Abstract: The invention relates to the radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject. In particular the invention relates to an endorectal probe device for effecting radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject. Furthermore the invention relates to an afterloading apparatus for effecting radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject using an endorectal probe device according to the invention. Moreover the invention relates to a method for effecting radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject, wherein the method implements the endorectal probe device according to the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body insertable device having an outer body being bent; and an inner body positioned inside the outer body, having an accommodation space in which the resource soured is accommodated, and being capable of rotating inside the outer body, wherein a radiation emission direction is continuously adjusted by rotation of the inner body.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-step tapered applicator, which can be used to deliver high-dose-rate vaginal brachytherapy to a female patient's vagina post-hysterectomy. In certain embodiments, once inserted through the female patient's vaginal opening (or introitus), the applicator of the invention causes less physical discomfort to the female patient than currently available applicators. In other embodiments, the applicator is used in a female patient whose vaginal apex is larger in diameter than her vaginal introitus.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for an advanced gynecological applicator. In accordance with some embodiments, a brachytherapy applicator head and assembly is provided. The assembly may include two ovoid tubes configured to receive radiation sources, the two ovoid tubes combining to form a rounded applicator having a middle opening and comprising a plurality of needle holes to guide interstitial needles. The assembly may also include a central applicator tube configured to receive a radiation source that is located within the middle opening. Additionally, the assembly may include a vaginal cap that includes a tool-free connection to the two ovoid tubes and includes needle guides that align with the needle holes of the two ovoid tubes. The assembly may include a one-piece template for securing interstitial needles. The assembly may further include a tool-free connector to secure the two ovoid tubes to the central applicator tube.

Abstract: A brachytherapy ring applicator, kit, and method of use is provided. The brachytherapy ring applicatory includes a tandem, ring colpostat, and a bracket assembly. The tandem has a connector on a proximal end of the tandem and a treatment end on a distal end. The ring colpostat includes a ring member on a distal end of the ring colpostat. The bracket assembly is configured to be locked to both a shaft of the tandem and to a shaft of the ring colpostat such that the distal end of the tandem is firmly maintained in a fixed position relative to the distal end of the ring colpostat, and each of the tandem and the colpostat are entirely self-supporting from the bracket assembly to their distal ends.

Abstract: Brachytherapy oncology treatment systems and methods are provided. One such system and method employs a catheter or tandem and a mobile balloon device having an enclosed inner volume and an internal surface with an internal perimeter size larger than the external surface perimeter size and adequate to allow sliding longitudinal movement between the catheter or tandem and the mobile balloon device. The mobile balloon device has a radiation dose delivery tube that is at or moves by inflation to a strategic radiation dose delivery location for brachytherapy. An embodiment allows for a multi-part catheter or tandem having a detachable distal section suitable for retaining within a body cavity such as the uterus, both during radiation treatment and during recovery time between radiation treatments. This distal portion can be intended for single-patient use and be disposed of after completion of a radiation treatment session having multiple radiation dose treatment times.

Abstract: Provided are multi-segmented inflatable brachytherapy devices. Also provided are systems and methods including multi-segmented inflatable brachytherapy devices.

Abstract: A modular applicator for enabling a brachytherapy treatment comprising a central element and one or more of peripheral elements, wherein the central element is adapted with a fixation mechanism having a core for affixing the said peripheral elements thereto, wherein the fixation mechanism prevents a rotational displacement of the peripheral elements attached to the core of the fixation element with respect to the central element.

