Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method to track and identify radioactive sources are described. In one embodiment, a device includes first housing for a radioactive source having a first electronic tag, a second housing for the radioactive source having a second electronic tag, and a guide tube that couples the first housing with the second housing. The guide tube includes a third electronic tag. The first, second, and third electronic tags communicate with each other to confirm automatically a delivery path for the radioactive source. In one embodiment, the electronic tags may be a radio frequency identification device (RFID).

Abstract: A radiation modulator is used with a low energy source for breast brachytherapy using a balloon-like catheter. The clinical evaluation of the patient determines the modulator's optimal configuration so as to produce a non-uniform dose distribution to avoid healthy tissue. This modulation may range from a few percent to many tens of percent. A modulating member having predetermined dimensions and materials, i.e., length, width, thickness, is attached to a catheter in close proximity to the intended location of the radioactive source. The modulating member, for example, may be shaped as a rectangular plate, an oval plate or such and be attachable to a catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a distribution of a selected therapy in a target volume is provided. A three-dimensional ultrasound transducer captures volume data from the target volume. A computing device is in communication with the three-dimensional ultrasound transducer for receiving the volume data and determining the distribution of the selected therapy in the target volume along a set of planned needle trajectories using the volume data. At least one of the needle trajectories is oblique to at least one other of the planned needle trajectories.

Abstract: A system and method of treating urinary incontinence including a catheter and injection guide operatively disposed together. At least one needle is operatively disposed within at least one lumen and at least one channel extending through the catheter and injection guide respectively. The injection guide is transformable from a pre-injection configuration for placement in the bladder to an injection configuration for injection of a pharmaceutical such as botulinum toxin into the bladder tissue. Upon introduction of the pharmaceutical to the bladder tissue, symptoms of incontinence are alleviated.

Abstract: A pacemaker is provided. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and an electrode line connecting with the pulse generator. The electrode line includes at least one conductor. The at least one conductor includes at least one carbon nanotube wire having a plurality of radioactive particles therein.

Abstract: A shaped medical balloon is provided that has a conforming shape, yet is inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Methods and devices for minimally-invasive delivery of radiation to the posterior portion of the eye including a cannula comprising a distal portion connected to a proximal portion and a means for advancing a radionuclide brachytherapy source (RBS) toward the tip of the distal portion; a method of introducing radiation to the human eye comprising inserting a cannula between the Tenon's capsule and the sclera of the human eye and emitting the radiation from the cannula on an outer surface of said sclera.

Abstract: Methods of forming a low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device include depositing a solution comprising a soluble form of a radioactive material on a substrate. A water-insoluble form of the radioactive material is formed on the substrate by chemical precipitation and/or thermal decomposition.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for protecting a critical structure during the administration of radiation treatment to a patient. A register receives proposed positions for one or more radiation beams with respect to a critical structure. A processor predicts a cumulative dose volume for the critical structure based on the dose distribution, and determines if the cumulative dose volume exceeds a tolerance value. If the cumulative dose volume exceeds the tolerance value, the dose distribution may be translated at least in part based on a relationship between the cumulative dose volume and the dose distribution position.

Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.

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 pre-computed importance function providing ex ante assessment of optimal placement of a single radioactive source is used for sequential placement of multiple radioactive sources. As each source is placed, the importance function may be modified to reflect the dose implemented by that source and all sources already placed. The greedy algorithm employed by this technique makes possible optimization of additional dimensions of treatment planning including, using directional and isotropic sources, using different source isotopes, using optimum source strengths, using source locations that are not on the regular grid and using a single movable source for variable times at different locations.

Abstract: A brachytherapy appliance and method utilizing a body portion or element removably positionable within a cavity of a living body, such as an oral cavity, the body portion having a shape at least generally conforming to a surface within the cavity in proximity to a cancer or diseased tissue so as to be retainable in intimate relation with the surface, and at least one conduit in connection with the body portion and extending to a predetermined location adjacent to the cancer when the body portion is retained in the cavity, the at least one conduit being adapted for cooperatively receiving a radiation emitting element or media for positioning the radiation emitting element or media at the predetermined location adjacent to the cancer for irradiating the cancer, and at least one radiation shield in association with the body portion adapted for shielding adjacent tissue and/or organs from radiation emitted by the radiation emitting element or media.

