Abstract: A system and method for accurately locating and tracking the position of a target, such as a tumor or the like, within a body. In one embodiment, the system is a target locating and monitoring system usable with a radiation delivery source that delivers selected doses of radiation to a target in a body. The system includes one or more excitable markers positionable in or near the target, an external excitation source that remotely excites the markers to produce an identifiable signal, and a plurality of sensors spaced apart in a known geometry relative to each other. A computer is coupled to the sensors and configured to use the marker measurements to identify a target isocenter within the target. The computer compares the position of the target isocenter with the location of the machine isocenter. The computer also controls movement of the patient and a patient support device so the target isocenter is co-incident with the machine isocenter before and during radiation therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for bracketing a tissue volume (22) and later locating the bracketed tissue volume. The system includes a plurality of markers (30) and a probe (32) and detector (34) for use in locating the markers by providing information usable by a surgeon that is representative of changes in proximity between the probe and the plurality of markers. The markers have various detection characteristics, e.g., they transmit gamma rays, that are detectable by an associated probe and detector. The tissue volume is removed by manipulating a cutting tool based on the proximity information provided by the detector which can be used by the surgeon to define the boundary of the tissue volume. A two-part cutting tool (200) is provided for removing the tissue volume, and a tissue anchor (300) is provided for stabilizing the tissue during removal. The system and method of the invention are particularly useful in bracketing and then removing a tissue volume from amorphous, pliable tissue such as breast tissue.