Abstract: A design, quality assurance, and clinical use procedures are provided for real-time tracking of a custom MRI/CT-compatible brachytherapy applicators. A real-time tracking system is used for applicator implantation, repositioning and tracking during treatment delivery.

Abstract: A substantially metallic magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)-tracked injection needle device is disclosed. The magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)-tracked injection needle device includes a luer syringe; an electrical connector that is at least partially housed in an interior space of a distal end of the luer syringe; an electrical adaptor coupled to the electrical connector; and an injection needle comprising a shaft having a needle distal end and a needle proximal end, the shaft comprising concentric metal tubes comprising an inner metal tube and an outer metal tube, the needle proximal end coupled to the electrical adaptor and the needle distal end comprising one or more tracking coils arranged between the inner metal tube and the outer metal tube.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of analyzing tissue using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible tissue analysis device that includes radio¬frequency (RF) tracking and imaging elements. Related kits, systems, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: An extended forward looking RF coil is shaped similarly to the tip of a pencil, for use in imaging and visualization of anatomy or certain conditions, including cancer. The RF coils are designed using the concept of image RF fields. The coils all include an inner void, which is surrounded by a cone-shaped plastic enclosure. A metallic layer is deposited on a surface of the cone and serves as a metallic layer backing the coils. The metallic layer includes a dielectric region, with altered size and geometry. Several solenoidal coil windings are placed outside the dielectric. The coil windings are denser on the Left (Forward) as compared to the Right (Backwards), in order to concentrate the magnetic field in the Forward direction. The extended forward looking coil is further integrated into an anatomy-specific, imaging array with sideways-looking RF coils, intended for improved imaging along cylindrical sides of the pencil-shaped device.

Abstract: A composite system for use in conjunction with an MR-imaging procedure. One composite system includes a fully-metallic filament, such as a needle or guide-wire, equipped with flat MR RF-receiver microcoil disposed such that a normal to the coil's plane is substantially transverse to the filament's axis. The microcoil is electrically connected to external device to register change of position and orientation of the tip during the navigation of the filament. Alternative composite system includes a filament made from different materials. The very tip includes diamagnetic and non-metallic tube tightly fit around geometrically-modified portion of the main body and carries at least one microcoil electrically connected to external device to register change of position and orientation of the tip during the filament navigation. Data representing co-registration of the position and/or orientation of filament is fed back to the system to improve navigation accuracy and precision.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to intrauterine devices that release progestins or an inflammatory cytokine after placement. These devices can be used to reduce the risk of a woman developing endometrial cancer. The invention is also directed to therapeutic methods in which a sample of uterine cells obtained from a woman is assayed to determine the extent to which PTEN null clones (latent endometrial precancers) are present. In cases where the number of such null clones is high, the woman is administered an intrauterine device that releases either a progestin or an inflammatory cytokine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to intrauterine devices that release progestins or an inflammatory cytokine after placement. These devices can be used to reduce the risk of a woman developing endometrial cancer. The invention is also directed to therapeutic methods in which a sample of uterine cells obtained from a woman is assayed to determine the extent to which PTEN null clones (latent endometrial precancers) are present. In cases where the number of such null clones is high, the woman is administered an intrauterine device that releases either a progestin or an inflammatory cytokine.