Abstract: A method for treating a tumor excise site defined by a center and edges is described. The method includes simultaneously exposing the tumor site to radiation containing fluid and pulsating thermally treated fluid, wherein the fluids are separate from each other and confined to a balloon. Also disclosed is a device for treating a tumor excise site defined by a center and edges. The device includes a reversibly deformable container positioned at the center, the container encapsulating thermally treated fluid; a first drainage conduit; and a second radio-isotope containing conduit contacting a second longitudinally extending surface of the first drainage conduit so as to be positioned between the first drainage conduit and the center.

Abstract: A method for treating a tumor excise site defined by a center and edges is described. The method includes simultaneously exposing the tumor site to radiation and pulsating heat. Also described is a device for treating tumors at a target site. The device includes a first balloon containing a radio isotope and a second balloon encasing the first balloon. The second balloon defines structures to create a void between the first balloon and the second balloon such that pulsing, temperature treated fluid traverses the void.

Abstract: A method for varying the radiation dosage in vivo during brachytherapy treatment is provided. The method includes infinitely varying the volume of radiation exposed to the patient. This volume variation feature is utilized as clinically indicated and can further reduce the risk of slippage of the device in situ.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for sequestering free flowing radio-isotope into a semi rigid isotope carrier substrate; and then encapsulating the substrate with a balloon; and positioning the balloon in the body. Also provided is a system for delivering and positioning radio-isotopes into a body, the system comprising a free-flowing radio-isotope encapsulated in an elongated unpartitioned container itself positioned within a leak proof balloon such that no fluid transport occurs between the substrate and the exterior surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device is provided comprising a first conduit defining a first volume adapted to receive a radioactive fluid, a second conduit defining a second volume and frictionally engaged with the first conduit. Also provided is a method for varying the radiation dosage in vivo during brachytherapy treatment, the method comprising infinitely varying the volume of radiation exposed to the patient. This volume variation feature is utilized as clinically indicated and can further reduce the risk of slippage of the device in situ.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a tumor excise site defined by a center and edges, and includes simultaneously exposing the tumor site to radiation and pulsating heat. The invention also provides a device for treating tumors at a target site, the including a first balloon containing a radio isotope; a second balloon encasing the first balloon wherein the second balloon comprises structures to create a void between the first balloon and the second balloon; wherein the void is adapted to receive pulsing, temperature treated fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for the in vivo treatment of diseased tissue, the system comprising a first longitudinally extending surface and a second longitudinally extending surface coaxial to the first longitudinally extending surface to form a medicament carrying vehicle, wherein the vehicle defines a tunnel adapted to allow physiological fluid to pass through the vehicle. Also provided is method for treating, in vivo, diseased tissue, the method comprising inserting a housing into a tumor excision site and removably sliding a medicament vehicle within the vehicle so as to be encapsulated by the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating tumors at a target site, the device comprising a first balloon containing a radio isotope; a second balloon encasing the first balloon wherein the second balloon comprises structures to create a void between the first balloon and the second balloon; and optionally a third balloon encasing the second balloon, wherein the third balloon facilitates removal of material from the target site. The invention also provides a method for treating a tumor excise site, the method comprising simultaneously exposing the tumor to heat and radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for the in vivo treatment of diseased tissue, the system comprising a first longitudinally extending surface and a second longitudinally extending surface coaxial to the first longitudinally extending surface to form a medicament carrying vehicle, wherein the vehicle defines a tunnel adapted to allow physiological fluid to pass through the vehicle. Also provided is method for treating, in vivo, diseased tissue, the method comprising inserting a housing into a tumor excision site and removably sliding a medicament vehicle within the vehicle so as to be encapsulated by the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating tumors at a target site, the device having a first balloon containing a radio isotope; a second balloon encasing the first balloon wherein the second balloon includes structures to create a void between the first balloon and the second balloon; and a third balloon encasing the second balloon, wherein the third balloon facilitates removal of material from the target site. The invention also provides a method for treating a tumor excise site, the method simultaneously exposing the tumor to heat and radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating tumors at a target site, the device comprising a first balloon containing a radio isotope; a second balloon encasing the first balloon wherein the second balloon comprises structures to create a void between the first balloon and the second balloon; and a third balloon encasing the second balloon, wherein the third balloon facilitates removal of material from the target site. The invention also provides a method for treating a tumor excise site, the method comprising simultaneously exposing the tumor to heat and radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for locating radioactive material implanted in a living body, the method having the steps of implanting a stent into the body, the stent containing the radioactive material; imaging the body to determine a first position of the stent relative to remote points on the body; determining a second position of the stent at a second time later than the time of the implanting step; and measuring the distance between said first position and said second position. Also provided is a system for determining movement of a radiation source implanted in a living body, the device having a radiographic film overlaying a region of the body so as to oppose the radiation source, whereby the film is positioned relative to a reference point on the body; a grid disposed between the film and the body; and a radio-opaque substrate overlaying the film.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for preventing sheet slippage having a sheet retention device configured to at least partially underlie a mattress having a first flat member having a first surface; at least one second flat member attached to the first flat member having a second surface, where the first and second flat members have a closed configuration where the first and second surfaces oppose each other, an open configuration where the first and second surfaces are perpendicular to each other, and an infinite number of positions in between the open and closed configurations; and at least one retaining member in communication with the first surface. The invention also provides a method for using the invented system for preventing sheet slippage.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for locating radioactive material implanted in a living body, the method having the steps of implanting a stent into the body, the stent containing the radioactive material; imaging the body to determine a first position of the stent relative to remote points on the body; determining a second position of the stent at a second time later than the time of the implanting step; and measuring the distance between said first position and said second position. Also provided is a system for determining movement of a radiation source implanted in a living body, the device having a radiographic film overlaying a region of the body so as to oppose the radiation source, whereby the film is positioned relative to a reference point on the body; a grid disposed between the film and the body; and a radio-opaque substrate overlaying the film.

