Abstract: The present invention related to an interstitial marker for localizing an organ, tumor or tumor bed within a mammalian body wherein said marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous intervening length, at least a portion of the intervening length of said marker being visible under at least one imaging modality and having a flexibility such that said marker follows movements and changes of shape of said organ, tumor or tumor bed.

Abstract: A system for and method of applying non-invasive brachytherapy to a targeted volume within a protruding organ of a patient, employs an applicator constructed so as to be positioned relative to the organ so that an enhanced dose of divergent radiation is deliverable from at least two locations at or very near the periphery of the organ transcutaneously to the targeted volume of the protruding organ from at least two directions so that a higher dose is delivered to the targeted volume than to tissue surrounding the targeted volume. The treatment planning, and image guidance techniques are also described.

Abstract: A system for and method of applying non-invasive brachytherapy to a targeted volume within a protruding organ of a patient, employs an applicator constructed so as to be positioned relative to the organ so that an enhanced dose of divergent radiation is deliverable from at least two locations at or very near the periphery of the organ transcutaneously to the targeted volume of the protruding organ from at least two directions so that a higher dose is delivered to the targeted volume than to tissue surrounding the targeted volume. The treatment planning, and image guidance techniques are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an interstitial marker for localizing an organ, tumor or tumor bed within a mammalian body wherein said marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous intervening length, at least a portion of the intervening length of said marker being visible under at least one imaging modality and having a flexibility such that said marker follows movements and changes of shape of said organ, tumor or tumor bed.

Abstract: A system for and method of applying non-invasive brachytherapy to a targeted volume within a protruding organ of a patient, employs an applicator constructed so as to be positioned relative to the organ so that an enhanced dose of divergent radiation is deliverable from at least two locations at or very near the periphery of the organ transcutaneously to the targeted volume of the protruding organ from at least two directions so that a higher dose is delivered to the targeted volume than to tissue surrounding the targeted volume. The treatment planning, and image guidance techniques are also described.

Abstract: A system for and method of applying non-invasive brachytherapy to a targeted volume within a protruding organ of a patient, employs an applicator constructed so as to be positioned relative to the organ so that an enhanced dose of divergent radiation is deliverable from at least two locations at or very near the periphery of the organ transcutaneously to the targeted volume of the protruding organ from at least two directions so that a higher dose is delivered to the targeted volume than to tissue surrounding the targeted volume. The treatment planning, and image guidance techniques are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an interstitial marker for localizing an organ, tumor or tumor bed within a mammalian body wherein said marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous intervening length, at least a portion of the intervening length of said marker being visible under at least one imaging modality and having a flexibility such that said marker follows movements and changes of shape of said organ, tumor or tumor bed.

Abstract: A general purpose radiotherapy device can be fabricated to net or near-net shape and then made radioactive in a single activation step. The device is made at least partially of a transmutable material which is transformable to a radioisotope-containing material upon activation by an accelerated beam of charged particles, such as protons, deuterons or alpha particles. The transmutable material is preferably rhodium and the radioisotope-containing material is preferably palladium-103.

Abstract: A flexible, continuous, axially elastic interstitial brachytherapy source is capable of elongating, shrinking and/or flexing in response to changes in the size and/or shape of a tumor, tumor bed, lesion or other tissue with which the source is in contact. In one embodiment, the source is in the form of a wire coil. The flexible and expandable/contractible nature of the source allows it to provide therapeutically effective treatment to dynamic tissue as it swells, shrinks and/or changes in shape.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device in the form of a radioactive coiled wire. The wire used to form the coil is typically between about 10 and 200 micrometers in diameter, and the coil formed from the wire has an outer diameter of between about 25 micrometers and about 1000 micrometers. The coil can be formed first from a wire and then made radioactive. Alternatively, the wire can be made radioactive first and then formed into a coil. Methods of incorporating a radioisotope into the wire or coil include, for example, nuclear transformation and ion implantation, which do not affect the flexibility and other mechanical properties of the coil. Thin radioisotope films can also be applied to the wire.

Abstract: A general purpose radiotherapy device can be fabricated to net or near-net shape and then made radioactive in a single activation step. The device is made at least partially of a transmutable material which is transformable to a radioisotope-containing material upon activation by an accelerated beam of charged particles, such as protons, deuterons or alpha particles. The transmutable material is preferably rhodium and the radioisotope preferably comprises palladium-103. The beam energy and device dimensions are selected so that energy from the beam in the range which is most likely to produce a desired transmutation reaction in the device is absorbed, while at least a portion of the energy which is insufficient to effect the desired transmutation reaction is not retained in the device.

