Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for guiding a medical instrument. The medical apparatus includes a bracket member having a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of a medical instrument. A carriage member is slidably connected to a base assembly adapted to move the carriage member into an imaging position. The carriage assembly is adapted to rotationally support the bracket member, as well as provide a vertically adjustable height of the bracket member. A quick release member is operatively associated with the bracket and carriage members for removably attaching and detaching the bracket member to and from the carriage member when the carriage member is in the imaging position without losing the position and orientation of the carriage member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue warming device for use with an ultrasound probe having top and bottom sides located diametrically opposite to each other viewed from a frontal cross-section of the probe. The device includes a sheath configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the probe. A first sack, which is associated with the sheath, covers at least a portion of the top side of the probe. The sack includes first and second passages. The first passage allows warm fluid to be directed into the first sack for expansion thereof. The second passage allows fluid to be removed from the first sack. When expanded with warm fluid, the first sack warms body tissue disposed adjacent thereto. The warm fluid may be a warm liquid, such as an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting specimens removed from different regions of targeted tissue, e.g., the prostate gland. The system is made up a plurality of templates for receipt of respective ones of the specimens and a plurality of specimen identifiers. The templates include respective areas representing corresponding to respective regions of the targeted tissue and each area bears respective visible indicia representative of the corresponding region of the targeted tissue. The specimen identifiers, e.g., label for specimen containers, include visible indicia corresponding to the respective visible indicia areas of the templates. Graphic representations of the targeted tissue showing the pathology of the regions thereof can be computer generated based on the specimens collected.

Abstract: A system is provided for supporting a patient during computed axial tomography imaging. The system includes a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material, a discrete attachment region in the platform, and a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform at the discrete attachment region. A method for supporting a patient during a plurality of procedures also is provided. The method includes: disposing the patient on a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material; positioning a device with respect to the patient, the device being disposed on a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform; placing the platform, positioned device, and patient in a computed axial tomography imaging system and performing an imaging procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for irrigating and collecting tissue from a body cavity in a patient. The system includes an irrigation and collection device for injecting an irrigation fluid into the body cavity. The irrigation device injects fluid into the body cavity by creating a positive pressure within the device to expel the irrigation fluid from the device into the body cavity. The irrigation fluid is evacuated from the body cavity by the resulting negative pressure within the device, drawing the irrigation fluid and any loose tissue or particulate material into the device. The irrigation fluid is filtered, collecting the evacuated tissue and particulate material in a collection receptacle thereby isolating the evacuated tissue and particulate material within the irrigation fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue warming device for use with an ultrasound probe having top and bottom sides located diametrically opposite to each other viewed from a frontal cross-section of the probe. The device includes a sheath configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the probe. A first sack, which is associated with the sheath, covers at least a portion of the top side of the probe. The sack includes first and second passages. The first passage allows warm fluid to be directed into the first sack for expansion thereof. The second passage allows fluid to be removed from the first sack. When expanded with warm fluid, the first sack warms body tissue disposed adjacent thereto. The warm fluid may be a warm liquid, such as an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter that includes an elongate body having distal and proximal ends, the elongate body having at least one lumen therethrough, a distal portion of the elongate body having a perimeter. First and second retention members of the catheter are first and second retention members selectively disposed in either an insertion state or a retention state. In the insertion state, the first and second retention members form a distal body defining a central axis, the central axis being generally spaced apart from the perimeter of the distal portion of the elongate body, the distal body and elongate body insertable along a passageway of a mammal. In the retention state, the first and second retention members are selectively disposed in a spaced apart configuration to resist proximal movement of the catheter along the passage of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device guide, such as a template guide. The device guide includes a frame a frame having a plurality of network supports. A wire network is supported by the network supports thereby forming a plurality of meshes. A medical device may be inserted through one of the meshes to guide a position of the medical device.

Abstract: A suturing system and method for suturing first and second tissue sections is described. The system includes an elongate member having paired distal and proximal channels. The distal channel extends in the elongate member from the proximal end to a distal aperture and receives the distal end portion and at least a part of the body portion of a suture. The first proximal channel extends in the elongate member from the proximal end to a first proximal aperture and receives the proximal end portion and at least a part of the body portion of the suture. The elongate member is positioned between the first and second tissue sections with the suture in the first distal and first proximal channels such that a part of the body portion extends from the proximal end of the elongate member. The distal end of the suture passes through the first tissue section and the proximal end of the first suture passes through the second tissue section.

Abstract: A template grid is provided for use in positioning medical implants. The template grid includes apertures defining passages extending through the template grid. The passages are sized to accommodate a medical implant such as needles. The template grid further includes an elongated slot. The elongated slot allows a needle to be placed in Denonvilliers space at a desired angle so that the injection of fluid can be accomplished. The elongated slot also allows at least one posteriorly angled treatment probe to be placed below the urethra into the prostate to treat otherwise difficult to reach areas. The template grid can be made in multiple components so that it can be used in different configurations to suit the user's needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for guiding a medical instrument. The medical apparatus includes a bracket member having a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of a medical instrument. A carriage member is slidably connected to a base assembly adapted to move the carriage member into an imaging position. The carriage assembly is adapted to rotationally support the bracket member, as well as provide a vertically adjustable height of the bracket member. A quick release member is operatively associated with the bracket and carriage members for removably attaching and detaching the bracket member to and from the carriage member when the carriage member is in the imaging position without losing the position and orientation of the carriage member.

