atoms and to embed them into a suitable carrier body. Thus, formation of the seed implant may be accomplished using dry techniques, that is, no liquid chemistry. The systems and methods disclosed herein are designed to produce a beam of a single stable isotope using an ion implanter and to further implant this single stable isotope below the surface of a carrier body. After neutron activation, these single stable isotopes will produce the isotopes iodine-125, palladium-103, cesium-131, or ytterbium embedded within the carrier body. Optionally, the carrier body may be encapsulated prior to activating the precursor isotope embedded in the carrier body.

Abstract: A probe (1) is designed to propagate and radiate microwave electromagnetic energy in a controlled fashion. The probe (1) includes at least one waveguide (2) of cross-section which would not normally pass microwaves at the operational frequency. The waveguide (2) therefore includes dielectric material (5), such as alumina, in the form of a rod an exposed portion of which forms an antenna. The probe is preferably for use in endometrial ablation and therefore the reduced dimension of the waveguide can be made compatible with the narrow neck of the uterus.

Abstract: A completely implantable apparatus is provided for treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity left by surgical removal of a brain tumor. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon constructed for placement in the cavity. A subcutaneously implantable treatment fluid receptacle is provided for receiving a transdermal injection of a treatment fluid. A catheter connects the receptacle to the inflatable balloon. Various embodiments provide for simultaneous application of heat therapy and/or radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to the remaining tissue surrounding the cavity from which the tumor was removed.

Abstract: A device and methods for inducing apoptosis in precancerous, cancerous and hyperproliferating cells by applying ultrasonic energy. The methods can include use of ultrasonic energy in combination with antioxidants and/or conventional therapies such as hormonal therapy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The device for the ultrasonic energy source can include a transmitter and a control unit.

Abstract: An implantable seed for simultaneous delivery of thermal and radioactive radiation to target tissue comprises a tube or rod of a ferromagnetic alloy which, when subjected to an oscillating magnetic field will heat up, the alloy also being coated or otherwise treated with a radioactive isotope which gives off X-ray radiation during the decay thereof.

Abstract: Implantable devices for treatment of proliferative disorders are described. In one aspect, the invention provides an implantable apparatus for treating a proliferative disorder in a patient. The device comprises a treatment fluid receptacle for receiving a treatment fluid, an inflatable balloon having a balloon body, a catheter connected between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon and defining a fluid flow path therebetween, and a diffusion barrier disposed in the fluid flow path between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon. Methods for treating proliferative disorders with the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a significantly improved therapeutic tool for radiation therapy in or near body cavities accessible through existing orifices. At least one therapeutic balloon of a catheter and balloon assembly is inflated by fluid communication through the catheter. Several embodiments provide radiation therapy, at times in association with one or more of formation of seals, control of movement, nutrient passage and drainage. The radiation therapy is provided by means of rods or other radiotherapeutic items secured, positioned or inserted along the contour of the surface of the therapeutic balloon and which are thus deployed to treatment position by balloon inflation.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of detecting gene transfer to and expression in a target tissue of a host subject comprising: (a) administering to the host subject a transfer vector containing a marker gene not naturally present in the host and nontoxic to the host, wherein the transfer vector transfects cells of the target tissue, under conditions such that the marker gene is expressed in transfected cells of the target tissue, thereby generating a marker gene product; (b) administering to the host subject a labelled marker substrate which is not metabolized by non-transfected cells, under conditions such that the marker substrate is metabolized by the marker gene product of step (a) to produce a labelled marker metabolite which is substantially retained in the transfected cells throughout a time-period sufficient for imaging the labelled marker metabolite; and (c) imaging the labelled marker metabolite, thereby detecting gene transfer to and expression in the target tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to an underlying subcutaneous layer or deeper soft tissue layers that includes loculations of fat with fibrous septae made of collagen tissue. This creates a desired contour effect without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane conforms a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane. A focussing element focuses thermal energy to the underlying collagen tissue. The focusing element and the electrolytic solution create a reverse thermal gradient from the skin to the collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a significantly improved therapeutic tool for radiation therapy in or near body cavities accessible through existing orifices. At least one therapeutic balloon of a catheter and balloon assembly is inflated by fluid communication through the catheter. Several embodiments provide radiation therapy, at times in association with one or more of formation of seals, control of movement, nutrient passage and drainage. The radiation therapy is provided by means of rods or other radiotherapeutic items secured, positioned or inserted along the contour of the surface of the therapeutic balloon and which are thus deployed to treatment position by balloon inflation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the linear acceleration of electrons, particularly for intraoperative radiation therapy, including:an articulated structure for moving a radiating head that comprises an acceleration structure constituted by a plurality of cavities;a modulator for generating, controlling, and transmitting a radio-frequency to the cavities of the acceleration structure; andprocessing and control devices adapted to control the apparatus; the modulator is separate from the radiating head and the connection occurs by virtue of waveguide means adapted to carry the radio-frequency to the acceleration structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for radiation treatment of a tumor using an inflatable treatment device placed in an incision adjacent the tumor. The inflatable device is filled with a radioactive treatment fluid.