Abstract: A brachytherapy template adaptor for performing brachytherapy procedures using needles smaller in diameter than the template is designed to accommodate. Additionally, a kit for adapting a brachytherapy template is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for performing brachytherapy treatment of tumor tissue in a human or animal body comprising an intracavitary component and at least one guiding unit, said at least one guiding unit exhibiting a longitudinal axis and being connectable to said intracavitary component, and wherein said at least one guiding unit is provided with coupling means for coupling at least one interstitial needle-assembly for delivering treatment to said tumor tissue. The assembly has coupling/uncoupling means arranged to allow a displacement of said at least one interstitial needle-assembly in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis and to prevent a displacement of said at least one interstitial needle-assembly in a direction parallel to or a pre-defined angle to said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of using a shielding device with an applicator includes inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to a treatment site of a patient, the shield being made of plastic, imaging the treatment site, planning treatment of the treatment site based on the imaging, setting up the patient for treatment, imaging the treatment site, removing the distal portion of the shielding device from the treatment site, exchanging the shield made of plastic with a shield made of tungsten, inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to the treatment site, the shield being made of tungsten, imaging the treatment site, and performing the treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: A gynecological brachytherapy applicator for use in delivering a radiation dose to a tumor affecting a uterus and a cervix of a patient is described herein. The applicator includes an intrauterine tandem that includes a base portion and a tip portion extending outwardly from the base portion. The tip portion is configured to be inserted within the uterus to facilitate delivering a radiation dose to an area including the uterus and the cervix. The tandem is configured to reduce metal artifacts in MR images of the tandem within the patient to facilitate improving visualization and localization of the tandem in the MR images during MR-guided intracavitary brachytherapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brachytherapy applicator device for insertion in a body cavity. The applicator device comprises an applicator shaped for insertion in the body cavity; the applicator comprising connectable segments; at least one connectable part having a form following wall surface shaped to follow the body cavity, the wall surface having a multichannel groove structure, so as to guide a plurality of catheters along the grooves in the groove structure along the wall surface.

Abstract: A shielding device includes two elongated, parallel tubes joined at a distal portion, and a shield at least one of removably and slidably situated at the distal portion. An assembly includes an applicator configured for a treatment site, an assembly block attached to the applicator, at least one rotary unit configured to be rotatably received in the assembly block, and at least one shielding device that is configured to be movably received in a respective rotary unit. A method of using the shielding device with an applicator includes inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to a treatment site, and adjusting a position of the distal portion relative to a distal end of the applicator.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: Intracavitary brachytherapy tandem and ovoid oncology treatment systems and methods are provided. One such system and method employs a multi-part tandem having a detachable distal section retained within a body cavity during and between radiation treatments. This can be for single-patient use and disposed of after completion of a multiple-dose radiation treatment session. Real time in vivo detection and monitoring and hytpertherapy features can be included. Tandem or ovoid colpostats can feature bendability to tailor the system to the specific body and patient being treated. Other systems and methods incorporate balloon devices that assist in spacing radiation doses away from chosen body sites. Balloon devices also can be provided for adjusting and maintaining separation spacing between two ovoid colpostats.

Abstract: An applicator device is provided including a connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a first connector coupled to a first colpostat and a second connector coupled to a second colpostat. The first connector includes a first contact portion and a body portion, the first contact portion being immovably fixed to the body portion. The second connector includes a second contact portion and a third contact portion, the second contact portion being configured to contact and pivotally engage the first contact portion. The first connector further includes a fourth contact portion configured to contact the third contact portion. The second contact portion and the third contact portion are disposed between the first contact portion and the fourth contact portion, and the first contact portion are disposed in closer proximity to a point of delivery of a radiation source than the second, third, or fourth contact portions.

Abstract: Provided is an intrauterine radiation device and system having individually inflating balloons, which constantly expand the inside of the vagina to a desired degree using the balloons in accordance with treatment planning during uterine brachytherapy, which enable the position of a radiation applicator to be accurately reproduced, and which apply a precise dose of radiation determined according to the treatment planning.

Abstract: Devices and methods for brachytherapy treatment are disclosed. One aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment at the vaginal apex. Another aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment in the distal two-thirds of the vagina. Another aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment of cancers that are offset from the vaginal apex. Other aspects include methods for guiding needles for treatment of cancers at the vaginal apex, in the distal two-thirds of the vagina, and that are offset from the vaginal apex.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for performing brachytherapy treatment of tumour tissue in an animal body comprising at least a longitudinally extending intracavitary component and at least a guiding unit which extends at least partly parallel to said intracavitary component. Said guiding unit comprises at least one interstitial needle for guiding a radiation source into the tumour tissue. Said guiding unit is tubular over at least a longitudinal distance sufficient that in use a proximal end of said guiding unit is situated outside said body to be treated, while a distal end of said guiding unit is situated in situ close to or adjacent the tumour tissue.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for an treatment balloon, and methods and systems effective to detect a position of a beam. The system may include an treatment balloon effective to receive the beam. The treatment balloon may include a shaft and a balloon portion with an open end in communication with the shaft. The balloon portion may be effective to be at least partially filled with a fluid. The treatment balloon may be effective to generate a light wave when the treatment beam is incident on the treatment balloon. A waveguide in the treatment balloon may be effective to receive the light wave. A light detector in optical communication with the waveguide may be effective to detect the light wave. A processor in communication with the light detector may be effective to detect the position of the beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of radiation oncology, specifically the use of novel radio-opaque fiduciary markers which resist migration within tissues, which may be implanted in the body and imaged during radio-therapy to insure accurate treatment of target regions while avoiding irradiation of non-target regions. In one embodiment, the markers comprise oblong bodies from which a plurality of short tines protrude. Also provided are novel devices for implanting such markers. Additionally, the invention provides methods of delineating tumor resection beds and whole-bladder contours in the radiotherapeutic treatment of bladder cancer. Lastly, the invention encompasses novel methods of delivering fiduciary markers and other implants and materials by needle with sealing aids that increase the retention rate of the delivered markers, implants, or materials.

