Abstract: A urethral catheter and its method of use to identify a patient's urethral anatomic course for the precise placement of a treatment element into the patient's prostate are provided. An echo-opaque urethral catheter including an echogenic material and a radio-opaque material in at least an image portion thereof is introduced into a urethra until its echogenic and radio-opaque image portion is generally aligned with a treatment site of the prostate. An image probe positioned relative to the treatment site is activated to obtain a real time image of the prostate and urethra by ultrasound or X-ray imaging. The echo-opaque urethral catheter includes an elongated flexible catheter, at least the image portion of which, is coated with, incorporates within or is enclosed by the echogenic and radio-opaque materials that enhance ultrasound and radio visualization.

Abstract: A system and its method of use for identifying a patient's urethral anatomic course for the precise placement of a treatment element into the patient's prostate, wherein a echo-opaque catheter is introduced into a urethra until its echogenic and radio-opaque portion is generally aligned with a treatment site of the prostate. An image probe is positioned relative to the treatment site and the urethra and is activated to obtain a real time image of the prostate, and urethra. The echo-opaque catheter may be made of an elongated flexible catheter, which is coated with, incorporate with or enclosed by materials that enhances the ultrasound and radio visualization.

Abstract: A device for radiation treatment of proliferative tissue surrounding a cavity in an animal body includes at least a first inflatable chamber having a wall for placement in the cavity, a supportive probe having an elongated body with a distal end connected with the first inflatable chamber and a proximal end remaining outside the cavity, a device for inflating and deflating the first chamber, and a radiation delivering device for placing at least one energy emitting source within the cavity for performing said radiation treatment. It is possible to temporarily position a solid energy emitting source in a reproducible manner at different locations within the inflated chamber, such that subsequent identical radiation treatment sessions can be performed, whereas the comfort of the patient is maxim and an out hospitalization treatment is possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for radiation treatment of proliferative tissue surrounding a cavity in an animal body comprising: at least a first inflatable chamber having a wall for placement in said cavity; a supportive probe having an elongated body with a distal end connected with said at least first inflatable chamber and a proximal end remaining outside said cavity; inflation means for inflating and deflating said at least first chamber; radiation delivering means for placing at least one energy emitting source within said cavity for performing said radiation treatment. The invention aims to provide a device according the above preamble, wherein it is possible to temporarily position a solid energy emitting source in a reproducible manner at different locations within the inflated chamber, such that subsequent identical radiation treatment sessions can be performed, whereas the comfort of the patient is maxim and an out hospitalization treatment is possible.