Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a gap between tissues, comprising introducing a device head into the gap, applying a force to a portion of one tissue with the device head, applying a force to a portion of the other tissue with the device head, moving, via the device head, the first tissue into close proximity to the second tissue, maintaining, for a predetermined period of time via the device head, the one tissue and the other tissue in close proximity until the portion of the one tissue and the portion of the other tissue become cellularly adhered to one another, thereby forming a cellular aggregate connecting the tissues, and releasing from the device head the portion of the one tissue, the portion of the other tissue, and the cellular aggregate after a predetermined period of time of less than about one minute.

Abstract: A fluorometer includes a light source to generate excitatory light toward a tissue, the tissue generating fluorescent light in response to the excitatory light. The fluorometer also includes a light sensor to receive the fluorescent light and generate a digital signal. A processor is connected to the light sensor to receive the digital signal and generate a digital image, and a display displays the digital image. The tissue generates fluorescent light as a result of excitation of at least one intrinsic tissue metabolic product. A method for distinguishing between viable and non-viable tissue using the fluorometer also is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for implementing emission tomography of a compressed and/or immobilized body part with open access for interventions, such as biopsy, hook-wire placement, or minimally invasive therapy, are provided. The apparatus includes one or more holders that compress and/or immobilize the body part on one or more sides of the body part. One or more of the holders contains an aperture through which an intervention can be carried out. Affixed to one or more holders are mechanical stages that carry and move a gamma-ray detector or detectors across the body part, so that the gamma-ray detector(s) can at times stay on the mechanical stages in a position that does not interfere with interventions through the aperture in the body part holder(s). A safety door mechanism is affixed to the aperture in the body part holder(s) in order to prevent the gamma-ray detector(s) from coming into physical contact with one or more portions of the body part that might otherwise protrude through the aperture.