Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: The invention relates to brachytherapy devices, methods for making brachytherapy devices, and methods for using brachytherapy devices. For example, the invention provides brachytherapy devices such as staging-sterilization devices and insert devices that can be used in various brachytherapy procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: An automated cartridge for use in an automated system for low dose radioisotope procedures is replaceable in the automated system and has a housing that contains a selectively positionable member having a plurality of radioisotope seeds preloaded in chambers defined in the positionable member. An aperture in the housing allows an elongated member to selectively eject radioisotope seeds from chambers in the positionable member when a given chamber is aligned with the aperture. A mechanism in the cartridge automatically positions the selectively positionable member in alignment with the aperture. Preferably, a feedback mechanism generates a positional feedback signal of a position of the chambers of the positionable member relative to the aperture.

Abstract: The prosthesis of the invention are configured such that the average thickness of the shell in the region where the posterior and anterior faces meet is greater, e.g., at least twice, the average thickness of the shell in the region of the anterior face. This reinforcement can reduce or eliminate undesirable scalloping effects along the upper perimeter of the prosthesis that can otherwise occur when gravity pulls downward on a filled prosthesis. Moreover, because the reinforcement is preferably confined to a radius/posterior region extending at least part of the way around the perimeter of the prosthesis, it is possible for the shell of the prosthesis in nearly the entire anterior face of the prosthesis to be formed of relatively thin material. This preserves a natural appearance of the prosthesis when it is implanted.

Abstract: An automated system for loading low dose radioisotope seeds into a plurality of implant needles is comprised of a loading station into which a replaceable cartridge may be positioned. The cartridge is preloaded with a plurality of radioisotope seeds and a plurality of spacers. The cartridge has at least one aperture and preferably the radioisotope seeds and spacers are loaded around the periphery of a rotatable drum within the cartridge. The loading station has a cartridge receiving structure and an automated motion control system. When the cartridge is positioned in the cartridge receiving structure, the automated motion control system preferably drives a pair of stepper motors within the cartridge, one for rotating the rotatable drum and one for sliding a pushrod to selectively eject radioisotope seeds and spacers from the cartridge into each of a plurality of implant needles positioned so as to receive the radioisotopes seeds and spacers within the implant needle.

Abstract: A loading clip for low dose radioisotope seeds has a body having a channel defined therein. The channel has a cavity adapted for receiving a radioisotope seed at a distal end. A slider member slidably positionable within the channel has a spring biased tooth at a distal end. A constant force spring member is slidably positioned within the channel between the slider member and the body. Radioisotope seeds are magazined into the loading clip biased against the constant force spring member by operation of the slider member extending the tooth over the cavity and retracting a radioisotope seed in the cavity into the channel. In one embodiment, radioisotope seeds are magazined into the loading clip that is then used to load an automated seed cartridge. In this embodiment, the loading clip has structure for mating with an aperture in the automated seed cartridge so as to introduce radioisotope seeds into the seed cartridge one at a time.

Abstract: An automated system for loading low dose radioisotope seeds into a plurality of implant needles is comprised of a loading station into which a replaceable cartridge may be positioned. The cartridge is preloaded with a plurality of radioisotope seeds and a plurality of spacers. The cartridge has at least one aperture and preferably the radioisotope seeds and spacers are loaded around the periphery of a rotatable drum within the cartridge. The loading station has a cartridge receiving structure and an automated motion control system. When the cartridge is positioned in the cartridge receiving structure, the automated motion control system preferably drives a pair of stepper motors within the cartridge, one for rotating the rotatable drum and one for sliding a pushrod to selectively eject radioisotope seeds and spacers from the cartridge into each of a plurality of implant needles positioned so as to receive the radioisotopes seeds and spacers within the implant needle.

Abstract: An automated system for ejecting low dose radioisotope seeds into an implant needle includes a station connected to at least one source of radioisotope seeds. The station includes a computer processor that has a user interface that displays information about the automated system and accepts commands from a user to control the process of ejecting the radioisotope seeds into the implant needles. The user interface allows a user to alter a predetermined dose plan during the process of loading the implant needles. Preferably, the user interface is a touch-screen interface that displays a graphic representation of the coordinates of a plurality of locations, with the user selecting the next location by touching one of the coordinates. As the coordinate is touched, the icon associate with that coordinate would change color indicating that that location has been processed.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that efficiently resupplies radioactive seeds to a brachytherapy applicator. A seed-holding system includes a holder and a transfer device. The holder, which may be disposable, stores the radioactive seeds and the transfer device, which may be reusable, helps shield and dispense the seeds. The holder is coupled to the transfer device, and the apparatus is mated to an applicator. After seeds have been dispensed, the apparatus may be disconnected from the applicator and the empty holder may be ejected from the transfer device, and replaced with a full holder.

