Abstract: An assembler which limits the amount of torque that may be applied to a brachytherapy cartridge magazine when its cap is threaded onto same. The assembler is constructed so that the brachytherapy cartridge will rotate within the assembler before a destructive torque is applied while the cap and cartridge magazine are screwed together.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to mask out the background in dynamic PET images, to perform pre-normalization on the masked dynamic PET images, and to apply multivariate image analysis (e.g., principal component analysis PCA) on the masked pre-normalized dynamic PET images in order to improve the quality of the dynamic PET images and the PET study. A masking operation applies PCA to untreated dynamic PEET images before any pre-normalization in order to mask out the background pixels. This masking operation uses the Otsu method. A first normalization method is background noise pre-normalization where pixel values are corrected for background noise. A second normalization method is kinetic pre-normalization where the contrast within an image is improved. Multivariate analysis such as PCA may be applied on the whole volume to find the largest variance in the structure.

Abstract: A brachytherapy seed cartridge assembly includes an elongate movable shield, formed from a radiation-shielding material, that is slideably supported so as to movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cartridge assembly also provides a quick-connect feature for a more efficient assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for improving the quality in positron emission tomography (PET) images. PET input data is masked using raw dynamic PET data (sinograms) as input for primary component analysis (PCA) that generates primary components which in turn are used to create a mask. This mask can be used to allow object pixel data to be extracted from the sinograms into masked sinograms where background pixels outside the reference object are set to zero. A volume-wise approach to PCA uses masked sinograms as input data. Pixel-wise noise pre-normalization may then be performed generating pre-normalized sinograms from the masked PET input data. PCA is then performed on the pre-normalized sinograms resulting in PCA sinograms recreated into PCA-modified sinograms by adding background pixel values of zero. These PCA-modified sinograms may optionally be scaled and may then be reconstructed into dynamic PET images with improved image quality.

Abstract: A holding device for a container having a closure system to be pierced by a spike includes a base, a shield, and a mounting unit supporting the base. The base includes an elongate body having opposed first and second ends and an elongate body extending therebetween. The base body defines an elongate open spike cavity extending between opposing ends thereof. The channel receives an elongate spike therein so that a free end of the spike extends beyond the base body from the channel. The shield includes first and second opposed open ends and an elongate cylindrical wall extending therebetween. The shield is telescopically mounted over the base so as to be movable between a first position wherein an inserted spike is clear of inserted container cap and a second position wherein the spike pierces through the septum of the container cap at the intended location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-shielding container for a radiopharmaceutical that may be magnetically picked and placed, assembled and dis-assembled.

Abstract: A method of providing polarized noble gas for NMR or MRI applications incorporates a control module, a plurality of optical pumping modules each including an optical pumping cell operably associated with the control module; a plurality of dispensing systems, one for each optical pumping module wherein each dispensing system is operably associated with the control module and the its associated optical pumping module to dispense meted volumes of polarized gas from the hyperpolarizer; the optical pumping modules, and the dispensing systems, where a noble gas is directed to a selected one of the optical pumping modules, polarized and dispensed by the associated dispensing system.

Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a molded elongate, bioabsorbable carrier material with spaced radioactive sources disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.

Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a hollow elongate bioabsorbable suture member with radioactive seeds and spacer members without different coloration and diameter from the radioactive seeds alternately disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture and the use thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of hyperpolarized 129Xe and to a method for the production of a contrast agent.

Abstract: A brachytherapy seed comprising (a) carrier-free 103Pd isotope, (b) a substrate for the carrier-free 103Pd radioisotope, and (c) a casing for encapsulating the carrier-free 103Pd-laden substrate, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a triggered ultrasound imaging method for imaging of the myocardium, minimizing the risk of eliciting cardiac arrhythmia. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method of assessing cardiac perfusion. Destruction pulses are triggered such that they fall within the refractory period of the heart, while imaging pulses are triggered at any given time of the ECG cycle, preferably during end-systole.

Abstract: During data acquisition in a tomographic scan of a subject unscattered events and scatter events are collected. The data are corrected for the scatter events and movement of the subject during the scan. A scatter estimate is derived for use in the reconstruction of an image of the subject; a first step in the derivation has a first dependence on the movement of the subject. The image of the subject is derived from the detected events using the scatter estimate; a second step in this derivation has a second dependence on the movement of the subject, the dependence being different from that of the first step.

Abstract: A spike for penetrating the elastomeric stopper of a container, for example a drug or reagent vial, is provided with an elongated body (5) with a blunt tip (47). The spike may be incorporated into a reagent cassette which accepts containers sealed with a punturable cap.

Abstract: The method calculates a scatter estimate for scatter correction of detection data from a subject in a positron emission tomographic scanner. The detection data represent the scattered events and unscattered events of annihilation photons emitted in the subject. The method uses the following steps: determine an estimate of the unscattered events; determine a simulation of the scattered events; determine a value of a scaling factor by fitting the sum of the estimate of the unscattered events and a product of the scaling factor and the simulation of the scattered events to the detection data; and determine the scatter estimate as the product of the scaling factor having said value and the simulation of the scattered events.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain dynamic data sets of an NMR spectroscopy signal of polarized 129Xe in a selected structure, environment, or system. The signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the physiology of a membrane or tissue; (b) the operational condition or function of a body system or portion thereof (when at rest or under stimulation); and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a respiratory, cardiopulmonary disorder or disease such as chronic heart failure, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat the disorder or disease.

Abstract: Methods and devices for moisturizing hyperpolarized noble gas and associated hyperpolarized noble gas products which are formulated for inhalation or ventilation delivery include adding moisture content to (dry) hyperpolarized gas.

Abstract: A method of conducting motion correction for a tomographic scanner including a detector array for detecting radiation to generate detector data. The method comprises storing detector data collected during a data acquisition period, the detector data being indicative of directions along which radiation is detected and quantities of radiation detected in different of said directions. The method involves storing movement data representing movement of the subject during the data acquisition period and motion correcting the detector data using the movement data and a motion correction algorithm to calculate motion corrected detector data.

Abstract: A circuit for determining a polarization of a gas. The circuit includes a polarimetry circuit having an NMR coil that is configured to excite a polarized gas and that is responsive to an electromagnetic signal generated by the excited, polarized gas. The polarimetry circuit has a reproducible polarization measurement variability of less than about 2% when the NMR coil is exposed to a temperature in a range of about 0° C. to about 200° C.

Abstract: The method calculates a scatter estimate for annihilation photons in a subject having a distribution of attenuation. The method can be used for scatter correction of detection data from a positron emission tomographic scanner. The method uses the following steps: —select a first scatter point S1 and a second scatter point S2, —determine a first scatter probability for scattering of a photon at scatter point S1 and a second scatter probability for scattering of a photon at scatter point S2, —determine an integral of the attenuation over a line connecting S1 and S2, —multiply the integral and the scatter probabilities and use the product in the calculation of the scatter estimate.