Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calibrating volume measurement in a plethysmographic chamber are described. The present invention involves the use of a calibration volume chamber of known volume coupled to a plethysmographic measurement chamber in a plethysmographic measurement system for determining body composition, wherein a computer system calibrates the measurement system prior to conducting a volume measurement of a test subject, by measuring the chamber volume before and after opening an electronically controlled valve that connects the controlled calibration volume to the plethysmographic chamber, and comparing the measured chamber volumes based on the known reference volume.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for depositing radioactive seeds into a patient's prostate are provided that include impedance measuring circuitry for detecting whether the distal end of an elongated needle extends into a patient's bladder. The elongated needle includes two conductive traces and a lumen adapted to receive a column of radioactive seeds and spacers. The impedance measuring circuitry is coupled to the conductive traces of the elongated needle and provides a display indicative of the monitored impedance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improved administration of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate disease. More particularly, a prostate visualization device is provided comprising a catheter coupled to at least one deployable member at the distal end of the catheter. The deployable member is preferably manufactured from a shape memory alloy having a petal-shaped configuration suitable for engaging and defining the proximal region of a patient's bladder. The deployable member may comprise tubing filled with air or other radiopaque agents to facilitate ultrasonic imaging of the deployable members near the bladder/prostate junction.

Abstract: A medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a subject's foot, the device including a platform with at least three independently actuable inflatable bladders staggered therealong to solely underlie the subject's heel, his plantar arch and his foot's front portion including its metatarsals and its toes, respectively, whereby a traveling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises a loading tube with a lumen and two transverse slots, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges slidably received within the transverse slots. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy plunger and needle coupled to, respectively, the proximal and distal ends of the loading tube. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.

Abstract: A medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a subject's foot, the device including a platform with at least three independently actuable inflatable bladders staggered therealong to solely underlie the subject's heel, his plantar arch and his foot's front portion including its metatarsals and its toes, respectively, whereby a travelling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for brachytherapy treatment of prostate disease for use in conjunction with needles containing a plurality of radioactive seeds. The apparatus comprises a housing and plunger assembly operable by a single clinician. The plunger is coupled to the housing, so that when the apparatus is actuated the needle is retracted against the plunger and the plurality of radioactive seeds is ejected.