Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be inserted into a medical instrument for treating patients with radioactive seeds. The cartridge includes a rotating internal barrel that is loaded with a plurality of seeds, where the internal barrel has a plurality of conduits for accepting the seeds. As the internal barrel rotates, a seed from one of the conduits is deposited into a shuttle, and then the shuttle is fully extended so as to provide the seed to the medical instrument. The shuttle is then retracted, and the barrel is rotated to the next conduit, so as to receive a seed from that next conduit. The cartridge includes a first shield and a second shield, each having slots where the slots of the first and second shields are aligned in a first verification or calibration mode, and where the slots are not aligned in a normal, seed depositing mode. The second shield also includes a plurality of numeric indicators that indicate a current number of seeds remaining in the cartridge.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a drive train assembly that causes precise index movement of the medical instrument, based on an operator-selected indexing amount resulting from actuation of a pitch adjustment knob on the medical instrument. The drive train assembly also causes a stylet to move distally within the outer housing of the medical instrument, to thereby push a seed from an extended shuttle of a seed cartridge located within the medical instrument, to a distal end of a needle cannula that is coupled to a distal end of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A medical instrument provides for precise indexing in order to implant seeds into seed implant locations within a patient. The medical instrument is affixed to a targeting fixture, and upon operator actuation of a trigger, is automatically indexed from one seed implant location to a next seed implant location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal and to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A grid sheath that holds a medical instrument in place in order to insert treatment seeds into a patient. The grid sheath includes a sheath unit in which the medical instrument is fitted therein, whereby the medical instrument is capable of sliding movement within the sheath unit. The grid sheath also includes at least one plate support rod, which is preferably adjustable and that is integral with a distal end of the sheath unit. The grid sheath further includes a push plate, that is integral with a distal end of the plate support rod. When the medical instrument is placed in position with respect to a grid template, the medical instrument is engaged with a needle in a hole of the grid template, and the push plate rests against a distal surface of the grid template.

Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be inserted into a medical instrument for treating patients with radioactive seeds. The cartridge includes a rotating internal barrel that is loaded with a plurality of seeds, where the internal barrel has a plurality of conduits for accepting the seeds. As the internal barrel rotates, a seed from one of the conduits is deposited into a shuttle, and then the shuttle is fully extended so as to provide the seed to the medical instrument. The shuttle is then retracted, and the barrel is rotated to the next conduit, so as to receive a seed from that next conduit. The cartridge includes a first shield and a second shield, each having slots where the slots of the first and second shields are aligned in a first verification or calibration mode, and where the slots are not aligned in a normal, seed depositing mode. The second shield also includes a plurality of numeric indicators that indicate a current number of seeds remaining in the cartridge.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a distal frame portion that accepts a needle cam. The needle cam has helical slots for accepting a collar, whereby the collar rides up and down the needle cam, to thereby cause the needle cam to rotate. Spin movement of the needle is caused by movement of the collar, to thereby achieve a proper seed implantation during a medical procedure by having the needle spin between seed implant locations.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a drive train assembly that causes precise index movement of the medical instrument, based on an operator-selected indexing amount resulting from actuation of a pitch adjustment knob on the medical instrument. The drive train assembly also causes a stylet to move distally within the outer housing of the medical instrument, to thereby push a seed from an extended shuttle of a seed cartridge located within the medical instrument, to a distal end of a needle cannula that is coupled to a distal end of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A targeting fixture allows for x-y-z movement of a targeting fixture with respect to a grid template. The targeting fixture includes a sheath unit, which accepts a seed implanting device. The sheath unit is maintained at a fixed relation with respect to the grid template.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a needle nozzle that accepts a needle cam. A needle hub assembly includes a needle hub and a needle cannula, and when registration ribs of the needle hub are fitted between respective registration ribs of the needle cam, the needle is thereby fitted onto the medical instrument.

Abstract: A well chamber holder includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube is capable of being rotated by way of a first knob, and the second tube is capable of being rotated by away of a second knob. The first and second tubes are be positioned such that only one particular seed of a seed cartridge placed within the well chamber holder is tested at any one time.