Abstract: A modular applicator for enabling a brachytherapy treatment comprising a central element and one or more of peripheral elements, wherein the central element is adapted with a fixation mechanism having a core for affixing the said peripheral elements thereto, wherein the fixation mechanism prevents a rotational displacement of the peripheral elements attached to the core of the fixation element with respect to the central element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular applicator for enabling a brachytherapy treatment, comprising a central core and an outer sleeve, wherein the central core is adapted with a fixation mechanism for affixing the outer sleeve to the central core, wherein the outer sleeve is manufactured from a substantially rigid or shapeable material.

Abstract: A brachytherapy application device is described, which includes a tandem having a transparent region at its front end, and which is coupled with a fiber-optic illumination means and endoscope. This improved tandem assembly allows the user to guide the tandem into the uterus of a patient in a safer, more reproducible manner with the reduction in occurrence of uterine perforation during tandem advancement and placement.

Abstract: A method and device for image guided dynamic radiation treatment of prostate cancer and other pelvic lesions including: 1) a unique fan geometry of radiation sources; 2) a special collimation method and apparatus to sculpt the radiation borders; 3) an integrated three-dimensional imager and a special tissue interface imaging system to locate and track critical boundaries in real-time; 4) a dynamic patient support system, which is shared by the said imager and the irradiation system; and 5) motorized custom shielding filters to further protect neighboring normal tissues such as the kidneys and femoral heads. The fan geometry utilizes a plural number of radiation sources arranged specifically for irradiating tumors in the human pelvis while not harming critical structures, and the collimation sculpts the radiation borders using motorized shields for different sensitive structures.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering brachytherapy includes elongate members movable between collapsed and expanded configurations for delivering brachytherapy within a lumpectomy cavity, a vaginal cavity, or other target region. The elongate members may be expandable into a symmetrical or asymmetrical expanded configuration, e.g., into a generally spherical, pear-shaped, or planar configuration. A system for delivering brachytherapy includes the applicator and an access device for lining and/or dilating a body cavity and/or for receiving the applicator therein. The access device is advanced into a body cavity, an expandable member on the access device is inflated, the applicator is advanced into the access device, and the elongate members are expanded to deliver radiation to the target region.

Abstract: Provided are multi-segmented inflatable brachytherapy devices. Also provided are systems and methods including multi-segmented inflatable brachytherapy devices.

