Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for irrigated bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Some examples of the system include an elongate inner electrode assembly and an elongate outer electrode assembly. An irrigation path for irrigation fluid flow is defined between the outer surface of the inner electrode assembly and the outer surface of the outer electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method for treating a tumor, comprising identifying a tumor as a prostate cancer tumor and implanting in the tumor identified as a prostate cancer tumor, at least one diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) source with a suitable radon release rate and for a given duration, such that the source provides during the given duration a cumulated activity of released radon between 7 Mega becquerel (MBq) hour and 14.7 MBq hour, per centimeter length.

Abstract: A multi-angular ultrasound device. Multi-angular ablation patterns are achieved by a catheter-based ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer zones. A multi-chambered balloon is positioned on the catheter.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a strontium-90 sealed radiological or radioactive source, such as may be used with treatment of the eye or other medical or industrial processes. The sealed radiological source includes a radiological insert within an encapsulation. The encapsulation may include increased shielding in the center thereof.

Abstract: Particle or hadron therapy is used on abnormal tissue using carbon atoms, protons, or helium atoms run through a linear accelerator and then directed at the target in the body. This can be used to treat, for example, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, gastrointestinal maladies, etc. Contouring and gating may be used to account for cardiac and respiratory motion, helping reduce collateral damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for visualizing a movable radiation source, the apparatus comprising: a radiation angular position sensor arranged for generating an angular position, with respect to a sensor axis, of a radiation source emitting radiations in front of said radiation angular position sensor; a camera having a camera axis distinct from the sensor axis; a light diverter arranged in front of said radiation angular position sensor for diverting toward the camera, light originally emitted in front of said radiation angular position sensor toward the radiation angular position sensor, the light diverter being arranged to not change the direction of radiations emitted in front of said radiation angular position sensor; and a composite image generator arranged for adding to a camera image captured by the camera a radiation source marker at a position derived from said angular position and automatically scaled to the camera image size and resolution.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, non-radioactive, and low cost technology for diagnosis and identification of implantable medical devices in real time. Developing new ultrasound activated coatings is important to broaden the utility of in vivo marking by ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound responsive macro-phase segregated micro-composite thin films were developed to be coated on medical devices composed of multiple materials and with multiple shapes and varying surface area. The macro-phase segregated in films having silica micro-shells in polycyanoacrylate produces strong color Doppler signals with the use of a standard clinical ultrasound transducer. Electron microscopy showed a macro-phase separation during slow curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive, as air-filled silica micro-shells were driven to the surface of the film. The air sealed in the hollow space of the silica shells acted as an ultrasound contrast agent and echo decorrelation of air exposed to ultrasound waves produces color Doppler signals.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for improved laser speckle imaging of samples, such as vascularized tissue, for the determination of the rate of movement of light scattering particles within the sample. The system includes a structure adjoining a light source and a photo-sensitive detector. The structure can be positioned adjacent the sample (e.g., coupled to the sample) and configured to orient the light source and detector relative the sample such that surface reflections, including specular reflections and diffuse reflections, are discouraged from entering the detection field of the detector. The separation distance along the structure between the light source and the detector may further enable selective depth penetration into the sample and biased sampling of multiply scattered photons. The system includes an operably coupled processor programmed to derive contrast metrics from the detector and to relate the contrast metrics to a rate of movement of the light scattering particles.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft towards a distal fastener deployment position. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a removable preload lock-out attached to the elongated shaft to prevent the follower from applying a preload to the fasteners.

Abstract: A shared-housing ultrasound transducer and machine-vision camera system is disclosed for registering the transducer's x, y, z position in space and pitch, yaw, and roll orientation with respect to an object, such as a patient's body. The position and orientation are correlated with transducer scan data, and scans of the same region of the object are compared in order to reduce ultrasound artifacts and speckles. The system can be extended to interoperative gamma probes or other non-contact sensor probes and medical instruments. Methods are disclosed for computer or remote guiding of a sensor probe or instrument with respect to saved positions and orientations of the sensor probe.

