Abstract: Attenuating masks for selective attenuation of radiation, particularly from an x-ray source in brachytherapy, employ materials having atomic number in a specific range, so as to attenuate radiation dose intensity generally proportionally through a range of distance from the source. Some preferred attenuation materials are silver and molybdenum. A set of small masks can be provided for a particular design of catheter that holds a radiation source, each mask having a size and shape to define a different solid angle of masking, so that in a brachytherapy procedure, sensitive tissue such as bone or skin can be protected by proper selection of and positioning of the attenuating mask, to reduce the dose intensity to that tissue.

Abstract: A device, system and method for administering radiation therapy to a tissue surface of a patient utilizes an applicator capable of controlled movement and repositioning over a selected area of tissue, under the control of a computer or controller. A servo-controlled manipulator can effect a raster scan of the desired area, such as an area of the skin, and this can be in any desired pattern such as serpentine, spiral, parallel but unidirectional, or irregular patterns. Preferably a third direction of control is included, i.e. a depth direction, with an appropriate form of depth sensor, a signal from which can be used to adjust the radiation source so that radiation of the tissue surface is consistent over varied contoured.

Abstract: Attenuating masks for selective attenuation of radiation, particularly from an x-ray source in brachytherapy, employ materials having atomic number in a specific range, so as to attenuate radiation dose intensity generally proportionally through a range of distance from the source. Some preferred attenuation materials are silver and molybdenum. A set of small masks can be provided for a particular design of catheter that holds a radiation source, each mask having a size and shape to define a different solid angle of masking, so that in a brachytherapy procedure, sensitive tissue such as bone or skin can be protected by proper selection of and positioning of the attenuating mask, to reduce the dose intensity to that tissue.

Abstract: Attenuating masks for selective attenuation of radiation, particularly from an x-ray source in brachytherapy, employ materials having atomic number in a specific range, so as to attenuate radiation dose intensity generally proportionally through a range of distance from the source. Some preferred attenuation materials are silver and molybdenum. A set of small masks can be provided for a particular design of catheter that holds a radiation source, each mask having a size and shape to define a different solid angle of masking, so that in a brachytherapy procedure, sensitive tissue such as bone or skin can be protected by proper selection of and positioning of the attenuating mask, to reduce the dose intensity to that tissue.

Abstract: Attenuating masks for selective attenuation of radiation, particularly from an x-ray source in brachytherapy, employ materials having atomic number in a specific range, so as to attenuate radiation dose intensity generally proportionally through a range of distance from the source. Some preferred attenuation materials are silver and molybdenum. A set of small masks can be provided for a particular design of catheter that holds a radiation source, each mask having a size and shape to define a different solid angle of masking, so that in a brachytherapy procedure, sensitive tissue such as bone or skin can be protected by proper selection of and positioning of the attenuating mask, to reduce the dose intensity to that tissue.

Abstract: Ablation systems comprise a support body, an energy transmitting element supported by the support body and an insulating member covering a portion of the support body and energy transmitting member. Ablation energy is transmitted from an uncovered, exposed portion of the energy transmitting element. The insulating member may be a distal portion of an introducer sheath. An open segment may be provided in the distal portion to expose a portion of the energy transmitting element. When used in cardiac ablation therapy, for example, the insulating member decreases the amount of ablation energy dissipated in the blood circulating through the heart and thermally insulates the energy transmitting member and the tissue at the ablation site, enabling better control of the ablation process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the number of temperature measurement wires in multiple temperature sensor ablation systems are described. In a preferred embodiment, temperature sensors capable of measuring the temperature of body tissue and transmitting the temperature data digitally are incorporated in a catheter or probe ablation system that also includes electrodes in operative contact with the sensors. The sensors are connected in parallel to a common electrical bus, thereby allowing the system to operate using a reduced number of electrical paths as compared to conventional ablation systems. The present invention is also directed to ablation systems that incorporate analog sensors rather than digital sensors. In this embodiment, the system utilizes digital switching, filtering circuits, or oscillators to reduce the number of wires required to operate the sensors.

Abstract: Ablation systems comprise a support body, an energy transmitting element supported by the support body and an insulating member covering a portion of the support body and energy transmitting member. Ablation energy is transmitted from an uncovered, exposed portion of the energy transmitting element. The insulating member may be a distal portion of an introducer sheath. An open segment may be provided in the distal portion to expose a portion of the energy transmitting element. When used in cardiac ablation therapy, for example, the insulating member decreases the amount of ablation energy dissipated in the blood circulating through the heart and thermally insulates the energy transmitting member and the tissue at the ablation site, enabling better control of the ablation process.

Abstract: A medical system for limiting usage of a medical probe, such as, e.g., a catheter or a surgical probe, is provided. The medical system comprises a medical probe that includes an electronic storage component for storage of data. The electronic storage component has environmental sensing capabilities and detects an environmental condition to which the medical probe is exposed. If the detected environmental condition is associated with a sterilization cycle, the electronic storage component stores a probe sterilization indicator indicating that the medical probe has been sterilized. The medical system further includes a medical probe control unit to which the medical probe is connected. The medical probe control unit is configured for writing and reading data to and from the electronic storage component of the medical probe when the medical probe is connected to the control unit.