Abstract: A radiation irradiation method and an apparatus enables effective radiation irradiation even in the case of a diseased part changing its position due to physical activity, such as breathing and the heart beat of the patient, with a simplified apparatus. Initially, the position change of the diseased part and the physical activity of the patient are measured concurrently, and a relationship therebetween is defined as a corresponding function. Next, along with the detection of the physical activity of the patient, radiation therapy is performed, in which the control of the radiation irradiation is carried out in accordance with the corresponding function.

Abstract: A microwave radiator formed at least partially of a radioactive substance and adapted to simultaneously deliver microwave energy and nuclear radiation to living tissue. The radiator is incorporated into an interstitial or intracavitary probe. The radiator is a helical electrical conductor, formed of a radioactive substance such as iridium.sup.192, and electrically connecting a central electrical conductor to a coaxial electrically-conducting jacket. Alternatively, a microwave antenna is formed as part of a probe with a cavity adapted to receive sources of ionizing radiation. Preferably, the cavity is part of a channel through a conduit carrying the probe, the channel being connected to a device for delivering ionizing radiation sources to the probe after positioning at the target tissue and after a heating regime. The device is able to remove the ionizing sources while leaving the microwave source in place for an additional heating regime. Other therapeutic regimes are facilitated by the combination.

Abstract: Electromedical apparatus is employed together with local topically applied drugs and general medical management program to non-invasively, non-traumatically, reduce in volume without fat cell death, specific local accumulations of stored triacylglyceride by localizing (e.g., focusing) radiant energy and/or localized lipolysis augmentation methods, thereby accelerating local fat tissue lipolysis reaction rates. The radiant energy includes, localized radio frequency, microwave or ultrasound energy, which impinges upon the fat cells to be reduced in volume but not killed or eliminated. Fat cell size reduction occurs through the mechanism of accelerated lipolysis rate which is a function of local cell temperature elevation and local fat cell lipolysis rate augmentation by local lipolytic drug delivery.

Abstract: A method for neuromagnetic stimulation or functional neuromuscular stimulation comprises applying a magnetic field with a magnetic induction B to a subcutaneous nerve tissue to be stimulated, and simultaneously directing a focused beam of ultrasonic waves into the magnetic field region such that the ultrasonic waves vibrate orthogonally to the direction of the magnetic field, thereby producing a subcutaneous focus of stimulation having a focal diameter of approximately 1 cm, in order to confine the stimulation into a single nerve bundle or one single nerve region, and to avoid unintentional stimulation of adjoining nerve regions. An apparatus is described for carrying out such method.

Abstract: A COPd thermoseed for treating cancerous tissue. The alloy constituents are chosen such that the Curie point temperature thereof falls into a therapeutic range. Because its magnetization vs. temperature characteristic exhibits an increasing slope up to the Curie transition, thermoseeds fabricated from the alloy can be optimized about the maximum in the M-T curve.

Abstract: A completely implantable apparatus is provided for treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity left by surgical removal of a brain tumor. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon constructed for placement in the cavity. A subcutaneously implantable treatment fluid receptacle is provided for receiving a transdermal injection of a treatment fluid. A catheter connects the receptacle to the inflatable balloon. Various embodiments provide for simultaneous application of heat therapy and/or radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to the remaining tissue surrounding the cavity from which the tumor was removed.

