Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for monitoring and control of tissue ablation using three-dimensional echo decorrelation imaging. A first plurality of pulse-echo image volumes each including a region of interest are received from an ultrasound scanner. One or more pulse-echo image volume pairs are defined from the plurality of pulse-echo image volumes. Echo decorrelation image volumes are defined from the pulse-echo image volume pairs, and an amount of power provided to an ablation probe located in the region of interest is determined based on the echo decorrelation image volume.

Abstract: The radioactive seed used in brachytherapy includes a casing of titanium and a radioactive substance element positioned within the casing, typically in the form of a band/coating, such as on a marker rod, or in the form of individual beads. The seed includes an emission element which produces emissions detectable by an MRI apparatus. The emission element can be in the form of a band/coating on a marker rod, or positioned on the casing or in the form of beads positioned within the casing.

Abstract: The spacer element (10) includes a central portion (16) and two end portions (18, 20). The spacer element is generally cylindrical in configuration and the two end sections are adapted to receive and hold a portion of radioactive seed elements (12, 14). The spacer element comprises two half-portions (22, 24) joined by a hinge element (26) positioned along a longitudinal edge of the spacer element. The two half-portions rotate about the longitudinal hinge element, moving from an open position, in which the radioactive seeds can be loaded by an operator into the spacer element, to a closed position, in which the radioactive seeds are held in the spacer element. A plurality of seeds and spacers can thus be conveniently assembled into a series string thereof for loading into a needle and subsequent insertion into the prostate.

Abstract: The ultrasound probe cover includes a conventional condom which is adapted to fit over an ultrasound probe. The cover is secured to the probe in a water-tight arrangement at the proximal end of the cover by an elastic band. An elongated hollow tube is secured to the surface of the ultrasound probe, which tends to result in an equalization of fluid pressure at both ends of the condom cover during insertion and retraction of the condom into and out of a bodily opening, such as the rectum, of a patient.

Abstract: The ultrasound probe cover includes a conventional condom which is adapted to fit over an ultrasound probe. The cover is secured to the probe in a water-tight arrangement at the proximal end of the cover by an elastic band. An elongated hollow tube is secured to the inner surface of the cover, which tends to result in an equalization of fluid pressure at both ends of the condom cover during insertion and retraction of the condom into and out of a bodily opening, such as the rectum, of a patient.

Abstract: The method and apparatus includes a length of hollow suture material in which an alternating plurality of radioactive seeds and intermediate spacers are located. The suture member includes a portion which extends a substantial distance beyond the first radioactive seed in the suture member. The combination of the hollow suture member, the radioactive seeds and spacers is then moved into a insertion needle through a hub end thereof, to the point where the free end of the hollow suture member extends past the tip end of the insertion needle. The suture member then is pulled through the hollow insertion needle until the first radioactive seed in the suture member is positioned at the tip end of the insertion needle. The extended portion of the hollow suture member is then severed in the vicinity of the tip end of the insertion needle. The loaded insertion needle is then inserted into the prostate of the patient.

Abstract: Transrectal ultrasound is used for accurate planning and targeting of placement of radioactive seeds by needles into the prostate in transperineal prostate brachytherapy. The pubic arch formed by the union of the pelvic bones is a potential barrier to passage of the needles containing the radioactive seeds. An initial image of the pubic arch is also provided by transrectal ultrasound, in addition to a transverse cross-sectional image of the prostate. The initial image of the pubic arch is processed using a technique to selectively enhance the contrast of the linear features of the edge of the ultrasound image. The enhanced image is then thresholded via the use of a percentile thresholding technique and then a curve modeling the shape of the pubic arch is fitted against the thresholded, enhanced image to produce a processed image of the pubic arch. This is then overlaid with the image of the prostate and a determination made as to pubic arch interference.

Abstract: The spacer element includes a center section and two cup-like end sections, the spacer member generally being cylindrical in exterior configuration. The center section is approximately 40-50 mm long, with the two end sections being approximately 10-15 mm long. The spacer element is also configured to fit within a conventional needle which is loaded with an alternating succession of radioactive seeds and spacer elements, for subsequent positioning in the prostate.

Abstract: The needle combination includes an insertion stylet which has a small diameter and is rigid. The tip of the insertion stylet is sharp for ease of insertion into the prostate. A needle sleeve has a larger diameter than the insertion stylet and is inserted into the prostate around the insertion stylet. A needle is loaded with radioactive seeds and spacers and is inserted, along with an implant stylet, into the sleeve after the insertion stylet has been removed. The needle and the sleeve are then removed together, while holding the implant stylet in place, so that the seeds are deposited in the prostate in desired locations.