Abstract: Validation of a therapeutic radiation treatment involves using an applicator balloon surrounding an X-ray radiation source to support a plurality of X-ray sensor elements (XRSE). The XRSE are supported on the applicator balloon at distributed locations to sense applied radiation from the radiation source. At least one parameter of the applied radiation which has been sensed by the XRSE is compared to a corresponding parameter of a predetermined radiation treatment plan. Based on the comparing, a determination is made as to whether one or more requirements of the predetermined radiation treatment plan have been satisfied.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a target site in a body lumen are provided. A medical device includes a stent-like structure including a plurality of scoring and non-scoring filaments interwoven with one another. Generally, the stent-like structure will have more non-scoring filaments than scoring filaments to provide greater structural support and to focus the scoring forces on only a few select areas. The stent-like structure is expanded within the target site to score the target site and to provide temporary structural support while the target site is infused with a therapeutic agent. Such therapeutic agent infusion occurs with the use of a drug eluting or drug coated balloon disposed within the stent-like structure or by occluding the target site and introducing a drug into the occluded target site to sit for a period of time.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for performing ultraviolet light therapy in a pulmonary system of a patient, which includes a catheter body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, a handle assembly operatively associated with the proximal end portion of the catheter body, an illumination assembly operatively associated with the distal end portion of the catheter body and including an LED light source for generating UVC radiation, wherein the illumination assembly includes a coupler connecting the LED light source with the distal end portion of the catheter body, and an elongated braided sleeve disposed within the catheter body, wherein the coupler is adapted to transfer heat from the illumination assembly to the braided sleeve, such that the braided sleeve serves as a heat sink for the illumination assembly.

Abstract: A loading device for loading a medical device into a catheter is provided. The loading device comprises a body having a lumen to receive an expandable portion of a medical device. The lumen has a length as the expandable portion when the latter is in a collapsed configuration and has a diameter that is greater than the collapsed configuration. The body comprises a first portion and a second portion that are reversibly separable to expose the lumen in an open configuration and enclose the lumen in a closed configuration. The first and second portions each comprise an inner face having a groove defining a first portion of the lumen and a second portion of the lumen, respectively. The body also has a distal tip portion to reversibly couple with a hemostatic valve of a delivery catheter. A method of loading a medical device into a catheter is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Also disclosed are various medical devices for in vivo medical procedures. Included herein, for example, is a surgical robotic device having an elongate device body, a right robotic arm coupled to a right shoulder assembly, and a left robotic arm coupled to a left shoulder assembly.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus (20, 21), which includes a support (22), including an outer surface (24) and configured for insertion into a body of a subject. The apparatus further includes multiple atoms (26) of a radionuclide, which radioactively decays to produce a daughter radionuclide, coupled to the outer surface, and a layer (28, 33) of a polymer, which is permeable to the daughter radionuclide, that covers the atoms. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A locator for the placement of a fiducial support device for brachytherapy may be used to perform a brachytherapy treatment in which one or more radioactive seeds are implanted into a treatment region of a patient.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp including a first balloon portion and a second balloon portion is provided. Each of the first balloon portion and the second balloon portion include interior cavities that can be filled with liquid, and these interior cavities communicate with one another via a valve. The valve can limit or restrict flow of the liquid between the cavities. As such, the first balloon portion and the second balloon portion can be sequentially inflated with the liquid through use of the valve.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing treatment to at least one tissue includes a distal balloon, a proximal balloon, and at least one intermediate balloon positioned between the distal balloon and the proximal balloon and inflatable independently from the distal and proximal balloons. A source lumen is positioned within at least the intermediate balloon receives a radiation source to treat target tissue adjacent the intermediate balloon.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A phototherapy system includes a channel driver, a first microcontroller and a pad comprising a string of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The pad also comprises a second microcontroller that autonomously controls the string of LEDs such that the LEDs are controlled even if communication between the first microcontroller and the pad is interrupted.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for radiation shielded brachytherapy has a drive assembly, and a plurality of shield assemblies, pivotally mounted to the drive assembly, each having a tubular body defining an outer surface and a bore longitudinally extending between opposite ends of the tubular body. Each of the shield assemblies has radiation shielding material extending about a circumferential portion of the tubular body and disposed between the outer surface and the cavity. An interlocking system is operatively mounted to the rotating assembly, and engages a group of the plurality of shield assemblies. The interlocking system is configured for transmitting a rotational input received from a driving mechanism to the group of shield assemblies, for synchronously rotating each shield assembly of the group about their respective longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A medical instrument that includes a needle and an expandable member located at a distal end of the needle. The expandable member includes a blocking member. The expandable member is configured to move tissue away from a distal end of the needle and/or from a distal end of a tubular member that is in fluid communication with a substance source. A substance is configured to be expelled into the anatomy through the expandable member. The blocking member is configured to restrict or prevent the substance from being expelled through the portion of the expandable member that includes the blocking member.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a strontium-90 sealed radiological or radioactive source, such as may be used with treatment of the eye or other medical or industrial processes. The sealed radiological source includes a radiological insert within an encapsulation. The encapsulation may include increased shielding in the center thereof.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: Systems and devices for applying radiation to a target area, for example for maintaining functioning drainage blebs or functioning drainage holes in the eye, e.g., to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye being treated for glaucoma. The systems and devices of the present invention provide for the application of beta radiation to the target area, wherein the beta radiation can function to inhibit or reduce the inflammation and/or fibrogenesis that may occur after insertion of an implant into the eye or introduction of a hole for the purpose of draining aqueous humor to maintain a healthy intraocular pressure. By reducing inflammation and/or fibrogenesis, the implant, the hole, the blebs, or other related structures or tissues can remain functioning appropriately.

