Abstract: The invention provides for a method for producing isotopes using a beam of particles from an accelerator, whereby the beam is maintained at between about 70 to 2000 MeV; and contacting a thorium-containing target with the particles. The medically important isotope 225Ac is produced via the nuclear reaction (p,2p6n), whereby an energetic proton causes the ejection of 2 protons and 6 neutrons from a 232Th target nucleus. Another medically important isotope 213Bi is then available as a decay product. The production of highly purified 211At is also provided.

Abstract: The device includes a stent and a separating device, the stent having a number of areas of separation and the separating device being able to be introduced through the wall of the stent at an area of separation. According to embodiments of the invention, each area of separation has a number of separable junctions; the activation of the separating device separates at least one of the separable junctions of the area of separation so as to separate the stent into two stent sections at the area of the bifurcation and to allow the stent sections to further expand to respectively conform to a shape of the main conduit and to a shape of the secondary conduit at the area of the bifurcation.

Abstract: An adjustable balloon catheter for extravasated drug delivery is disclosed generally including an outer catheter with a first balloon and an inner catheter with a second balloon. The inner catheter is moveably disposed in a lumen of the outer catheter such that the inner catheter moves relative to the outer catheter, changing the distance between the balloons. A fluid source supplies air to the catheters via lumens therein to inflate the balloons to create a chamber between them, and at least one of the catheters has a lumen for delivering a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to the chamber. The inner catheter is then moved relative to the outer catheter to decrease the size of the chamber between the balloons and decrease the fluid pressure therein such that the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent is extravasated into the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a boron drug for boron neutron capture therapy for liver cancer, which is an aqueous solution of boric acid.

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 method for monitoring a radiation dose applied to a patient being exposed or having been exposed to radiation from a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system comprising an X-ray source, the X-ray source describing a trajectory in a coordinate system of reference of the medical imaging system having an origin, the method comprising determining the current coordinates, in the coordinate system of reference of the medical imaging system, of a current region being exposed or having been exposed to radiation from the X-ray source, of an envelope of a patient model, in relation to a current position of the X-ray source, determining, from the current coordinates, a current coordinate system of reference having as origin the current position of the X-ray source, the current coordinate system of reference being centered on the current region, and displaying a representation of the current region centered on the current coordinate system of reference.

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 point-of-care seed stranding device for automating assembly of brachytherapy seed strands for implantation in patients. The device includes a number of features to reduce the potential for mistakes by the user, as well as to reduce the potential for damaging the radioactive seeds during the stranding process. Tactile feedback may be provided to prevent exertion of too much force in the packing step of the stranding process, as well as to indicate that the seed and/or strand cartridges are empty and need to be replaced. The device may also include a mechanism for holding seeds or spacers in place to allow automated packing of seeds or spacers having corresponding geometries. The device may also be provided with a seed counter which can be employed to preset the number of seeds in a strand and which disables the device from dispensing or packing additional seeds once the preset number of seeds has been packed into the strand.

Abstract: The invention features methods and selenium-containing compositions for treating a neoplastic disease in a subject. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing sensitivity of a tumor to cancer therapy by treating the tumor with an inorganic selenium-containing (iSe) compound and with a cancer therapy, particularly a cancer therapy that also affects the cellular redox status of a tumor cell (e.g., radiation).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of pulmonary conditions, including a device having an end effector sized and shaped to contact a nerve component on the exterior of a bronchial segment and apply energy to that nerve component.

Abstract: A radiotherapy treatment plan for irradiation of an object to be irradiated is determined. The object to be irradiated includes a number of irradiation areas and the object to be irradiated is irradiated with a number of beams from different directions. The method includes determining a number of total dose conditions. One of the number of total dose conditions is assigned to a respective one of the number of irradiation areas. The method further includes determining a number of single beam dose conditions. One of the single dose conditions is assigned to a respective one of the number of beams and a respective one of the number of irradiation areas. The method also includes determining irradiation parameters for the number of beams as a function of the number of total dose conditions and the number of single beam dose conditions.

Abstract: A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.

Abstract: A therapy planning system (10) includes at least one processor (74, 72) programmed to receive an initial elasticity image of the target generated prior to execution of a fraction of a treatment plan for the target. The target is delinated in the initial elasticity image to segment the initial elasticity image. One or more elasticity images of the target generated during and/or after execution of the fraction are received and delineated to segment the elasticity images. The segmentation of the initial elasticity image is compared against the segmentations of the additional elasticity images to identify motion of the target and/or changes of the target. Based on the comparison, the treatment plan is updated and/or execution of the fraction is controlled.

