Abstract: A cargo monitoring system comprising a controller and an image-capturing device for capturing a first image of cargo in response to a first signal from the controller. The system includes a sensor for taking sensor readings in relation to the cargo and for transmitting the sensor readings to the controller. The controller is configured to send a second signal to the image-capturing device to cause the image-capturing device to capture a second image of the cargo if the controller determines from the sensor readings that a cargo-damaging event has occurred.

Abstract: A cargo monitoring system comprising a controller and an image-capturing device for capturing a first image of cargo in response to a first signal from the controller. The system includes a sensor for taking sensor readings in relation to the cargo and for transmitting the sensor readings to the controller. The controller is configured to send a second signal to the image-capturing device to cause the image-capturing device to capture a second image of the cargo if the controller determines from the sensor readings that a cargo-damaging event has occurred.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane filtration module (6), the module (6) including at least one membrane (8) located in a feed-containing vessel (7), the membrane (8) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. The method comprising the steps of: suspending the filtration operation; performing a cleaning process on the membrane wall to dislodge contaminant matter therefrom into liquid surrounding the membrane (8); performing a high velocity sweep of the feed-containing vessel (7) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter; and recommencing the filtration operation. An improved gas scouring method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane filtration module (6), the module (6) including at least one membrane (8) located in a feed-containing vessel (7), the membrane (8) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. The method comprising the steps of: suspending the filtration operation; performing a cleaning process on the membrane wall to dislodge contaminant matter therefrom into liquid surrounding the membrane (8); performing a high velocity sweep of the feed-containing vessel (7) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter; and recommencing the filtration operation. An improved gas scouring method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to different methods of delineating target tissue from non-target tissue using differences in radiographic properties of a medical device.

Abstract: A brachytherapy treatment device includes at least one tubular insertion member, an expandable member, and means for deflecting the at least one tubular insertion member. The tubular insertion member has a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends. The expandable member is disposed on and surrounding the distal end of the tubular insertion member. The distal end of the at least one deflected tubular insertion member within the first expandable member is offset from the longitudinal axis when deflected. The at least one deflected tubular insertion member is configured to receive a radiation source to position a radiation source offset with regard to the longitudinal axis to form an asymmetric radiation dosing profile. Additional brachytherapy treatment devices and methods for forming an asymmetric radiation dosing profile are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for verifying occlusion of the fallopian tube in a female subject includes an elongate member dimensioned to be slidably disposed within the uterine cavity of the subject. An interrogation element is positioned at the distal end of the elongate member. The interrogation element may include a visualization element such as a camera, ultrasonic transducer, MRI imaging element, or the like. In still other aspects, the interrogation element may include an electrode that is used to measure the electrical properties of the occlusion site. For example, the electrode may be used to measure electrical impedance.

Abstract: Provided herein is an applicator system and method for treating tissue via a body lumen. The applicator can include a graduated member having an anchor configured to position the graduated member in a predetermined relationship relative to an anatomical feature and at least one visualizable marker. The system can also include a visualization tool for locating a target tissue site relative to the at least one visualizable marker, and a treatment catheter having an anchor configured to correspond to the graduated member anchor.

Abstract: A tissue supply and waste disposal system for use in connection with facial tissue boxes s disclosed. The inventive system involves an extendable rail that either telescopingly extends from a side wall or swings from a top surface of the tissue box for supporting a disposable used-tissue receiving bag. In the fully or partially extended position, the rail supports three sides of the opening of the tissue receiving bag, a predetermined supply of which may be provided internally or externally to the tissue box for the convenience of the user, and sized and dimensioned to receive a selected number of used tissues commensurate with known human usage patterns.

Abstract: A brachytherapy applicator for treatment of metastic lesions in a load bearing region is provided. The applicator comprises an elongate tube body having a proximal and a distal end and defining an open internal area. A fixation element located on an outer portion of the tube allows the applicator to be fixed in position in relation to a target region while delivering a dose of therapeutic radiation. The fixation element can fix the applicator to tissue and/or a stabilization element implanted within a patient. A source of radiation positioned within the elongate body, before, during, or after implantation of the applicator, provides the therapeutic radiation.

Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus and methods for treating proliferative tissue disorders with radiation and a surface delivered treatment agent. The brachytherapy device includes an insertion member having proximal and distal portions and at least one lumen extending therethrough. An expandable surface member is mated to the distal portion of the insertion member and includes a treatment agent releasably mated thereon. When the brachytherapy device is positioned within a tissue cavity and the expandable surface member is expanded, at least a portion of the treatment agent is delivered to tissue surrounding the tissue cavity.

Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus and method for delivering and monitoring radioactive emissions delivered to tissue surrounding a resected tissue cavity. The brachytherapy device including a catheter body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer spatial volume disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member. A radiation source is disposed in the outer spatial volume and a treatment feedback sensor is provided on the device. In use, the treatment feedback sensor can measure the radiation dose delivered from the radiation source.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device is provided for treating a target tissue through an external surface area of the target tissue. The device includes an insertion member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A fluid retaining member is mated to the distal portion of the insertion member and has a first surface shaped to conform to a predetermined external surface area of a tissue to be treated, and a cavity formed therein in fluid communication with the at least one lumen in the insertion member. A plurality of anchor members can be distributed about a periphery of the first surface to anchor the first surface to an external surface area of a tissue to be treated.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue surrounding a resected cavity that is subject to a proliferative tissue disorder is provided. The system includes a tissue fixation device including a catheter body member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner lumen, and an expandable surface element disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member, the expandable surface element sized and configured to reproducibly position tissue surrounding a resected tissue cavity in a predetermined geometry upon expansion. After expansion of the expandable surface element within a resected tissue cavity, an external radiation device positioned outside the resected cavity delivers a dose of radiation to the tissue surrounding the expandable surface element.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device including a spacing member is disclosed herein. The spacing member is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical excision site.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane filtration module (6), the module (6) including at least one membrane (8) located in a feed-containing vessel (7), the membrane (8) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. The method comprising the steps of: suspending the filtration operation; performing a cleaning process on the membrane wall to dislodge contaminant matter therefrom into liquid surrounding the membrane (8); performing a high velocity sweep of the feed-containing vessel (7) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter; and recommencing the filtration operation. An improved gas scouring method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus for delivering radioactive emissions to an internal body location includes a catheter body member having a proximal end and distal end, an inner spatial volume disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter body member, an outer spatial volume defined by an expandable surface element disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member in a surrounding relation to the inner spatial volume, and a radiation source disposed in the inner spatial volume.

Abstract: The device includes a spool and a mounting structure for mounting the spool on a machine which uses paper tape. The mounting structure rotatably mounts the spool in a manner that the spool can rest on the paper tape roll of the machine and includes elements which rest against the back of the machine. The mounting structure is adjustable so that the axis of rotation of the spool is disposed between the axis of rotation of the paper tape roll and the surface of the machine such that the spool and the mounting structure are wedged between the surface of the machine and the roll.