Abstract: An automated system for loading low dose radioisotope seeds into a plurality of implant needles includes a loading station into which a replaceable cartridge may be positioned. The cartridge is preloaded with a plurality of radioisotope seeds and a plurality of spacers. The cartridge has at least one aperture and preferably the radioisotope seeds and spacers are loaded around the periphery of a rotatable drum within the cartridge. The loading station has a cartridge receiving structure and an automated motion control system. When the cartridge is positioned in the cartridge receiving structure, the automated motion control system preferably drives a pair of stepper motors within the cartridge, one for rotating the rotatable drum and one for sliding a pushrod to selectively eject radioisotope seeds and spacers from the cartridge into each of a plurality of implant needles positioned so as to receive the radioisotopes seeds and spacers within the implant needle.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that efficiently resupplies radioactive seeds to a brachytherapy applicator. A seed-holding system includes a holder and a transfer device. The holder, which may be disposable, stores the radioactive seeds and the transfer device, which may be reusable, helps shield and dispense the seeds. The holder is coupled to the transfer device, and the apparatus is mated to an applicator. After seeds have been dispensed, the apparatus may be disconnected from the applicator and the empty holder may be ejected from the transfer device, and replaced with a full holder.

Abstract: An automated implantation system assists the implantation of low dose radioisotope seeds in a patient as part of a brachytherapy procedure. A Z-axis automated motion control system and an X-Y axis automated motion control system control a needle assembly. The X-Y axis automated motion control system positions an insertion axis of the needle assembly relative to the patient. The Z-axis automated motion control system selectively moves the needle assembly along the insertion axis to implant at least one radioisotope seed. This process is repeated for a plurality of locations on a base plane perpendicular to the insertion axis. Preferably, the radioisotope seeds are contained in a replaceable cartridge and the needle assembly is also replaceable.

Abstract: A sanitary preparation apparatus having a vertically disposed tube, a port coupled to the tube for loading materials, and an end piece coupled to and sealing the bottom end of the tube is disclosed. A slidable platen having substantially the size and shape of the cross section of the tube is provided to close the mixing volume against contamination and to force the prepared material through a sealable connector coupled to the end piece. The platen has a passageway allowing a mixing mechanism including a shaft with attached impeller to be introduced into the mixing volume. One embodiment provides a second volume above the platen in which positive and negative gas pressures can be applied to move the platen within the tube. A method is disclosed for using the sanitary preparation apparatus to prepare a 4% cross-linked polyacrylamide (CPAM) hydrogel and to dispense the gel under pressure.

Abstract: A lockout valve for an inflatable penile prosthesis which responds to internal fluid pressure. The lockout valve comprises a housing having inlet and outlet ports, an interior chamber, an apertured valve seat, and a poppet biased toward the closed position. The inlet communicates with the prosthesis reservoir, and the outlet communicates with the interior chamber and the prosthesis pump. The housing includes a flexible diaphragm which moves toward the poppet when flexed inwardly. Fluid pressure through the inlet port urges the poppet into sealing engagement against the valve seat, therefore closing the lockout valve. Negative fluid pressure applied to the interior chamber from the outlet port (when the pump is actuated) causes the diaphragm to flex inwardly and contact the poppet to open the valve. The lockout valve operates like a check valve when subject to reverse flow.

Abstract: Testicular prosthesis and method of manufacturing wherein the testicular prosthesis has a saline or other biologically safe fluid filled silicone elastomer shell which includes a self-sealing injection site for filling the prosthesis and a tab for suturing the testicular prosthesis into position in the scrotum. A method of filling and a method of identifying and serialization is also provided.

Abstract: A urethral occlusion device having a very malleable, flexible, deformable polymer occlusion band which may be easily wrapped about the exterior of the penis to provide sufficient pressure to prevent urine flow, but without restricting blood circulation. The occlusion band includes a silicone rubber shell with silicone gel liner surfaces which provide a washable, reusable, skin-sensitive bond when wrapped, and allow the band to be tightened to the patient's desired degree of compression. A plurality of pliant, deformable ribs are positioned on the occlusion band and oriented along the underside of the penis to mildly stretch the urethra to an occluded position.

Abstract: Filling device and method for use in manufacturing of gel filled prostheses which provides fast and accurate filling of prosthesis shells without deterioration of the gel or induction of air into the prosthesis. The filling method utilizes a dual port cannula for penetrating a preslit fill port on a prosthesis shell, the cannula having one port coupled through a flexible tube to a peristaltic pump supplied with gel under pressure, and a second port coupled through a flexible tube to a vacuum system. The cannula and prosthesis shell being filled are supported on a scale, with the flexible tubes being disposed so that pressure variations in the tubes do not effect the scale readings.

Abstract: A sleeve for introducing a surgical instrument (e.g., a lipoplasty probe) into the body via a wound pierced in the skin, and an insertion device for making the wound and inserting the sleeve therethrough are provided. The sleeve reduces the transmission of friction and heat (e.g., caused by the highly repetitive in-and-out and rotational movements and ultrasonic vibration of the lipoplasty probe) to the skin of the patient. In addition, the size of the hole associated with insertion of the sleeve is significantly smaller and more uniform in shape than that associated with a traditional scalpel incision. By piercing the skin, rather than making an incision with a scalpel, and by reducing friction and heat transmission to the skin, the irritation, inflammation, flowering (i.e., curling up of the skin at the edges of an incision), and scarring associated with lipoplasty are minimized, and the cosmetic result of the procedure is improved.