Abstract: An ophthalmic radiation device and method employing a glass radiation-source in which a radioisotope is implemented as either a neutron-activated radioisotope, or radioisotope molecularly bonded to glass or encased in an encasement material.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical treatment system includes an end effector insertable into a patient. The end effector includes a tissue-retaining device. The tissue-retaining device includes a first tissue-retaining member having an ultrasound medical-treatment transducer and includes a second tissue-retaining member. The first and second tissue-retaining members are operatively connected together to retain patient tissue between the first and second tissue-retaining members and to release patient tissue so retained. In one example, the second tissue-retaining member has an ultrasound reflector. In the same or a different example, the ultrasound medical-treatment transducer is an ultrasound imaging and medical-treatment transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, a method, devices and a computer implemented with a method for the monitoring and the control of a subject's organ perfusion. The present invention further provides for the use of a system, a method, devices and a computer implemented with a method for the monitoring and the control of a subject's organ perfusion.

Abstract: Intracavitary brachytherapy tandem and ovoid oncology treatment systems and methods are provided. One such system and method employs a multi-part tandem having a detachable distal section retained within a body cavity during and between radiation treatments. This can be for single-patient use and disposed of after completion of a multiple-dose radiation treatment session. Real time in vivo detection and monitoring and hytpertherapy features can be included. Tandem or ovoid colpostats can feature bendability to tailor the system to the specific body and patient being treated. Other systems and methods incorporate balloon devices that assist in spacing radiation doses away from chosen body sites. Balloon devices also can be provided for adjusting and maintaining separation spacing between two ovoid colpostats.

Abstract: A method is provided including identifying a target portion of a patient corresponding to a portion of interest of the patient to be scanned with a nuclear medicine scanning technique. The method also includes applying an uptake increasing technique to at least one of the target portion or an application portion of the patient other than the target portion. The uptake increasing technique is configured to increase uptake of a radiopharmaceutical to the target portion of the patient relative to portions of the patient other than the target portion. Also, the method includes administering the radiopharmaceutical to the patient temporally proximate to the applying an uptake increasing technique.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide access to the renal pelvis of a kidney to treat renal nerves embedded in tissue surrounding the renal pelvis. Access to the renal pelvis may be via the urinary tract or via minimally invasive incisions through the abdomen and kidney tissue. Treatment is effected by exchanging energy, typically delivering heat or extracting heat through a wall of the renal pelvis, or by delivering active substances.

Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.

Abstract: A system is provided for use in brachytherapy where a central tube permits passage of a radioactive source therethrough to deliver a prescribed dosage of radiation. One or more balloons are coaxially positioned around the central tube. At least one balloon includes one or more peripheral tubes extending along at least a portion of the balloon. The peripheral tube is also attached to the high dose rate brachytherapy unit in order to permit passage of a radioactive source therethrough.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): wherein Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, Y and Het are as defined in the description. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating pathologies involving a deficit in apoptosis, such as cancer, auto-immune diseases, and diseases of the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an inhibitor of HER-3 for the treatment of a hyperproliferative disease in combination with radiation treatment.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying a subject with an increased likelihood of developing or having metastatic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), or a subject with an increased likelihood of developing or having recurrent PTC, and the treatment of such a subject.

Abstract: This invention proposes a robotic applicator device to be deployed internally to a patient having a capsule (also referred to as a cassette) and aperture with a means of alternately occluding and exposing a radioactive source through the aperture. The capsule and aperture will be integrated with a surgical robot to create a robotic IORT (intra-operative radiation therapy) applicator device as more fully described below. The capsule, radiation source, and IORT applicator arm would be integrated to enable a physician, physicist or technician to interactively internally view and select tissue for exposure to ionizing radiation in sufficient quantities to deliver therapeutic radiation doses to tissue. Via the robotic manipulation device, the physician and physicist would remotely apply radiation to not only the tissue to be exposed, but also control the length of time of the exposure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying tumor-specific polypeptides, polypeptides so identified, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunomodulator for use in the treatment and/or control of a neoplastic disease in a patient intended to undergo immunogenic cell death therapy simultaneously, separately or sequentially with administration of the immunomodulator. The therapy can be selected from microwave irradiation, targeted radiotherapy, embolization, cryotherapy, ultrasound, high intensity focused ultrasound, cyberknife, hyperthermia, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, electrotome heating, hot water injection, alcohol injection, embolization, radiation exposure, photodynamic therapy, laser beam irradiation, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Device shields for packaging and protecting medical devices during storage and deployment. A device shield includes a housing configured to maintain a medical device and at least a portion of a medical device delivery apparatus within the housing, and a limit element having a first constraining position and a second open position.

