Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and radially flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands is also provided. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and radially flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands is also provided. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the member. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A combined bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy device. A large bore cannula includes a coaxial stylet which seals both ends of the cannula, allowing fluid to be aspirated through the space between stylet and cannula. Then, a core sample is taken with the cannula after the stylet is retracted.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of radioactive seeds or encapsulated seeds having ends with projections or indentations connected by a polymer. The seed strand is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the member. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: For implanting a therapeutic element, this needle assembly includes a cannula having a sharpened distal end, a line of elements in the cannula extending rearward from the distal end. A yieldable positioner including an absorbable plug positions the element more proximate the distal end a predetermined distance from the distal end. The positioner may be in various forms including an end plug, a tab in the cannula. The needle assembly may also be pre-loaded with the line of elements and be sterile and a distortion of the wall of the cannula. A stylet is reciprocable in the cannula and engages the end of the line of elements more remote from the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: For implanting a therapeutic element, this needle assembly comprises a cannula having a sharpened distal end, a line of elements in the cannula extending rearward from the distal end. yieldable positioner positions the element more proximate the distal end a predetermined distance from the distal end. The positioner may be in various forms including an end plug, a tab in the cannula and a distortion of the wall of the cannula. A stylet is reciprocable in the cannula and engages the end of the line of elements more remote from the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention includes a biopsy needle for use in a biopsy gun or as surgical instrument, capable of taking multiple samples, and a guiding needle holder for holding a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle includes an inner needle, also called a stylet, and an outer needle, also called a cannula, and a guiding needle holder. The stylet has a recess in the vicinity of its distal end which receives the tissue sample. The guiding needle holder includes an integrated spacer, and first and second connecting elements. The first connecting element holds the proximal end of the cannula and is displaceably attached along the length of the integrated spacer. The second connecting element holds the proximal end of the stylet and is fixedly attached to the distal end of the integrated spacer. The connecting elements each have an opening that facilitates insertion of the biopsy needle into a known biopsy gun in either the cocked or uncocked position.

Abstract: A novel handle assembly has an opening that allows for the insertion of a needle set. The needle set is an integral unit and consists of an outer hollow cannula and an inner pointed tip stylet. The stylet and the cannula are capable of being urged forward separately into the biopsy area in a defined motion in relation to each other. The handle assembly includes a housing, and a slidable extension. In operation, the stylet and the cannula are inserted into the housing. The extension is moved rearward until the cannula is in a spring loaded position and a first locking member has engaged a second locking member. An adjustable wheel on the extension is turned to set the stylet to a predetermined distance for insertion into the biopsy area. The stylet and the cannula are inserted into a patient near the biopsy area. The stylet is then urged into the biopsy area to the predetermined depth.

Abstract: The present invention includes a biopsy needle for use in a biopsy gun or as surgical instrument, capable of taking multiple samples, and a guiding needle holder for holding a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle includes an inner needle, also called a stylet, and an outer needle, also called a cannula, and a guiding needle holder. The stylet has a recess in the vicinity of its distal end which receives the tissue sample. The guiding needle holder includes an integrated spacer, and first and second connecting elements. The first connecting element holds the proximal end of the cannula and is displaceably attached along the length of the integrated spacer. The second connecting element holds the proximal end of the stylet and is fixedly attached to the distal end of the integrated spacer. The connecting elements each have an opening that facilitates insertion of the biopsy needle into a known biopsy gun in either the cocked or uncocked position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a biopsy needle for use in a biopsy gun or as surgical instrument, capable of taking multiple samples, and a guiding needle holder for holding a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle includes an inner needle, also called a stylet, and an outer needle, also called a cannula, and a guiding needle holder. The stylet has a recess in the vicinity of its distal end which receives the tissue sample. The guiding needle holder includes an integrated spacer, and first and second connecting elements. The first connecting element holds the proximal end of the cannula and is displaceably attached along the length of the integrated spacer. The second connecting element holds the proximal end of the stylet and is fixedly attached to the distal end of the integrated spacer. The connecting elements each have an opening that facilitates insertion of the biopsy needle into a known biopsy gun in either the cocked or uncocked position.

Abstract: A novel automated handle assembly has an opening that allows for insertion of a needle set. The needle set is an integral unit and consists of an outer hollow cannula and an inner pointed tip stylet. The stylet and the cannula are capable of being urged forward separately into the biopsy area in a defined motion in relation to each other. The handle assembly includes a housing, a cannula extension and a stylet extension. In operation, the stylet and the cannula are inserted into the housing. The extensions are slidable and moved rearward separately until the stylet and the cannula are in a spring loaded position wherein first locking members have engaged second locking members on both the stylet and the cannula. The stylet and the cannula are inserted into a patient near the biopsy area. The stylet is then urged into the biopsy area. The stylet extension is pushed forward by a user's thumb and the stylet is fired so that the tissue is pierced.

Abstract: A novel automated handle assembly has an opening that allows for insertion of a needle set. The needle set is an integral unit and consists of an outer hollow cannula and an inner pointed tip stylet. The stylet and the cannula are capable of being urged forward separately into the biopsy area in a defined motion in relation to each other. The handle assembly includes a housing, a cannula extension and a stylet extension. In operation, the stylet and the cannula are inserted into the housing. The extensions are slidable and moved rearward separately until the stylet and the cannula are in a spring loaded position wherein first locking members have engaged second locking members on both the stylet and the cannula. The stylet and the cannula are inserted into a patient near the biopsy area. The stylet is then urged into the biopsy area. The stylet extension is pushed forward by a user's thumb and the stylet is fired so that the tissue is pierced.