Abstract: A hand-held probe for measuring radiation or magnetic activity includes a probe having a handle having a longitudinal axis and a shaft portion adapted to be inserted or held above a radiation or magnetic emitting source implanted within a patient's body or tissue of interest, the shaft portion includes a radiation or magnetic activity sensor configured to detect and measure radiation emitted from the radiation emitting source or magnetic activity from a magnetic source; the radiation emitting source being an implanted seed or a radioisotope that is injected near a tumor site in the patient's body; the probe including a signal processing device for further processing the measured radiation or magnetic activity; and a communication medium to exchange data from the hand-held probe with an external data processor unit.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A method and system utilizes an imaging device that generates images of target tissue of a patient during a surgical procedure that acts on the target tissue imaged by the imaging device. The method and system enables visual detection of patient movement during the surgical procedure by marking at least one spatial attribute of one or more identifiable features of the target tissue illustrated in an image presented in a display window. Prior to acting on the target tissue, a visual indicator of the spatial attribute(s) is superimposed on one or more subsequent images captured by the imaging device and displayed to the operator. The operator can visually compare a position of the visual indicator to a position of the operator-identified feature in order to detect movement of the patient during the procedure. The system and methodology also facilitates realignment that corrects for detected patient movement.

Abstract: A dual double balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a distal end portion, and a secondary treatment balloon for a catheter. The catheter includes a plurality of lumens within the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and a secondary treatment balloon communicatively associated with the distal end portion of the catheter, and the balloons and the secondary treatment balloon being communicatively connected with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens to selectively inflate/deflate the corresponding inflatable balloon or to receive a radioactive dose or a therapeutic agent for a treatment.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A system and method for customized saturation biopsy is provided that facilitates diagnosis, management and treatment of cancer or other disease in a gland or organ. The system includes a pathology mapping unit that identifies a plurality of regions of a biopsy area. A grid assembly is coupled to the pathology mapping unit, the grid assembly including a grid disposed externally to the biopsy area. A display is coupled to the pathology mapping unit that displays information corresponding to the plurality of regions of the biopsy area, the pathology mapping unit controlling a configuration of the grid and the information corresponding to the plurality of regions. An image probe can be provided that acquires at least one image of the biopsy area, and the display displays the at least one image. An interface can be provided that is coupled to the display and supplies information to the pathology mapping unit.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: An automated radiopharmaceutical production and quality control system includes a particle accelerator, a radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem, and quality control subsystem. The micro-accelerator of the improved biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of multiple unit doses, allowing for significant reductions in size, power requirements, and weight when compared to conventional radiopharmaceutical cyclotrons. The radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem encompasses a small volume chemical synthesis system comprising a microreactor and/or a microfluidic chip and optimized for synthesizing the radiopharmaceutical in small quantities, allowing for significant reductions in processing time and in the quantity of radioisotope required. The automated quality control subsystem is used to test the composition and characteristics of the radiopharmaceutical to ensure that it is safe to inject.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: An intracavitary applicator, such as a vaginal applicator, includes an elongate outer shell selectively housing an elongate cylinder insert, each having an open, proximal end and a closed and curved, distal end. An endcap selectively closes the proximal ends. A central through-bore extends substantially the length of the cylinder insert. Outer guide channels run along the length and around the curved distal end of the cylinder insert to terminate near an opening of the central through-bore. Guide holes and an endcap through-bore on the endcap align and communicate with the guide channels and central through-bore, respectively, when assembled to form pathways for introduction of radioactive sources and/or other instruments. The outer shell has a thinner wall at the distal end than the side to enable the insert to be closer to the target treatment area. An anchor collar can be used to fix positioning of the intracavitary applicator.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated and deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and material from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a liquid saline solution, a fluid medium, or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the treatment.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A dual double balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a distal end portion, and a secondary treatment balloon for a catheter. The catheter includes a plurality of lumens within the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and a secondary treatment balloon communicatively associated with the distal end portion of the catheter, and the balloons and the secondary treatment balloon being communicatively connected with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens to selectively inflate/deflate the corresponding inflatable balloon or to receive a radioactive dose or a therapeutic agent for a treatment.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A urethral catheter and its method of use to identify a patient's urethral anatomic course for the precise placement of a treatment element into the patient's prostate are provided. An echo-opaque urethral catheter including an echogenic material and a radio-opaque material in at least an image portion thereof is introduced into a urethra until its echogenic and radio-opaque image portion is generally aligned with a treatment site of the prostate. An image probe positioned relative to the treatment site is activated to obtain a real time image of the prostate and urethra by ultrasound or X-ray imaging. The echo-opaque urethral catheter includes an elongated flexible catheter, at least the image portion of which, is coated with, incorporates within or is enclosed by the echogenic and radio-opaque materials that enhance ultrasound and radio visualization.

Abstract: A dual double balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a distal end portion. The catheter includes a plurality of lumens within the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the distal end portion, and the balloons being communicatively connected with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens to selectively inflate/deflate the corresponding inflatable balloon, wherein one or more of inflatable balloons further includes a second one of the plurality lumens associated with a corresponding inner wall of a corresponding inflatable balloon and adapted to receive a radioactive dose or a therapeutic agent for a treatment. The plurality of balloons can have varying sizes in relation to each other and also include lumens within or associated with the inner walls of the balloons to deliver a treatment.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, there is a multi-balloon catheter for medical applications that includes a multi-balloon inflator that inflates multiple balloons on a single catheter, an extraction point used to remove human fluids from the human body, and a connecting point that allows a syringe or a machine to insert air or any other liquid, such as a liquid saline solution, for inflation of a corresponding balloon of the multiple balloons or insert radioactive isotopes into the multi-balloon inflator.

Abstract: An intracavitary applicator, such as a vaginal applicator, includes an elongate outer shell selectively housing an elongate cylinder insert, each having an open, proximal end and a closed and curved, distal end. An endcap selectively closes the proximal ends. A central through-bore extends substantially the length of the cylinder insert. Outer guide channels run along the length and around the curved distal end of the cylinder insert to terminate near an opening of the central through-bore. Guide holes and an endcap through-bore on the endcap align and communicate with the guide channels and central through-bore, respectively, when assembled to form pathways for introduction of radioactive sources and/or other instruments. The outer shell has a thinner wall at the distal end than the side to enable the insert to be closer to the target treatment area. An anchor collar can be used to fix positioning of the intracavitary applicator.