Abstract: A material for brachytherapy is provided comprising a substrate having a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal, wherein the substrate comprises alternating peaks and valleys which are parallel to the longitudinal axis, the alternating peaks and valleys defining latitudinally extending pleats; and a plurality of medicament moieties positioned on the peaks and valleys of the substrate.

Abstract: A material for brachytherapy is provided comprising a substrate having a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal, wherein the substrate comprises alternating peaks and valleys which are parallel to the longitudinal axis, the alternating peaks and valleys defining latitudinally extending pleats; and a plurality of medicament moieties positioned on the peaks and valleys of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for locating radioactive material implanted in a living body, the method having the steps of implanting a stent into the body, the stent containing the radioactive material; imaging the body to determine a first position of the stent relative to remote points on the body; determining a second position of the stent at a second time later than the time of the implanting step; and measuring the distance between said first position and said second position. Also provided is a system for determining movement of a radiation source implanted in a living body, the device having a radiographic film overlaying a region of the body so as to oppose the radiation source, whereby the film is positioned relative to a reference point on the body; a grid disposed between the film and the body; and a radio-opaque substrate overlaying the film.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for preventing sheet slippage having a sheet retention device configured to at least partially underlie mattress having a first flat member having a first surface; at least one second flat member attached to the first flat member having a second surface, where the first and second flat members have a closed configuration where the first and second surfaces oppose each other, an open configuration where the first and second surfaces are perpendicular to each other, and an infinite number of positions in between the open and closed configurations; and at least one retaining member in communication with the first surface. The invention also provides a method for using the invented system for preventing sheet slippage.

Abstract: A medicament delivery vehicle, the vehicle comprising a reversibly deformable carrier (RDC) adapted to support the medicament on an outside surface of the carrier, an inside surface of the carrier, or homogeneously dispersed throughout the carrier. Specifically, the medicament delivery device may include a reversibly deformable carrier (RDC) adapted to support the medicament.

Abstract: This invention is a medicament delivery vehicle, the vehicle comprising tubular members adapted to removably receive the medicament and an expandable stent adapted to receive the tubular members. Also provided is a medicament delivery vehicle, the vehicle comprised of tubular members which receive the medicament wherein the medicament comprises discrete entities and each of said entities are removably positioned at predetermined regions within the members.