Abstract: A system for facilitating the placement of a catheter within the human body, in a lumen or vessel such as the fallopian tubes, and controlling the catheter after placement. The system coordinates the operation of treatment electrodes on the catheter with informative displays and prompts to an operator, based on information derived from electrical parameters of position detection electrodes on the catheter.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue surrounding a resected cavity that is subject to a proliferative tissue disorder is provided. The system includes a tissue fixation device including a catheter body member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner lumen, and an expandable surface element disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member, the expandable surface element sized and configured to reproducibly position tissue surrounding a resected tissue cavity in a predetermined geometry upon expansion. After expansion of the expandable surface element within a resected tissue cavity, an external radiation device positioned outside the resected cavity delivers a dose of radiation to the tissue surrounding the expandable surface element.

Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus and methods for treating proliferative tissue disorders with radiation and a surface delivered treatment agent. The brachytherapy device includes an insertion member having proximal and distal portions and at least one lumen extending therethrough. An expandable surface member is mated to the distal portion of the insertion member and includes a treatment agent releasably mated thereon. When the brachytherapy device is positioned within a tissue cavity and the expandable surface member is expanded, at least a portion of the treatment agent is delivered to tissue surrounding the tissue cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. The array includes conductive regions separated by insulated regions arranged to produce ablation to a predetermined depth. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, in RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device is provided for treating a target tissue through an external surface area of the target tissue. The device includes an insertion member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A fluid retaining member is mated to the distal portion of the insertion member and has a first surface shaped to conform to a predetermined external surface area of a tissue to be treated, and a cavity formed therein in fluid communication with the at least one lumen in the insertion member. A plurality of anchor members can be distributed about a periphery of the first surface to anchor the first surface to an external surface area of a tissue to be treated.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device including a spacing member is disclosed herein. The spacing member is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical excision site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein.

Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus and method for delivering and monitoring radioactive emissions delivered to tissue surrounding a resected tissue cavity. The brachytherapy device including a catheter body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer spatial volume disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member. A radiation source is disposed in the outer spatial volume and a treatment feedback sensor is provided on the device. In use, the treatment feedback sensor can measure the radiation dose delivered from the radiation source.