Abstract: Brachytherapy treatment of a patient's lung tissue following resection is effected using a balloon applicator which is inserted, normally through the same opening used for the surgery, through the chest wall and into the cavity. The lung and chest openings are closed around the applicator and generally sealed around the applicator. A suction port is provided, in a suction circuit of the applicator, to withdraw fluid from the pleural cavity, at intervals as needed, to assure that the lung can be inflated. Different embodiments of suction circuits are disclosed. A bronchial applicator and method are also disclosed.

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: Embodiments of passive vent valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from a packaging configuration to a use configuration. The packaging configuration allows sterilization gases to penetrate into the device through standard valve openings as well as through vented mesh openings. Passage of gas into the device, in turn, provides a means of sterilizing all surface areas in the device. Alternatively, when the valve is placed in a use configuration, the passage of gas through the vented mesh is inhibited providing a sealed environment that functions as a valve. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in a packaging configuration or when it is in a use configuration.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device including an elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. The device also includes a movable surface portion surrounding at least the distal portion of the elongate member and a plurality of source lumen tubes defining respective source lumens, the source lumen tubes being located around the elongate member, distal ends of the source lumen tubes coupled to the distal portion of the elongate member, the source lumen tubes extending a sufficient distance in a proximal direction such that the source lumen tubes extend outside a body when distal portions of the source lumen tubes are positioned in a body cavity for brachytherapy.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for delivering a radiation source into a body cavity includes a catheter shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. An inflatable balloon is coupled to the catheter shaft between the distal end and the proximal end. A dose delivery lumen extends along the catheter shaft between the proximal end and the distal end. The dose delivery lumen is configured to receive the radiation source. A radioabsorptive portion is surrounded by the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate visualization and identification of lumens of a multi-lumen brachytherapy device are disclosed. In one embodiment, visualization and identification can be attained by modifying a feature of at least one of the lumens relative to the other lumens. The feature may include a marking on the lumen, a diameter of the lumen or a composition of the lumen. In an additional embodiment, for brachytherapy devices in which multiple lumens are coupled to a distal end point such as a rigid connection member, visualization and identification of the lumens can be attained by modifying a feature of the rigid connection member. It will be readily appreciated that visualization and identification can be further enhanced through a combination of two or more of the techniques described herein.

Abstract: A device for administering brachytherapy to a patient includes a vessel that may be in the form of a hollow cylindrical cup, for fleshing into and substantially filling the open-ended cavity. The vessel has a closed outer end, which may be a removable cover, and a source guide penetrates the closed outer end so as to extend deep into the vessel, to receive a radiation source in the source guide. A manipulator can be connected to the radiation source, and also to the source guide, for allowing several different types of manipulation of the source orientation and position within the vessel during the brachytherapy procedure.

Abstract: A device is proposed for assembling chain components to a chain, wherein at least two chain components include radioactive radiation sources. The device includes a housing, a working channel which extends along a first axis of the housing, a loading unit connected to the working channel and having at least two receiving devices for chain component magazines, wherein at least one receiving device is configured to receive a radiation source magazine, as well as at least one means for ejecting the chain components received from the magazines, and an joining unit for joining chain components. The at least two receiving devices are positioned so that the magazines for chain components received therein are spaced along the first axis and positioned vertically above the working channel.

Abstract: The radial dose function of an electronic x-ray brachytherapy source is flattened by filtering with transition metals in the fourth row of the periodic table, i.e. titanium through nickel. Titanium-walled applicator devices of small diameter, under 10 mm, and with wall thicknesses of about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, are disclosed. The walls can be of titanium or alloys thereof, providing adequate strength and flattening the radial dose function curve particularly for x-rays in an energy range of about 45 kV to 55 kV.

