Abstract: An arranged row of radioactive seeds and non-radioactive spacers with a predetermined pitch can be provided with physical coherence by applying connectors between the separate seeds and spacers. In a first embodiment the connectors are elongated with introversions at both ends, in a second embodiment a connector also forms a spacer and is provided at one end with an introversion and at another end with a projection in the form of a seed.

Abstract: An arranged row of radioactive seeds and non-radioactive spacers with a predetermined pitch can be provided with physical coherence by applying connectors between the separate seeds and spacers. In a first embodiment the connectors are elongated with introversions at both ends, in a second embodiment a connector also forms a spacer and is provided at one end with an introversion and at another end with a projection in the form of a seed.

Abstract: A drive device in a medical device for driving a wire through a guide tube from a first position with an end of the wire outside an animal body to a second position in which the end is inside the animal body. The drive device comprises first and second elements rotatable relative to each other. The first and second elements each have contact surfaces, that in each rotational position of the first and second elements relative to each other are in contact with each other in a contact area along a common contact plane. A storage space going about the axis is provided for the wire in the first element. The storage space is open along a length of it to the contact surface of the first element. The second element comprises a channel for the wire and is open to the contact plane.

Abstract: A modular device for implanting radioactive seeds in an animal body through needles implanted in the body. Trains of radioactive seeds and non-radioactive spacers are assembled in an assembly unit. The assembly unit comprises a device for determining activity of the seeds with an accuracy that allows distinguishing between different activities within tolerance ranges of specified nominal activities for the seeds. After implantation of the seeds in the body a pre-plan may be recalculated taking into consideration actual activities of seeds implanted. Not correctly composed trains may be disposed of. A post-plan may be determined based upon actually measured activities of implanted seeds.

Abstract: A catheter provided with an elongated tube having channels for the guiding of a radioactive element and for the passage of a guide wire for the catheter as well as fluid under pressure, in which the elongated tube is provided near its distal end on its outer circumference with a recanalization balloon and activatable centering means arranged therein. A by-pass can also be arranged through the recanalization balloon.

Abstract: A modular device for implanting radioactive seeds in an animal body through needles implanted in the body. Trains of radioactive seeds and non-radioactive spacers are assembled in an assembly unit. The assembly unit comprises means for determining activity of the seeds with an accuracy that allows distinguishing between different activities within tolerance ranges of specified nominal activities for the seeds. After implantation of the seeds in the body a pre-plan may be recalculated taking into consideration actual activities of seeds implanted. Not correctly comprosed trains may be disposed of. A post-plan may be determined based upon actually measured activities of implanted seeds.

Abstract: A combination of a capsule for incorporating a radioactive source to be applied in brachytherapy and a guidewire, in which the capsule is attached to the guidewire via an adapter, and the adapter comprises a cable or thread with a flexibility greater than that of the guidewire

Abstract: A capsule for taking up at least one radioactive source for application in brachytherapy and to be connected to a guidewire, the capsule having a cylindrical mantle that can be closed on the proximal end by a coupling element, and the capsule having a rounded top section at its distal end, the mantle and the inner surface of the top section defining a substantially straight circular-cylindrical cavity, in which the operation at least one radioactive source is placed, the inner surface of the top section, at least in a peripheral area thereof, being curved in distal direction and the cavity continuing somewhat in the top section, and the end of that least one radioactive source, which is located near the inner surface of the top section, is finished in a complementary curved fashion.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated tube having a first channel for the guiding of a radioactive element and a second channel for the passage of a guide wire for the catheter, in which the elongated tube is provided on its outer circumference near its distal end with temporarily activatable centering means, the centering means being surrounded by recanalization means, and the centering means comprising a plurality of elongated balloons which are inflatable by fluid fed through at least one third channel and, in operation, allow the recanalization means to expand to form an elongated body, with respect to which the first channel is centered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a lesion (34) of a blood vessel (33) with radiation from a radioactive source (35). A catheter (36) having at least one lumen (56) is placed into the blood vessel (33) with a distal portion (36A) near the lesion (34) and a proximal portion (49) outside of the blood vessel (33). A radiation tube (4) is at least partially placed into the catheter (36) through a lumen (56) such that a juncture (80) is formed between the proximal portion (49) of the catheter (36) and the radiation tube (4). A proximal end of the radiation tube (4) is connected to a drive device (9) for driving the radioactive source (35) through the radiation tube (4) and the catheter (36) to near the lesion (34). An axial translation device (31) is placed at the juncture (80).