Abstract: A suturing system and method for suturing first and second tissue sections is described. The system includes an elongate member having paired distal and proximal channels. The distal channel extends in the elongate member from the proximal end to a distal aperture and receives the distal end portion and at least a part of the body portion of a suture. The first proximal channel extends in the elongate member from the proximal end to a first proximal aperture and receives the proximal end portion and at least a part of the body portion of the suture. The elongate member is positioned between the first and second tissue sections with the suture in the first distal and first proximal channels such that a part of the body portion extends from the proximal end of the elongate member. The distal end of the suture passes through the first tissue section and the proximal end of the first suture passes through the second tissue section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter that includes an elongate body having distal and proximal ends, the elongate body having at least one lumen therethrough, a distal portion of the elongate body having a perimeter. First and second retention members of the catheter are first and second retention members selectively disposed in either an insertion state or a retention state. In the insertion state, the first and second retention members form a distal body defining a central axis, the central axis being generally spaced apart from the perimeter of the distal portion of the elongate body, the distal body and elongate body insertable along a passageway of a mammal. In the retention state, the first and second retention members are selectively disposed in a spaced apart configuration to resist proximal movement of the catheter along the passage of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrument positioning device for controlled placement of a wide variety of medical instruments, such as an ultrasound transducer probe. The positioning device comprises a base member and a central shaft operatively associated with the base, a carriage member having a cavity configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a medical instrument and slideably connected to the central shaft, a drive member coupled to the carriage member and engageable with the central shaft for movement with the central shaft and disengagement from the central shaft for sliding movement along the central shaft, and a quick release member operatively associated with the drive member. The quick release member has an inactive configuration in which the drive member engages the central shaft and an active configuration in which the drive member disengages the central shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue warming device for use with an ultrasound probe having top and bottom sides located diametrically opposite to each other viewed from a frontal cross-section of the probe. The device includes a sheath configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the probe. A first sack, which is associated with the sheath, covers at least a portion of the top side of the probe. The sack includes first and second passages. The first passage allows warm fluid to be directed into the first sack for expansion thereof. The second passage allows fluid to be removed from the first sack. When expanded with warm fluid, the first sack warms body tissue disposed adjacent thereto. The warm fluid may be a warm liquid, such as an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrument positioning device for controlled placement of a wide variety of medical instruments, such as an ultrasound transducer probe. The positioning device comprises a base member and a central shaft operatively associated with the base, a carriage member having a cavity configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a medical instrument and slideably connected to the central shaft, a drive member coupled to the carriage member and engageable with the central shaft for movement with the central shaft and disengagement from the central shaft for sliding movement along the central shaft, and a quick release member operatively associated with the drive member. The quick release member has an inactive configuration in which the drive member engages the central shaft and an active configuration in which the drive member disengages the central shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device guide, such as a template guide. The device guide includes a frame a frame having a plurality of network supports. A wire network is supported by the network supports thereby forming a plurality of meshes. A medical device may be inserted through one of the meshes to guide a position of the medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and facilitating accurate positioning, both linearly and angularly of a medical device such as an ultrasound probe, a medical instrument or an imaging device. The apparatus is capable of both gross and precise multi-directional movements with the medical device attached, while remaining connected to stationary objects such as a portable floor stand and/or operating table. After gross manual placement and approximate positioning, the fine tune mechanism of the attached medical device is locked in positioned and secured to two fixed points. Exact positioning is then achieved by the precision movements which are available in all three linear directions and rotational axes. By this arrangement which allows preattachment of the medical device or instrument (i.e., an ultrasound probe) to the apparatus prior to positioning in the patient, quicker, more accurate and more reproducible medical device positioning and placement are achieved.

Abstract: A system for forming a liquid interface between a body tissue and an ultrasound probe which includes an ultrasound transducer. The system including a sheath including a liquid tight sack, wherein the sack covers, when the probe is placed inside the sheath, at least a portion of the probe where the ultrasound transducer is positioned but without covering an underside of the probe located on a diametrically opposite side from where the ultrasound transducer is positioned. The system also includes a tube connected to the sheath, wherein the sack expands to form the liquid interface when a liquid is introduced to the sack via the tube.

Abstract: A sterile disposable template grid system for positioning and implanting medical implants is disclosed. In one embodiment, the disposable template grid includes an attachment element that joins a front portion having front channels and a rear portion having rear channels so that the front channels align with the rear channels to form passages which allow medical implants to pass from the front portion through the rear portion. In another embodiment, the disposable template grid includes an insert having channels; a bracket sized to removably receive and support the insert and having apertures; and an alignment element for aligning the apertures with the channels to allow medical implants to pass from the apertures through the channels. Although the disposable template grid can be used with a wide variety of implants, it is particularly well suited for the radioactive seed containing needles used in brachytherapy.