Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes duplicative seals. In particular, in one or more implementations, a thermoplastic bag includes a first seal and at least a second seal reinforcing the same area of the thermoplastic bag. For instance, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes multiple seals along each side edge or along the hem. If one seal fails, the other seal(s) can remain in place to prevent leaks. Thus, the duplicative seals of the thermoplastic bag can provide reinforced strength and desired aesthetics.

Abstract: Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are described. In particular, one or more implementations comprise thermoplastic bags with ring rolling, SELFing, or other deformation patterns phased or aligned relative to the sides of the bags. The phased deformation patterns can allow for reducing or eliminating deformation patterns in areas of the thermoplastic bag in which side seals or other seals are formed. Additionally or alternatively, the phased deformation patterns can provide for zones that provide differing properties (e.g., functional or aesthetic). Such zones can vary aligned along a width of the thermoplastic bag and optionally also vary along a height of the thermoplastic bag. The differing zones can provide the thermoplastic bags with phased deformations that provide leak prevention, liquid containment, and other benefits.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient by positioning an implant within a patient, delivering a first therapeutic modality from the implant to the patient, and activating the implant to deliver a second therapeutic modality to the patient, such as by exposing the implant to a magnetic field, is provided. The implant preferably includes a ferromagnetic core, such as a palladium-cobalt alloy. The implant may also include an isotope layer, and an outer layer substantially covering the isotope layer. In one application, the implant enables thermal ablation following unsuccessful brachytherapy, such as in the prostate.

Abstract: Implantable seeds, comprising rod-shaped ferromagnetic elements with end caps that contain radioactive pellets, designed for,delivering both thermal radiation and ionizing radiation for treatment of tumorous tissue are described. The implantable seeds can also contain additional radioactive pellets positioned in hollow tubular sleeves that connect a series of ferromagnetic elements. The ferromagnetic material may be a palladium-cobalt (Pd—Co) alloy with a Curie temperature between about 40 C. and 100 C., and the end caps and tubular sleeves may be made of titanium. Alternatively, the ferromagentic elements may comprise rods with longitudinal channels in their outer surfaces, into which radioactive sources are positioned. This assembly is held together by an outer tubular sleeve or coating. The radioactive pellets comprise either palladium-103 or iodine-125. Methods of making the seeds and of delivering treatment to a patient are also described.

Abstract: An implantable seed for simultaneous delivery of thermal and radioactive radiation to target tissue comprises a tube or rod of a ferromagnetic alloy which, when subjected to an oscillating magnetic field will heat up, the alloy also being coated or otherwise treated with a radioactive isotope which gives off X-ray radiation during the decay thereof.

Abstract: An implantable seed for simultaneous delivery of thermal and radioactive radiation to target tissue comprises a tube or rod of a ferromagnetic alloy which, when subjected to an oscillating magnetic field will heat up, the alloy also being coated or otherwise treated with a radioactive isotope which gives off X-ray radiation during the decay thereof.

Abstract: A COPd thermoseed for treating cancerous tissue. The alloy constituents are chosen such that the Curie point temperature thereof falls into a therapeutic range. Because its magnetization vs. temperature characteristic exhibits an increasing slope up to the Curie transition, thermoseeds fabricated from the alloy can be optimized about the maximum in the M-T curve.

Abstract: An improved peristaltic pumping arrangement is disclosed as comprising a housing assembly that is freely mounted on a pump drive shaft, an occludable tubing, a plurality of compression rollers being rotatable by the shaft and capable of compressing the tubing and rotatably driving the tubing and housing assembly a limited extent until the housing assembly strikes a stop assembly for arresting limited rotational movement of the housing assembly and tubing thereby allowing the imparting of sufficient torque to pump the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and method for treating prostate tumors. The apparatus includes a platform on which the patient may be seated. An electromagnetic coil is disposed beneath the platform and creates a field that acts on thermoseeds placed in the tumor. The method includes inductively heating the thermoseeds which heat the tumor cells to a temperature of between 45.degree. and 50.degree. C.