Abstract: Electrophysiological probes having tissue insulation and/or tissue heating device cooling apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A control unit, such as, e.g., an RF generator, for limiting the usage of a medical probe, such as, e.g., a catheter or surgical probe, is provided. The control unit includes a control circuit that is configured for storing a plurality of historical operational indicator sets within a database, wherein each of the historical operational indicator sets corresponds to a respective medical probe operated with a control unit. Each of the historical operational indicator sets includes a probe identification code, the presence of which indicates previous operation of a respective medical probe with a control unit, and one or more supplementary historical operational indicators, such as, e.g., an initial probe usage time and/or an incremental probe usage, which provides additional historical operational information concerning the respective medical probe.

Abstract: Ablation systems comprise a support body, an energy transmitting element supported by the support body and an insulating member covering a portion of the support body and energy transmitting member. Ablation energy is transmitted from an uncovered, exposed portion of the energy transmitting element. The insulating member may be a distal portion of an introducer sheath. An open segment may be provided in the distal portion to expose a portion of the energy transmitting element. When used in cardiac ablation therapy, for example, the insulating member decreases the amount of ablation energy dissipated in the blood circulating through the heart and thermally insulates the energy transmitting member and the tissue at the ablation site, enabling better control of the ablation process.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided for assisting medical personnel in interpreting data collected by a multiple electrode catheter deployed within the body. The GUI generates and displays an image of the multiple electrode catheter. By manipulating appropriate controls, the medical personnel are able to change the orientation of the displayed image until it matches the orientation of the actual multiple electrode catheter as seen on a fluoroscope. Afterwards, the medical personnel can determine the relative position and orientation of the catheter by reference to the GUI generated image. To aid in interpreting data recovered by the catheter, the individual electrodes and splines are highlighted and labeled. Electrodes recovering particular types of physiological waveforms can be automatically identified and highlighted. Comments and anatomic landmarks can be inserted where desired to further assist in interpreting data.

Abstract: A medical system for limiting usage of a medical probe, such as, e.g., a catheter or a surgical probe, is provided. The medical system comprises a medical probe that includes an electronic storage component for storage of data. The electronic storage component has environmental sensing capabilities and detects an environmental condition to which the medical probe is exposed. If the detected environmental condition is associated with a sterilization cycle, the electronic storage component stores a probe sterilization indicator indicating that the medical probe has been sterilized. The medical system further includes a medical probe control unit to which the medical probe is connected. The medical probe control unit is configured for writing and reading data to and from the electronic storage component of the medical probe when the medical probe is connected to the control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the number of temperature measurement wires in multiple temperature sensor ablation systems are described. In a preferred embodiment, temperature sensors capable of measuring the temperature of body tissue and transmitting the temperature data digitally are incorporated in a catheter or probe ablation system that also includes electrodes in operative contact with the sensors. The sensors are connected in parallel to a common electrical bus, thereby allowing the system to operate using a reduced number of electrical paths as compared to conventional ablation systems. The present invention is also directed to ablation systems that incorporate analog sensors rather than digital sensors. In this embodiment, the system utilizes digital switching, filtering circuits, or oscillators to reduce the number of wires required to operate the sensors.

Abstract: A medical system for limiting the re-use of a medical probe, such as, e.g., a catheter or a surgical probe, is provided. The medical system includes a medical probe that includes an electronic storage component for storing a probe identification code. The medical probe further includes a disabling circuit, the activation of which disables the electronic storage component. The medical system further includes a control unit, such as, e.g., an RF generator, for connection to the medical probe. The control unit includes control circuit that is configured for automatically reading the probe identification code from the electronic storage component and preventing the medical probe from being operated if the probe identification code is not approved. If the medical probe has been previously used, the control circuit prevents operation of the medical probe and activates the disabling circuitry to disable the electronic storage component in the medical probe.

Abstract: A system records use of a structure deployed in operative association with heart tissue in a patient. An image controller generates an image of the structure while in use in the patient. An input receives data including information identifying the patient. An output processes the image in association with the data as a patient-specific, data base record for storage, retrieval, or manipulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the number of temperature measurement wires in multiple temperature sensor ablation systems are described. In a preferred embodiment, temperature sensors capable of measuring the temperature of body tissue and transmitting the temperature data digitally are incorporated in a catheter or probe ablation system that also includes electrodes in operative contact with the sensors. The sensors are connected in parallel to a common electrical bus, thereby allowing the system to operate using a reduced number of electrical paths as compared to conventional ablation systems. The present invention is also directed to ablation systems that incorporate analog sensors rather than digital sensors. In this embodiment, the system utilizes digital switching, filtering circuits, or oscillators to reduce the number of wires required to operate the sensors.

Abstract: A system records use of a structure deployed in operative association with heart tissue in a patient. An image controller generates an image of the structure while in use in the patient. An input receives data including information identifying the patient. An output processes the image in association with the data as a patient-specific, data base record for storage, retrieval, or manipulation.

Abstract: A system records use of a structure deployed in operative association with heart tissue in a patient. An image controller generates an image of the structure while in use in the patient. An input receives data including information identifying the patient. An output processes the image in association with the data as a patient-specific, data base record for storage, retrieval, or manipulation.