Abstract: An eyelid plaque and a method of using the plaque to treat eye cancers. The eyelid plaque is placed on the eyelid such that it defines an enclosure within which the radiation source resides. The enclosure defines a radiation shield that reduces radiation entering other organs and structures proximate the cancer being treated.

Abstract: A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.

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: The invention relates to a radiation application apparatus for applying radiation at a location within an object. The radiation application apparatus comprises a transforming unit (2) for being arranged within the object at the location and for transforming ultrasound energy to electrical energy, and a radiation source (4) for being arranged within the object and for generating radiation (5) to be applied at the location within the object, wherein the radiation source (4) is driven by the electrical energy. Since the transforming unit transforms the ultrasound energy to electrical energy being used by the radiation source, it is not necessary to transfer electrical energy to the radiation source, i.e., for example, corresponding cables, which may have to be isolated, are not necessarily required. Insulation problems and corresponding safety problems, which may be present, if cables, in particular, corresponding high voltage cables, are used, can therefore be reduced.

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: A control circuit optimizes a brachytherapy radiation treatment plan for a patient target volume by defining a radiation-control structure that conformally surrounds the patient target volume and then automatically removes part, but not all, of the radiation-control structure to control consideration of radiation sources that are not disposed within the patient target volume. By one approach the control circuit selectively removes parts of the radiation-control structure as a function of the geometry as corresponds to placement of one or more of the radiation sources. For many application settings it serves well for the radiation-control structure to represent a radiation-avoidance area.

Abstract: A system for delivery of radiation to a target portion of a native tissue is provided. The system includes a catheter having a main catheter body. The main catheter body includes an outer catheter surface and an inner catheter surface that defines a longitudinally oriented lumen. The lumen extends between longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter face surfaces extending laterally between the inner and outer catheter surfaces. A sheath covers at least a portion of the outer catheter surface. The sheath includes a tapered portion protruding substantially longitudinally distally from a portion of the distal catheter face surface. A plurality of tubes extends through the lumen towards the distal catheter face surface. Each tube of the plurality of tubes is configured to selectively guide exposure of a radiation source to the target portion of the native tissue.

Abstract: A radioactive seed and method for making a radioactive seed with selective magnetic imaging characteristics are provided. The seed includes a housing which may include a metal shell for at least partially enclosing a radioactive material. The shell encloses a rod having a nickel layer with a phosphorous content, wherein the phosphorous content includes a level of phosphorous sufficient, when the seed is implanted in tissue, to provide a magnetic resonance image of the seed while substantially eliminating gross artifacts in the magnetic resonance image.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of selectively providing radiation dosimetry to a subject in need of such treatment. The radiation is applied by an implant comprising a body member and 117mSn electroplated at selected locations of the body member, emitting conversion electrons absorbed immediately adjacent selected locations while not affecting surrounding tissue outside of the immediately adjacent area.

Abstract: Brachytherapy treatment apparatus are provided that include an elongate body including a core member and an outer member surrounding and movable relative to the core member. One or more helical catheters are provided on a distal portion of the elongate body, e.g., including distal ends coupled to the core member and proximal ends coupled to the outer member. The outer member is movable relative to the core member, e.g., axially and/or rotationally, to direct the helical catheters between a collapsed configuration for introduction through a tissue tract to a target location, e.g., a lumpectomy cavity, and an expanded configuration. Each helical catheter includes a lumen, and, after expansion to the expanded configuration, a source of radiation may be introduced along the helical catheters and/or a lumen of the core member for delivering radiation to the target location. Optionally, the apparatus may include a balloon surrounding or within the helical members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for delivering any of a plurality of predetermined radiation fields to a target in intraoperative radiotherapy. In a variant, the applicator comprises: a panel and at least one first pair of first and second grippers pivotally connected to the panel with each gripper having loop on an end. The loop is connected to an arm and the arm pivotally attached to the panel. The first and second grippers are configured to rotate in opposite directions to form an open position and come to a stopping point. The loops of the grippers are configured to slide under one another while rotating into a retracted configuration. Two end units are disposed on opposite ends of the panel, configured for being grasped by two independent graspers for fixing the applicator in position.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to fiduciary markers suitable for affixing to a patient that are detectable with respect an imaging modality such as MRI and methods of making the same. The markers include a paramagnetic material disposed therein that generates a distinguishable signal relative to a patient or other biological sample of interest during an imaging data collection session. Further, the markers demonstrate desirable signal to noise ratios across two or more MRI data collection procedures in one embodiment. The length of the markers is also adjustable by, for example, cutting or tearing a substrate upon which a substantially fluid-free region straddles a specified separation position on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region of a human or other mammalian body. A flexible brachytherapy device may be implanted that includes a therapy delivery portion having one or more radioactive sources securely retained thereto, and a tail portion extending from the therapy delivery portion. Once implanted, the tail portion may extend outside the body, where it may be folded and secured flat against the skin. The device may be removed at therapy completion.

