Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration is treated by radiation delivered from a miniature x-ray tube inserted via a catheter around the globe of the eye, to a position behind the macula. The process can employ an applicator with several parallel guides, inserted around the eye to receive the catheter with x-ray tube (or an isotope) at a matrix of different positions. Methods are described for properly locating the catheter and x-ray tube, using illumination on the catheter and viewing through the front of the eye, or sensors on the catheter and a scanned beam shone from the front of the eye. Fluorescent material excited by x-rays can also be used. Also described are methods and devices for immobilizing the probe once properly located in the eye, for standoff of the x-ray tube from the target tissue, and for achieving prescription radiation dose in the choroid while eliminating dose to adjacent tissues. The x-ray treatment can be enhanced using a radiosensitizing drug, and can be combined with PDT.

Abstract: A multifunction remote controlled video recording, transmission and playback system includes a still frame generator adapted for selecting and generating still frames on the fly while a full motion video signal is being recorded, without interrupting the recording function. Audio and data signals, such as cockpit audio in an aircraft and gps and telemetry signals may also be incorporated in the recorded full motion video recording on a real time synchronized basis. The still frames are digitally enhanced, producing a full field frame from the analog video signal. Still frames can be produced in single, burst and snap modes without interrupting the full motion video recording function.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices, methods, and kits for inhibiting restenosis and hyperplasia after intravascular intervention. In particular, the present invention provides controlled radiosensitizer delivery in combination with ionizing radiation to selected locations within a patient's vasculature to reduce and/or inhibit restenosis and hyperplasia rates with increased efficacy. In one embodiment, the combination radiation and radiosensitizer delivery catheter for inhibiting hyperplasia comprises a catheter body having a proximal end and distal end, an ionizing radiation source coupleable to the catheter body for applying a radiation dose to a body lumen, and means coupleable to the catheter body or the radiation source for releasing a radiosensitizer to the body lumen.

Abstract: A breast brachytherapy applicator providing a stable semi permanent/permanent in dwelling platform that is configured to replicate anatomically the excised cancer bed and allows for a more precise anatomically correct delivery of limited field radiation treatment. This device may be used to reconstitute a resected tissue space to its pre-operative size and shape to 1) facilitate the accurate and precise delivery of adjunctive breast brachytherapy following breast cancer surgery and 2) prevent/decrease post-operative deformity as a result of surgical resection, whether for benign or malignant disease, and in particular after radiation treatment of malignant disease in the post lumpectomy patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are implants and methods for remote remodeling of a mitral valve annulus. The implant comprises a body transformable from a flexible configuration for navigation to a treatment site, to a remodeling configuration for, in one application, applying pressure to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. On board electronics allow post deployment adjustment of the implant.

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration is treated by radiation delivered from a miniature x-ray tube inserted via a catheter around the globe of the eye, to a position behind the macula. Methods are described for properly locating the catheter and x-ray tube, using illumination on the catheter and viewing through the front of the eye, or sensors on the catheter and a scanned beam shone from the front of the eye. Fluorescent material excited by x-rays can also be used. Also described are methods and devices for immobilizing the probe once properly located in the eye, for standoff of the x-ray tube from the target issue, and for achieving prescription radiation dose in the choroid while eliminating dose to adjacent tissues. The x-ray treatment can be enhanced using a radiosensitizing drug, and can be combined with PDT.

Abstract: A system and method to position and orient an excised breast tissue specimen on a support structure in a duplicate anatomic orientation relative to the operated breast is provided. One embodiment of the system includes an anatomically representative map of the breast under investigation. The system allows a surgeon to suture, ink, or otherwise fix the excised specimen on the map in accordance to its original position and orientation in the operated breast or organ. A radiogram of the excised specimen can be taken that shows the location of calcifications on a grid with radiopaque markers. The system allows a pathologist to cut through the specimen utilizing the map as a template in order to perform histological analysis and correlate the position and orientation of each slice to its anatomic position in the breast and thereby direct a precise and anatomically accurate re-excision by the surgeon if so required.

Abstract: An image capture, conversion, compression, storage and transmission system provides a data signal representing the image in a format and protocol capable of being transmitted over any of a plurality of readily available transmission systems and received by readily available, standard equipment receiving stations. The system is adapted to be installed in a standard cellular phone configuration, providing a portable, hand held, wireless transmission system for transmitting video image signals to a remote receiving station.