Abstract: The loading apparatus includes a tray assembly which receives radioactive seeds and spacer elements from containers thereof. The seeds and spacers move into a receiving portion of the apparatus. Guide wall assemblies are located between the wells in the tray assembly and a funnel opening which extends through the tray assembly at the front end thereof. Positioned beneath the funnel opening and removably attached to the tray assembly is a visualization and positioning assembly which has a vertical slot therein for receiving seeds and spacers. The seeds and spacers move by gravity through the funnel opening into the slot. A portion of the visualization assembly is transparent, permitting a visual inspection of the seed/spacer lineup in the slot. A control element at the lower end of the visualization assembly releases the seeds and spacers from the visualization member into a hollow needle located therebelow.

Abstract: The stabilizer assembly is used to position a stepper assembly for an ultrasound probe. The stabilizer includes two spaced apart swivel assemblies, each swivel assembly including clamps at one end thereof locking the stabilizer to a table. Each swivel assembly includes several swivel arms which are connected at three spaced swivel points. One swivel arm is connected to a central assembly consisting of a central housing with two spaced apart ball joints connecting, respectively, to the two swivel assemblies. A linkage arrangement maintains the ball joints in a locked position by virtue of a spring biased push rod. To unlock the ball joints, the spring is compressed by actuation of a trigger, releasing pressure on the linkage assembly which permits the ball joints to move freely.

Abstract: The stepper apparatus for use in imaging/treatment of prostate cancer with radioactive seeds includes a body portion, a support element for holding the ultrasound probe, a slide portion for moving the support element relative to the body portion, and a support element for holding a template which has a plurality of openings therethrough, through which radiation seed insertion needles may be positioned. The ultrasound probe may be moved longitudinally relative to the prostate in indexed steps of a known distance and also may be moved in a controlled, continuous fashion to determine the rear edge of the prostate which can then be used as a reference for future indexed steps. The slide portion moves along two spaced guide rods, one of which has a threaded portion which mates with a spring-loaded ball in the side of the slide portion as well as a rack and gear arrangement for accomplishing the dual (indexed and continuous) motion.