Abstract: A brachytherapy instrument and method is disclosed for delivering therapeutic substances such as radioactive seeds, to internal organs, such as the prostate. The instrument includes a needle (602) and stylet (604) which are capable of reciprocating relative to one another, but which can be selectively fixed against such movement. The needle (602) is loaded with radioactive seeds, and the stylet (604) advances the seeds to the distal end of the needle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 12, 2002
Date of Patent:
June 22, 2004
Assignee:
DesChutes Medical Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Matthew W. Hoskins, Linyee Chang, Huiwen Kong, Melissa Buan Hammerman
Abstract: A training device is disclosed for exercising the pubococcygeal or pelvic floor muscles, for example in the treatment of incontinence. The device includes a cylindrical, deformable probe for insertion into the vagina or rectum of a user. The probe is connected to a pressure transducer, which detects the pressure applied to the probe by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and displays a pressure indicator to the user to help direct the contraction of the appropriate muscles. The pressure indicator may take the form of a series of nested figures, such as curves or concentric semi-circles, that incrementally converge toward a common point as pressure on the probe increases. The nested figures incrementally retreat from the common point as pressure on the probe decreases. The training unit guides a user through an exercise routine by tracking the overall exercise time and the timing between flexing and relaxation cycles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 2, 2000
Date of Patent:
April 17, 2001
Assignee:
Deschutes Medical Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael S. Wax, Michel A. Boileau, Gary L. Hoffman, Matthew W. Hoskins, William G. McCoy, William E. Clem, Robert Mesaros
Abstract: A training device is disclosed for exercising the pubococcygeal or pelvic floor muscles, for example in the treatment of incontinence. The device includes a cylindrical, deformable probe for insertion into the vagina or rectum of a user. The probe is connected to a pressure transducer, which detects the pressure applied to the probe by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and displays a pressure indicator to the user to help direct the contraction of the appropriate muscles. The pressure indicator may take the form of a series of nested figures, such as curves or concentric semi-circles, that incrementally converge toward a common point as pressure on the probe increases. The nested figures incrementally retreat from the common point as pressure on the probe decreases. The training unit guides a user through an exercise routine by tracking the overall exercise time and the timing between flexing and relaxation cycles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 14, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 16, 2000
Assignee:
Deschutes Medical Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael S. Wax, Michel A. Boileau, Gary L. Hoffman, Matthew W. Hoskins, William G. McCoy, William E. Clem, Robert Mesaros