Abstract: Provided herein are adaptors that enable a seed cartridge that is configured to be used with a first type of needle having a locking hub to instead be used with a second type of needle having a cylindrical hub. Such a seed cartridge has a hub at its distal end that is configured to attach to the locking hub of the first type of needle. The adaptor includes a proximal portion configured to removably attach (and in specific embodiments lock) to the hub at the distal end of the seed cartridge. The adaptor also includes a distal portion configured to removably attach to the cylindrical hub of the second type of needle. A central portion of the adaptor connects the proximal and distal portions of the adaptor. A bore extends through the adaptor and allows seeds and optional spacers to be transferred from the seed cartridge into a hollow cannula of the second type of needle. Also provided herein are methods for using such adaptors.

Abstract: A treatment strand for insertion into a patient using a needle. The treatment strand includes an elongated member having first and second longitudinal ends, and a plurality of treatments seeds spaced apart from one another between the longitudinal ends. One of the longitudinal ends of the elongated member is a needle plug.

Abstract: After-loader devices, kits, and methods for using the same are provided. Such after-loader devices are useful for loading implants into hollow needles, especially after the needles are inserted into patient tissue. The after-loader devices can be pre-loaded with implants, before the after-loaders are connected to hubs of hollow needles, or loaded thereafter.

Abstract: After-loader devices, kits, and methods for using the same are provided. Such after-loader devices are useful for loading implants into hollow needles, especially after the needles are inserted into patient tissue. The after-loader devices can be pre-loaded with implants, before the after-loaders are connected to hubs of hollow needles, or loaded thereafter.

Abstract: In one embodiment an after-loader for providing an implant to a hollow needle, the after-loader comprising a body having a distal end including a bevel for receiving a hub of a seed lock needle, and a bore therethrough for receiving a hub of a MICK® needle; a proximal end having a funnel shaped opening; a shield adapted to be provided over the body; and wherein the distal end further includes a taper along a portion of a distance from the distal end to the proximal end for providing a friction fit to a shield. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.

Abstract: In one embodiment an applicator includes a needle receiver adapted to be removably mateable with a needle positioned at the surgical site, a housing adapted to receive a push rod, and a clip for receiving one or more implants, the clip having a plurality of ports adapted to bridge the needle receiver and the housing so that the needle receiver can receive the push rod, wherein the clip can be rotatably repositioned so that the plurality of ports can selectively bridge the needle receiver and the housing. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.

Abstract: A combined bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy device. A large bore cannula includes a coaxial stylet which seals both ends of the cannula, allowing fluid to be aspirated through the space between stylet and cannula. Then, a core sample is taken with the cannula after the stylet is retracted.

Abstract: A treatment strand for insertion into a patient using a needle. The treatment strand includes an elongated member having first and second longitudinal ends, and a plurality of treatments seeds spaced apart from one another between the longitudinal ends. One of the longitudinal ends of the elongated member is a needle plug.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A treatment strand for insertion into a patient using a needle. The strand includes an elongated member having first and second longitudinal ends, and a plurality of treatments seeds spaced apart from one another within the elongated member between the longitudinal ends. A needle plug is located at one of the longitudinal ends of the elongated member and integrally formed with the elongated member. The integrally formed needle plug is configured to prevent at least one of fluid and tissue from entering a needle when the elongated member is loaded into a needle and the needle is initially inserted into a patient.

Abstract: An anchor mechanism includes a sleeve to fit around a structure such as a radioactive source, a thermal ablation implant, a spacer, a strand or a radiopaque marker. The sleeve has a bore that extends an entire longitudinal length of the sleeve, and through which the structure fits, such that the structure can extend out from both longitudinal ends of the sleeve. One or more protrusion extends from an outer surface of the sleeve to engage surrounding patient tissue after implantation of the structure into a patient, to thereby reduce a tendency for the structure to migrate and rotate after implantation.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of radioactive seeds or encapsulated seeds having ends with projections or indentations connected by a polymer. The seed strand is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.