Abstract: A method of treatment including: selecting tissue to be exposed to radiation for gradual closure of one or more blood vessel within the tissue to be exposed radiation; selecting radiation levels to promote gradual constriction of the one or more vessel; exposing the tissue to be exposed radiation to selected radiation levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides autoradiography methods and systems for imaging via the detection of alpha particles, beta particles, or other charged particles. Embodiments of the methods and systems provide high-resolution 3D imaging of the distribution of a radioactive probe, such as a radiopharmaceutical, on a tissue sample. Embodiments of the present methods and systems provide imaging of tissue samples by reconstruction of a 3D distribution of a source of particles, such as a radiopharmaceutical. Embodiments of the methods and systems provide tomographic methods including microtomography, macrotomography, cryomicrotomography and cryomacrotomography.

Abstract: A brachytherapy afterloader device, comprises at least one transmit wire that is suitable for being inserted and driven in an advance or retract motion in an external first delivery channel and for delivering drive energy to a test field source, which is arranged at a distal end region of the transmit wire, for generating a magnetic test field; at least one receive wire that is suitable for being inserted and driven in an advance or retract motion in an external second delivery channel for a measurement of the magnetic test field, the receive wire having a transducer that is configured to detect magnetic-field changes in the magnetic test field; and a wire driving unit which is configured to controllably advance or retract the transmit wire and the receive wire in response to a corresponding test drive control signal.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, cartridge assembly, and related methods are disclosed. A cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler has a first cartridge portion; and a second cartridge portion; wherein each of the first and second cartridge portions has an upper surface for engaging tissue, and a slot to house a staple. A proximal portion of each of the first and second cartridge portions has a guide portion having at least one of a channel or a protrusion for guiding at least a portion of an i-beam. The second cartridge portion is removably couplable to the first cartridge portion to form a channel.

Abstract: Provided is a process of producing activated particles comprising 188Re-isotopes and/or 186Re-isotopes by irradiating non-volatile and water-insoluble starting particles comprising a rhenium compound with neutrons. Further provided is a process of producing corresponding non-volatile and water-insoluble starting particles. Further provided are respective starting particles and activated particles, respectively, and a composition comprising a plurality of activated particles. The activated particles, and the composition comprising same are suitable for use in radionuclide therapy, and for cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region includes an elongate body including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a tissue tract and carrying a plurality of elongate members including pathways for receiving a source of radiation. The elongate members are movable between collapsed and expanded configurations. During use, a tract is created through tissue, and the elongate body carrying the elongate members is advanced through the tract into a target location with the elongate members in the collapsed configuration. The elongate members are directed to the expanded configuration at the target location, and radiation is delivered to treat tissue at the target location, e.g., by introducing one or more radiation sources along the pathways.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to improvements in a gamma radiation source, typically containing low-density alloys or compounds or composites of iridium in mechanically deformable and compressible configurations, within a sealed encapsulation, and methods of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device with an elongate shaft and an expandable section, the expandable section having a framework of interconnected strut elements distal of the elongate shaft, the strut elements forming an outer expandable body and an inner expandable body. At least a portion of the strut elements include a first coating of radiopaque material defining a plurality of micro-columns, wherein each micro-column includes a length extending between a first end coupled to one of the plurality of strut elements and a second free end opposite the first end, the length of each micro-column is longer than a width of each micro-column. The second free end is capable of moving further apart when a convex bend is applied to the respective strut element during use. Also including a second coating.

Abstract: Microwave ablation devices and systems and method including the devices are provided. The microwave ablation device includes a cable assembly operably coupled to an energy source, a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly, a balun disposed on the feedline, an outer tubular member through which the feedline at least partially extends, and an inflatable barrier disposed on the outer tubular member proximal to the balun.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body and a tissue-removing element mounted on a distal end portion of the elongate body. The tissue-removing element is configured to remove the tissue as the tissue-removing element is rotated by the elongate body within the body lumen. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and coupled to a handle at a proximal end of the inner liner. The inner liner defines a guidewire lumen. The inner liner isolates an interior of the guidewire lumen from the elongate body and tissue-removing element such that rotational and torsional forces are not transferred from the elongate body and tissue-removing element to the interior of the guidewire lumen when the elongate body and tissue-removing element are rotated during operation of the tissue-removing catheter.