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. The apparatus may include features to prevent overexpansion of the elongate members and/or to facilitate rapid collapse of the elongate members.

Abstract: An applicator is provided, for manipulating one or more catheters carrying a radiation generating device, for delivering a radiation field to a target, the applicator having a proximal end and a distal end. The applicator includes: a spring mechanism; at least one catheter grasper for grasping one or more catheters carrying a radiation generating material, the catheter grasper being attached to the spring mechanism; and a sheath, for covering at least a portion the spring mechanism. The spring mechanism is designed for being retracted within the sheath, in a closed configuration of the applicator. The spring mechanism is designed for being released into a predetermined arrangement when moved out of a distal end of the sheath, in an open configuration of the applicator. The applicator is designed to be repeatedly switched between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Abstract: A catheter device for irradiating tissue surrounding a body site within a body of a patient, includes an elongated shaft which has a distal portion configured to be deployed within the body site. A treatment location at the distal portion has one or more radiation guides configured to receive a radiation source to irradiate tissue at least in part surrounding the body site. An inflatable multilayered balloon is located to surround the treatment location with a wall thereof having at least two layers including a first layer separate from, inside, and in contact with a second layer around an entire periphery of the first layer, and each of the first layer and the second layer being secured to the distal portion of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: Compositions, articles, and methods for treating and imaging vulnerable plaque and other inflamed regions in a patient rely on delivery of a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) to a body location. The CEES may be delivered by coupling to a substance which preferentially binds to vulnerable plaque or other inflammatory marker. Alternatively, the CEES can be delivered on a catheter, scaffold, or other device.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a device for asymmetrical irradiation of a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or lumpectomy. The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having an inner lumen and a tubular wall with a plurality of lumens extending within the wall which are configured for receiving a radiation source. The distal portion of the tubular shaft is cut into a plurality of longitudinally separated wall segments with a lumen extending within at least one of the wall segments. A support member is positioned within the separated wall segments to support and position the wall segments in a desired configuration for brachytherapy. An expandable member such as an inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal shaft portion about the separated wall segments wall which when inflated secures the distal shaft portion within a desired intracorporeal site for brachytherapy treatment.

Abstract: A method for increasing the radiosensitivity of a target tissue in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods includes administering a cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) antagonist to the subject, whereby the radiosensitivity of the target tissue is increased. Also disclosed are methods for suppressing tumor growth in a subject and methods for inhibiting tumor blood vessel growth.

Abstract: This relates to treating airways in a lung to decrease asthmatic symptoms. The also includes steps of measuring a parameter of an airway at a plurality of locations in a lung, identifying at least one treatment site from at least one of the plurality of locations based on the parameter, and applying energy to the treatment site to reduce the ability of the site to narrow.

Abstract: The system and methods of the invention partially shields the radiation dose to the skin and/or other anatomical organs by using magnetically responsive material that blocks radiation, which may be fine grains of iron or other ferrous powder for example. The powder is typically injected into an IB applicator, along with inflating saline solution in case of MSB, when a skin spacing problem is encountered, or there is a risk of high doses being delivered to the critical organs surrounding a lumpectomy cavity, for example. A slight magnetic field of predetermined configuration will be applied externally to arrange the shielding material internally under the segment of surface of the IB applicator where the skin spacing is typically less then 7 mm, thereby protecting the skin from radiation damage. Monte Carlo studies to develop parameterizations for treatment planning with the IB applicator utilizing the suggested shielding material is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for delivering catheter brachytherapy to a subject comprising a medical balloon catheter (1) having a proximal (2) and distal (3) end, comprising a elongated catheter tube (5) with an inflation lumen (21) extending therewithin and at least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) towards the distal end (3) in fluid communication with the catheter tube (5) inflation lumen (21), the catheter tube (5) configured to unfold from a kinked condition permitting the inflation lumen (21) to slidably receive a removable inner tube (6), the inflation lumen (21) configured to carry inflation fluid to the least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) in the presence of the removable inner tube (6); and a removable inner tube (6) having an elongated body, an open (9) proximal end (7), a closed (10) distal end (8), and a source wire lumen (22) extending therewithin, wherein the removable inner tube (6) is configured for insertion into and removal from at least part of the length of the inflation lumen (21),