Abstract: Intracavitary brachytherapy tandem and ovoid oncology treatment systems and methods are provided. One such system and method employs a multi-part tandem having a detachable distal section retained within a body cavity during and between radiation treatments. This can be for single-patient use and disposed of after completion of a multiple-dose radiation treatment session. Real time in vivo detection and monitoring and hytpertherapy features can be included. Tandem or ovoid colpostats can feature bendability to tailor the system to the specific body and patient being treated. Other systems and methods incorporate balloon devices that assist in spacing radiation doses away from chosen body sites. Balloon devices also can be provided for adjusting and maintaining separation spacing between two ovoid colpostats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aerosols containing magnetic particles, wherein the aerosols comprise magnetic particles and a pharmaceutical active agent. The invention furthermore relates to the use of such aerosols containing magnetic particles for directed magnetic field-guided transfer of the active agents contained therein in aerosol therapy.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: A gynecological balloon apparatus has a first balloon and a second balloon disposed with a gynecological brachytherapy applicator. The first and second balloons are each movable between an inflated condition and a deflated condition. The first and second balloons may conform to a shape of a vaginal cavity when in their inflated conditions. A radiation detecting sensor and a motion detecting sensor may be positioned with the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for automatic injection of a product, comprising: a body (3) housing a container, the container being movable relative to said body between an initial position, to an insertion position; a safety shield (26) movable with respect to said container and said body between an insertion position to a protection position, when the user removes the device from an injection site; an external socket (48) receiving the body and provided with selection means (53) which can be placed by a user: either in a first position, in which the body (3) and the external socket (48) are bound to each other, the safety shield extending beyond the distal end of both said body and said external socket in the protection position; or in a second position, in which the external socket (48) is able to move axially in the distal direction with respect to the body (3), both the safety shield and the external socket extending beyond the distal end of said body, in the protection position.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering brachytherapy includes elongate members movable between collapsed and expanded configurations for delivering brachytherapy within a lumpectomy cavity, a vaginal cavity, or other target region. The elongate members may be expandable into a symmetrical or asymmetrical expanded configuration, e.g., into a generally spherical, pear-shaped, or planar configuration. A system for delivering brachytherapy includes the applicator and an access device for lining and/or dilating a body cavity and/or for receiving the applicator therein. The access device is advanced into a body cavity, an expandable member on the access device is inflated, the applicator is advanced into the access device, and the elongate members are expanded to deliver radiation to the target region.

Abstract: Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: The radial dose function of an electronic x-ray brachytherapy source is flattened by filtering with transition metals in the fourth row of the periodic table, i.e. titanium through nickel. Titanium-walled applicator devices of small diameter, under 10 mm, and with wall thicknesses of about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, are disclosed. The walls can be of titanium or alloys thereof, providing adequate strength and flattening the radial dose function curve particularly for x-rays in an energy range of about 45 kV to 55 kV.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus includes a distal support member and a proximal support member movable relative to the distal support member. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongate treatment members having distal first locations coupled to the distal support member, proximal second locations coupled to the proximal support member, and pathways between the proximal second locations and the distal first locations adapted to receive one or more radiation sources. Each of the treatment members is movable between a generally straight configuration and a curvilinear configuration. An expandable member encloses and provides a spatial volume for the plurality of the treatment members and is adjustable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining a position of a treatment applicator include a perineal retainer body configured to receive the applicator and form a positive stop with a perineum of a body of a patient, and a locking bracket configured to secure the perineal retainer body to the applicator. The locking bracket is movable between first and second positions with respect to the perineal retainer body, is configured to exert a clamping force to clamp the applicator, includes an actuator configured to move the locking bracket between the first and second positions, and is vertically accessible for securing and adjusting the applicator with respect to the perineal retainer body. The method includes securing a perineal retainer body to the applicator by a locking bracket, and attaching the perineal retainer body to a body of a patient.

Abstract: Provided is an intrauterine radiation device and system having individually inflating balloons, which constantly expand the inside of the vagina to a desired degree using the balloons in accordance with treatment planning during uterine brachytherapy, which enable the position of a radiation applicator to be accurately reproduced, and which apply a precise dose of radiation determined according to the treatment planning.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: An internal radiation therapy device including concentric inner and outer tubes with the inner tube being inflexible and an isotope tube extending into the inner tube and being filled with a radioisotope through an isotope tube or x-ray source and the outer flexible tube filled through a filler tube with a material having radiation characteristics similar to human tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for performing brachytherapy treatment of tumour tissue in an animal body comprising at least a longitudinally extending intracavitary component and at least a guiding unit which extends at least partly parallel to said intracavitary component. Said guiding unit comprises at least one interstitial needle for guiding a radiation source into the tumour tissue. Said guiding unit is tubular over at least a longitudinal distance sufficient that in use a proximal end of said guiding unit is situated outside said body to be treated, while a distal end of said guiding unit is situated in situ close to or adjacent the tumour tissue.

Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.

Abstract: An everting applicator for brachytherapy of body cavities such as the vagina has a flexible sleeve secured to a distal mandrel, both the sleeve and the mandrel having internal lumens. The flexible sleeve has a diverging opening at its distal end, preferably bell-shaped or cone-shaped, such that when the open end is pushed against the mouth of a vagina, the sleeve will evert back upon itself, progressively unrolling to an inside out configuration wherein, fully inserted, the sleeve is fully everted back over the exterior surface of the mandrel. A radiation source, isotopic or electronic, is then inserted into the mandrel lumen to commence a therapeutic irradiation procedure of tissues of the vagina.