Abstract: The present application discloses a method and device for locating and mapping the cavernosal nerve bundle by electro-stimulation to enable safe and effective implantation of radioactive seeds for prostate brachytherapy. By locating and mapping the cavernosal nerve bundle prior to seed implantation, the brachytherapist can make intra-operative decisions to avoid mechanical and radiational injury to the nerve which results in impotency or other prostate-Urethral complications. The device of the invention takes the form of an automated closed-looped electro-stimulating system having a handle for manipulating the device, a stimulating tip for applying an electro-stimulus to a tissue site, a control unit to activate and terminate application of the electro-stimulus and to interpret a tumescence response, a sensor for detecting and measuring a tumescence response, a patient ground return, and a display monitor to indicate the nature, stability and strength of the tumescence response to the brachytherapist.

Abstract: An improved method and device for locating a nerve based on a closed-loop automated system is described. The device applies an electro-stimulus to a target tissue area and measures and interprets a change in a response evoked by application of an electro-stimulus to determine the location and responsiveness of a nerve. The improvement of the invention comprises a method for determining if the signal of the response is stable prior to application of electro-stimulation to prevent misinterpretation of a response and to enhance the locating accuracy of the device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing fluid interface(s) in a complex fluid such as centrifuged blood, includes a sensing assembly with a microwave source and a microwave sensor positioned in spaced opposed relation, the microwave source and sensor defining a microwave propagation path. Relative motion is induced between the sample container and the microwave energy propagation path in the region between the source and sensor in a direction that intersects and is essentially perpendicular to the microwave energy propagation path; and processor apparatus responsive to the scanning apparatus and the modification in microwave energy sensed by the microwave sensor provides an indication(s) of the location(s) of a fluid interface(s) in the container.

Abstract: A histological tissue specimen treatment process includes the steps of placing a plurality of histological tissue specimens to be processed in chamber structure, closing the chamber structure, monitoring the level of a first tissue processing material flowed into the chamber structure with a sensor system that responds to a characteristic of the first tissue processing material, terminating the flow of the first tissue processing material when the histological tissue specimens are immersed in the first tissue processing material, flowing the first tissue processing material from the chamber structure after the histological tissue specimens have been immersed in the first tissue processing material for a predetermined time interval, monitoring the level of a second tissue processing material flowed into the chamber structure with the sensor system in a changed sensitivity condition, terminating the flow of the second tissue processing material when the plurality of histological tissue specimens are immersed in