Abstract: A microwave radiator formed of a radioactive substance and adapted to simultaneously deliver microwave energy and nuclear radiation to living tissue. The radiator is incorporated into an interstitial or intracavitary probe. The radiator is a helical electrical conductor, formed of a radioactive substance such as iridium.sup.192, and electrically connecting a central electrical conductor to a coaxial electrically-conducting jacket.

Abstract: Electromedical apparatus is employed to non-invasively remove adipose tissue from the body by causing necrosis thereof by localizing (e.g., focusing) radiant energy. The radiant energy may be of any suitable kind, for example, localized radio frequency, microwave or ultrasound energy, which is impinged upon the cells to be eliminated. Cell destruction occurs through a mechanism such as, e.g., heating or mechanical disruption beyond a level which the adipose tissue can survive.

Abstract: A thermotherapeutic apparatus comprises an internal applicator adapted to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient. The internal applicator includes an electrode for warming the tissues of the patient's body with use of an applied voltage, a holding member for holding the electrode, a balloon surrounding the electrode and attached to the holding member, a feed/discharge unit for feeding into and discharging a fluid from the balloon, and a mechanism for situating a radiation source, used in radiotherapy on the body tissues, in the vicinity of the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting laser emulsification surgery are disclosed. Laser energy is generated within the hand held member (10) and is transmitted to the probe cylinder (15) at the distal end of the device (2). The apparatus is a hand held device which contains a laser light source and flashlamp (12) for generating and emitting the laser radiation. Preferably, an Erbium YAG laser is utilized. A light horn arrangement (18) or mirror arrangement (51) transmits the light energy from the source (12) to the proximal end of a probe extension member (15). The distal tip (31) of the probe extension member (15) is directed to the cataract or other target to be emulsified.

Abstract: Radiation of specific material within a subject is accomplished by use of a beam of x-radiation modulated at a microwave frequency. The beam with its modulation is directed at the subject wherein the material interacts with the beam to extract a portion of the radiant energy carried by the beam. In the interaction, an electric field at the modulating frequency appears at the material. By selecting the modulated frequency equal to a resonant interactive microwave frequency of the material, a photon at the microwave frequency is absorbed by the material to alter its physical and chemical properties. By way of example, the material may be an oncogene or virus having a macromolecule and constituting a malignancy within a living subject. Absorption of the modulated radiation selectively destroys the malignancy. The klystron is disposed along the path of an electron beam in an x-ray source for modulating the electron beam and the resulting x-ray beam.

Abstract: A method of photodynamic therapy employing an electron trapping material as the light source. The electron trapping material is charged with light, which raises electrons in the material from a ground level to a higher trapping energy level. The material is then introduced into a patient's body, where it delivers light to and activates an antibody which has been retained in cancerous tissue. The electron trapping material can be either a deep trap or shallow trap phosphor. In the former case, stimulation of the charged material with infrared energy releases electrons from their traps, resulting in the emission of light within the patient's body. In the latter case, the material emits light immediately after charging with an intensity that decreases in inverse porportion to time.

Abstract: A drivable radioactive source capsule is provided which comprises a tubular body containing therein a plurality of radioactive sources. The said tubular body has a first end and a second end which is a terminus of the tubular body. A plug has an elongated closure portion with the diameter of the closure portion being substantially equal to the inside diameter of said tubular body. The closure portion is disposed within the tubular body through the second end thereof and is attached to the second end of the tubular body. The plug has a connection portion adjacent the closure portion with the diameter of the connecting portion being substantially equal to the outside diameter of the tubular body. An elongated flexible drive cable is connected to the connection portion of the plug.

Abstract: Frequency selective radiation therapy providing selective tissue damage or necrosis by irradiating a component element of the target tissue at the corresponding Mossbauer absorption frequency. The component radiation absorption at the Mossbauer absorption frequency is thus enhanced many times over the absorption of the surrounding tissue having a different Mossbauer absorption frequency. The energy thusly absorbed by the target tissue component is converted to and remitted as Auger electrons, which provide intranuclear radiation resulting in lethal double strand breaks in the DNA molecules of the target tissue. The therapy is administered in frequency and tissue selective modes of treatment, and may be combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents to provide a further enhanced treatment modality. Moreover, the source frequency can be adjusted to enhance the killing effect.