Abstract: A synovial prosthetic member includes a body having an articulating surface and an anchor surface, the articulating surface being configured for articulation with another articulating surface of a synovial joint, the anchor surface being configured for cementing to bone, the body being composed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the anchor surface having been subjected to treatment by either ion implantation, ion beam assisted deposition, or sputter deposition.

Abstract: A synovial prosthetic member includes a body having an articulating surface and an anchor surface, the articulating surface being configured for articulation with another articulating surface of a synovial joint, the anchor surface being configured for cementing to bone, the body being composed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the anchor surface having been subjected to treatment by either ion implantation, ion beam assisted deposition, or sputter deposition.

Abstract: A general purpose implantable radiotherapy device for delivering a predetermined dose of radiation in a predetermined radiation pattern. The device includes a biocompatible template adapted for implantation at a treatment site in a patient, and one or more radiation sources which are incorporated directly into at least a portion of the template, preferably by ion implantation methods. The shape of the radiation pattern from the device is determined at least in part by the location and distribution of the radiation source or sources incorporated into the template, and not solely by the shape of the template. The device is suitable for a wide variety of radiotherapy applications.

Abstract: Catheters including at least one component having a tissue interfacing surface characterized by a substantially nonleaching surface treatment of antimicrobial metal. The component can be a subcutaneous cuff, and the antimicrobial metal can be silver. The process for implanting the silver atoms can include dry coating the tissue interfacing surface of the catheter by way of ion beam assisted deposition. Alternatively, the silver can be introduced into the tissue interfacing surface by ion implantation.

Abstract: A medical device provided with a subsurface bacteriostatic/bactericidal stratum to a predetermined depth is disclosed. The bacteriostatic/bactericidal stratum is introduced into the medical device by ion implantation of sufficient concentration to impart thereto the desired bacteriostatic/bactericidal property. The acquired bacteriostatic/bactericidal property has a useful life coterminal with the device. The treated medical device remains biocompatible, is non-leaching and, depending on the specific device, also is thromboresistant.

Abstract: Polymeric implants provided with coatings of bactericidal compounds in the form of ionized atoms by a vapor process. The polymeric implants include products designed to penetrate or enter the body, such as catheters, shunts connectors and the like. Coatings of bactericidal compounds on the polymeric implants are intended to make their use safe. The coatings are formed thereon in the form of ionized atoms of the compounds by ion-beam-assisted deposition in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is provided, inter alia, with an evaporator and an ion source mounted in operative association therein, including means for rotatably mounting a plurality of polymeric implants for exposure to the evaporator and the ion source.

Abstract: Surface metallized polymeric implants, such as cannula, needles, catheters, connectors and the like, a dry coating method therefor and apparatus to accomplish the same are disclosed. The metallization of the implants is intended to improve their biocompatibility and to reduce infusion-associated phlebitis and infection. The method essentially includes the dry coating of the outside surfaces of the polymeric implants with a metallic thin film. The apparatus to effect the dry coating method essentially includes a vacuum chamber, an evaporator and an ion source mounted in operative association within the chamber, and means for rotatably mounting a plurality of polymeric implants for exposure to the evaporator and the ion source.

Abstract: A modular ion beam assisted continuous coating apparatus and method for a wide range of materials and the products so made are disclosed. The materials include metals, such as all kinds of steels and the like in sheet, wire, tubing and rod forms, and plastics, such as all kinds of polymers again in sheet, wire, tubing and rod forms. The coatings on the materials are intended to improve their wear, corrosion and/or oxidation resistance as well as to enhance their aesthetic appearance. The coatings essentially include metals such as aluminum, chromium, cadmium, tin, zinc, iron, platinum, nickel, silver, gold, etc., and ceramics such as ZrO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiN and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4. The modular continuous coating apparatus essentially is divided into four stages a vacuum entry stage, a material pre-cleaning stage, an ion beam assisted coating stage, and a vacuum exit stage.

Abstract: A process to improve the surface properties of products made, at least in part, from silicone rubber is disclosed. The products find uses in industrial and medical device applications, such as drug-pump seals and valves, membranes, mammary prostheses, artificial heart diaphragms, pacemaker lead insulation and the like. The process is designed to change the silicone rubber's surface to one that is characterized by low friction, being antithrombotic, inkable, more wear resistant and deformable, and also being hydro-compatible. The process includes subjecting the product's silicone rubber surface to ion bombardment with gaseous ions that diffuse out with doses and at energy levels at least about 3E14 ions/cm.sup.2 at 80 keV.