Abstract: An energy radiation applicator apparatus for hyperthermic treatment of targeted tissue in a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a catheter for insertion into the patient, and an applicator operatively attached to the catheter and an energy source sufficient for elevating the temperature of targeted tissue in proximity to the applicator to a preselected temperature and for maintaining the preselected temperature during treatment. It may also comprise a positioning mechanism operatively attached to the catheter so that the applicator may be positioned at a desired position in proximity to the targeted tissue to be treated, a temperature sensor operatively attached to the catheter and in operative association with the applicator for measuring the temperature of the targeted tissue, and a locator for determining whether the applicator remains at the desired position.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a medical instrument to a cannula of a trocar assembly includes a first retainer portion. The apparatus also includes a second retainer portion. The apparatus also includes a ball-shaped instrument holder. The ball-shaped instrument holder has a passageway extending therethrough. The instrument is securable within the passageway. A method for securing a medical instrument to a cannula of a trocar assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has a lumen defined therein, (2) the trocar is positionable between a first trocar position and a second trocar position, (3) the trocar is positioned within the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the first trocar position, and (4) the trocar is completely removed from the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the second trocar position. The medical apparatus also includes a sleeve having a passageway extending therethrough, and a number of sealing members extending therefrom, wherein (1) the cannula is positionable between a first cannula position and a second cannula position, (2) the cannula is positioned within the passageway of the sleeve when the cannula is positioned at the first cannula position, and (3) the cannula is completely removed from the passageway of the sleeve when the cannula is positioned at the second cannula position.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cannula of a trocar assembly, which is inserted through an incision defined in the body of a patient, includes a base. The apparatus also includes an enclosed structure which is secured to the base. The enclosed structure includes a fluid port defined therein. The enclosed structure further defines an access opening through which the cannula extends. The apparatus also includes a plurality of beads contained within the enclosed structure. Moreover, the apparatus includes a slider and a locator. The locator is securable to the body. In addition, the slider is securable to the locator at any one of a first plurality of positions, whereas the base is securable to the slider at any one of a second plurality of positions. A method for securing a cannula of a trocar assembly to a body of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a medical instrument to a cannula of a trocar assembly includes a first retainer portion. The apparatus also includes a second retainer portion. The apparatus also includes a ball-shaped instrument holder. The ball-shaped instrument holder has a passageway extending therethrough. The instrument is securable within the passageway. A method for securing a medical instrument to a cannula of a trocar assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical table assembly includes a bed frame and a mattress supported by the bed frame. The medical table assembly also includes a restrainment apparatus mounted to the bed frame, wherein the restrainment apparatus includes (1) a strap which (a) defines a fluid impervious bag having a void therein, and (b) is attached to the bed frame so that the fluid impervious bag is positioned over the mattress, and (2) a plurality of beads contained within the void of the fluid impervious bag. The medical table assembly further includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with the void of the restrainment apparatus. An associated method of immobilizing an object is also disclosed. The method includes the use of actuators which cause interior side panels of a passageway defined through a restrainment apparatus to automatically "clamp down" on an object positioned within the passageway upon evacuation of a void defined within the restrainment apparatus.