Abstract: Real-time X-ray dosimetry sensing in intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). According to one aspect, a treatment head comprises at least one X-ray component configured to facilitate generation of therapeutic radiation in the X-ray wavelength range. A resilient balloon is disposed over the treatment head and configured for receiving therein a fluid to facilitate X-ray treatment of a tumor cavity. A plurality of X-ray sensing elements is disposed at a plurality of locations distributed on the interior or exterior of the resilient balloon and configured for sensing X-ray radiation emanating from the treatment head. A control system is provided that is responsive to data received from the X-ray sensing elements to determine a magnitude of X-ray radiation detected at each of the X-ray sensing elements.

Abstract: A luminescent ophthalmic device for administering therapeutic materials, the device having at least one luminescent marker disposed in proximity to a therapeutic agent applicator so as facilitate placement in a treatment position when viewed using transcorneal or transpupillary viewing methods.

Abstract: Implantable devices including conduits that have markings along the length of the conduit are described herein.

Abstract: A crimping method that crimps a stent over multiple catheters. The method includes differentially crimping a stent on certain portions of a balloon catheter so that a second catheter can be threaded through the uncrimped portion of the stent and exit through the links of a conventional stent design or through a specific hole in the stent designed for a branched vessel.

Abstract: The invention describes method for delivering and positioning radio-isotopes. The method uses encapsulating free flowing medicament into a vehicle and positioning the vehicle into the body. Also provided is a system for delivering and positioning radio-isotopes into the body, the system comprising fluid radio-isotope encapsulated in a material.

Abstract: An intracranial stent includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a tubular sidewall extending there between and a patch covering at least a portion of the sidewall; wherein the patch is capable of diverting blood flow past the neck of an intracranial aneurysm. The patch may be made of a photon-activatable material or a tightly woven metal material with a density greater than a density of the sidewall itself.

Abstract: A biomagnetism measurement device includes a tubular body, an inflatable portion inflatable upon supply of gas, and a magnetic sensor portion that detects a magnetic field from outside the tubular body. The inflatable portion is located at a required region of the tubular body, and the magnetic sensor portion is fixed to an inner wall of the inflatable portion. The tubular body and the inflatable portion include the same material, and the wall thickness of the inflatable portion is thinner than that of the tubular body.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a strontium-90 sealed radiological or radioactive source, such as may be used with treatment of the eye or other medical or industrial processes. The sealed radiological source includes a toroidal shaped strontium radiological insert within an encapsulation. The encapsulation includes increased shielding in the center thereof.

Abstract: A surgical implant includes a biocompatible member configured for securement to an underlying target surgical site and a radiation source integrated into or onto the biocompatible member. The surgical implant may be one of a clip, pin, or coil and the radiation source includes at least one brachytherapy capsule, or other radioactive material incorporated therein or provided thereon. The radioactive material provides a dose of radiation to the target surgical site. The surgical implant may also be formed from titanium, stainless steel or polymers. A surgical applier is provided for allowing a surgeon to apply the implant to a patient's tissue.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system can include a dilator including a tip having a taper in a distal direction, a coupler, and a flap that radially protrudes from the tip. The flap can be configured to bend against a body lumen to cover at least a portion of the delivery system when the dilator is tracked through the body lumen. A medical device delivery system can include a dilator including a tip having a lumen and a coupler having a lumen. The coupler can be configured to securely connect to the tip such that the lumen of the tip is aligned with the lumen of the coupler to allow a guide wire to pass therethrough. Methods for loading a medical device into a delivery catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable sheath may include an inelastic compliant membrane having a lumen therethrough, and a discontinuous outer member bonded to the membrane. The membrane may include one or more folds formed therein. At least a portion of the outer member may extend continuously around a circumference of the membrane in a first configuration. The outer member may be configured to separate to a second configuration when subjected to a radially outward force from within the membrane. The outer member may taper from a first diameter adjacent a proximal hub to a second smaller diameter at a distal end. A method of manufacturing an expandable sheath may include forming one or more folds in a compliant membrane, cutting a plurality of apertures through a wall of an outer covering; and laminating the outer covering onto the membrane, wherein the plurality of apertures is disposed over the one or more folds.