Abstract: The invention provides an imaging system using an inherently non-imaging detection probe, linked to a, position and optional contact-sensing device, for use in scanning a surface having a surface radiation flux. The system has processing means to take signals from the detection probe and sensing devices, and to create an image of the geometry of the surface, and of the surface radiation flux. The system also provides means to determine the depth of a radiation source below the surface. The system also has means to present this image to a user.

Abstract: A probe or sheath for use on a probe for detecting and removing radioactively tagged tissue, e.g., a sentinel lymph node, within the body of a living being. The probe or sheath and probe is arranged to be inserted through a small percutaneous portal into the patient's body and is movable to various positions adjacent the tagged tissue to detect the presence of radiation therefrom so that it can be positioned immediately adjacent that tissue to ensnare or trap that tissue. The probe or sheath and probe can then be removed from the being's body, carrying the tagged tissue with it. The probe may be constructed to make use of a scintillation crystal, a collimator, adjustable or fixed, and a backshielding lightpipe. A blunt dissecting device is provided as part of the sheath or as part of the probe itself to aid in separating the tagged tissue from adjacent tissue without injury to the adjacent tissue. The probe may be a fully integrated, self-powered unit.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnostic testing of structures within a body, e.g., organs within the body of a living being, which has been provided with a radioactive imaging agent, e.g., a radiotracer, to cause the structure to produce gamma rays, associated characteristic x rays, and a continuum of Compton-scattered photons. The system includes a radiation receiving device, e.g., a hand-held probe or camera, an associated signal processor, and an analyzer. The radiation receiving device is arranged to be located adjacent the body and the structure for receiving gamma rays and characteristic x rays emitted from the structure and for providing a processed electrical signal representative thereof. The processed electrical signal includes a first portion representing the characteristic x rays received and a second portion representing the gamma rays received.

Abstract: A system and method for providing external therapy radiation to radioactively tagged cancerous tissue via a radiation therapy machine. The system includes at least one radiation detector, e.g., a probe or gamma camera, and an analyzer, which is(are) arranged to be mounted with respect to the radiation therapy machine so that it(they) is(are) located adjacent the patient for receiving gamma rays and characteristic x rays emitted from the tagged cancerous tissue and for providing a signal representative thereof to the analyzer. The signal includes a first portion representing the characteristic x rays received from the tagged tissue and a second portion representing the gamma rays received therefrom. The portion of the signal corresponding to Compton-scattered photons is removed in the region of the full-energy gamma ray and in the region of the characteristic x ray.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnostic testing of structures within a body, e.g., organs within the body of a living being, which has been provided with a radioactive imaging agent, e.g., a radiotracer, to cause the structure to produce gamma rays, associated characteristic x rays, and a continuum of Compton-scattered photons. The system includes a radiation receiving device, e.g., a hand-held probe or camera, an associated signal processor, and an analyzer. The radiation receiving device is arranged to be located adjacent the body and the structure for receiving gamma rays and characteristic x rays emitted from the structure and for providing a processed electrical signal representative thereof. The processed electrical signal includes a first portion representing the characteristic x rays received and a second portion representing the gamma rays received.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing audible signals, which are representative of the level of detected radiation from a probe, and which are statistically valid. The output of a radiation detector is a series of pulses, which are counted for a predetermined amount of time. At least two count ranges are defined by circuitry in the apparatus and the count range which includes the input count is determined. For each count range, an audible signal is produced which is audibly discriminable from the audible signal produced for every other count range. The mean values of each count range are chosen to be statistically different, e.g., 1, 2, or 3 standard deviations, from the mean of adjacent lower or higher count ranges. The parameters of the audible signal, such as frequency, voice, repetition rate, and/or intensity are changed for each count range to provide a signal which is discriminable from the signals of any other count range.

Abstract: A biopsy probe for detecting radiation emanating from a hidden source in a patient. The probe comprises a body member formed of a radiation blocking material and having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is arranged to be held in the hand of a user. The probe comprises a radiation detector, e.g., a scintillation crystal, located within the distal portion of body member, a first radiation transparent window located at the distal end of the body member confronting the detector and through which radiation may pass to the detector, and a passageway extending through the distal end portion of the body member centered in the window and the detecting means. The passageway is arranged to guide a thin instrument, e.g., a biopsy needle, therethrough when the distal end portion is oriented in a direction toward the hidden source of radiation. A disposable cover/shield is also provided for releasable securement to the distal end of the probe to protect it from contamination.

Abstract: A biopsy probe for detecting radiation emanating from a hidden source in a patient. The probe comprises a body member formed of a radiation blocking material and having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is arranged to be held in the hand of a user. The probe comprises a radiation detector, e.g., a scintillation crystal, located within the distal portion of body member, a first radiation transparent window located at the distal end of the body member confronting the detector and through which radiation may pass to the detector, and a passageway extending through the distal end portion of the body member centered in the window and the detecting means. The passageway is arranged to guide a thin instrument, e.g., a biopsy needle, therethrough when the distal end portion is oriented in a direction toward the hidden source of radiation. A disposable cover/shield is also provided for releasable securement to the distal end of the probe to protect it from contamination.

Abstract: A probe and collimator to be releasably secured thereto for use in detecting, localizing, and mapping or imaging radiation emanating from a hidden source, such as within the body of a living being. The probe comprises a small body arranged to be readily held in one's hand and a radiation detector located within the body. The probe's body includes a window located at its distal end over the detector. The collimator comprises a cylindrical member adapted to be snap-fit onto the distal end of the probe body to reduce the solid angle of acceptance of radiation entering the window to a predetermined value less than that if the collimator was not in place on the probe. The collimator includes a central bore having an air vent and at least one recess extending about the inner periphery thereof and in which is located a resilient locking member, e.g., an O-ring.

Abstract: A collimating probe and methods of use for detecting, localizing, and mapping or imaging radiation emanating from a hidden source, such as within the body of a living being. The probe comprises a radiation detector and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the solid angle through which radiation may pass to the detector. That solid angle is continuously variable. The probe is constructed so that the only radiation reaching the detector is that which is within said solid angle. By adjusting the solid angle from a maximum to a minimum while moving the probe adjacent the source of radiation and sensing the detected radiation, one is able to precisely locate the probe at the source of radiation. The probe can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A receptacle is also provided to hold a specimen on the probe to detect the presence of radiation emanating therefrom. A printer and RS 232 data ports are provided.