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: Biological implants have an electroplated surface wherein a substantial portion of the electroplated surface is covered with dendrites. The dendrites assist in maintaining the implant in location. When the metal is a radioactive metal or the surface of the electroplated is coated with a radioactive material, the dendrites increase surface area thereby increasing radiation dosage and further extend the radioactive surface farther away from the surface of the implant, further enhancing radioactive emission. This is particularly useful for a cholangiocarcinoma stent which can be implanted into the biliary stent to treat cholangiocarcinoma.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the direct visualization and localization of a target area within a body lumen through the optically clear walls of a graduated catheter. An elongated catheter has proximal and distal ends, an anchor, graduated markings, and outer and inner surfaces defining a catheter wall. The anchor establishes a secure relationship between the catheter and an anatomical feature. The graduated markings are disposed along a length of the catheter. The outer surface of the catheter wall is configured for contacting a body lumen and the inner surface of the catheter wall defines a main lumen disposed along a length of the elongated catheter. The catheter wall is transparent along a length to provide visualization of the graduated markings via a visualization tool positioned in the main lumen. In one embodiment, a catheter may have a substantially circular cross-section and include an arc-shaped transparent window.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus includes a distal support member and a proximal support member movable relative to the distal support member. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongate treatment members having distal first locations coupled to the distal support member, proximal second locations coupled to the proximal support member, and pathways between the proximal second locations and the distal first locations adapted to receive one or more radiation sources. Each of the treatment members is movable between a generally straight configuration and a curvilinear configuration. An expandable member encloses and provides a spatial volume for the plurality of the treatment members and is adjustable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

Abstract: A method for generating a treatment plan for therapy comprising obtaining image data representing a tissue, determining a therapy dose map comprising dose values for a plurality of dose points based on the image data, forming a desired dose value vector comprising the dose values for the plurality of dose points, determining a one or more potential therapy locations based on the image data, determining a therapy dose map equation for each of the plurality of dose points based on the one or more potential therapy locations, forming a matrix based on the therapy dose map equations for the each dose points, determining an inverse of the matrix and determining the treatment plan by multiplying the desired dose value vector by the inverse of the matrix.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for temporarily maintaining access to a body cavity in a targeted tissue region within a patient's body. One embodiment of the catheter device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section which is flexible enough to be folded or coiled into a configuration for deployment within the patient. An alternate embodiment includes a catheter device having one or more detachable proximal shaft sections and having at least one one-way valve to restrict fluid flow of inflation fluid to flow to the balloon. After deployment of the catheter device completely within the patient, the opening through which the catheter device is deployed is closed, e.g. by sutures, adhesives and the like to minimize infection at the site. Within a few days or weeks after the tissue has been evaluated for cancer, the temporary catheter device may be removed from the patient.

Abstract: A brachytherapy treatment device includes at least one tubular insertion member and an expandable member. The tubular insertion member has proximal and distal ends and at least one radiation source lumen disposed along its length and branching at the distal end to provide a plurality of selectable radiation source lumens each configured to receive a radiation source. The expandable member is disposed on and surrounding the distal end of the tubular insertion member. In another embodiment, a brachytherapy treatment device may also include a plurality of selectable radiation source lumens forming an arcuate shape with respect to the longitudinal axis. Additional brachytherapy treatment devices and methods for performing brachytherapy and for forming an asymmetric radiation dosing profile are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a cancer in a body cavity characterized in that it comprises the steps of: administering in said body cavity of the subject radiolabeled binding molecules which bind to an antigen expressed by cancerous cells; washing the body cavity to remove unbound radiolabeled molecules. The present invention also relates to a body cavity perfusing system for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Methods of forming a low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device include depositing a solution comprising a soluble form of a radioactive material on a substrate. A water-insoluble form of the radioactive material is formed on the substrate by chemical precipitation and/or thermal decomposition.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region of a human or other mammalian body. In some embodiments, a flexible brachytherapy device is 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. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for delivering brachytherapy devices to the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device for therapeutically delivering radiation to tissue. Some embodiments include a radiation source and a combination of members surrounding the radiation source that move relative to one another to permit or restrict the emitting of radiation from the device. Limits to the movement of the combination of members may be imposed by one or more biodegradable members.

Abstract: A device for administering brachytherapy to a patient includes a vessel that may be in the form of a hollow cylindrical cup, for fleshing into and substantially filling the open-ended cavity. The vessel has a closed outer end, which may be a removable cover, and a source guide penetrates the closed outer end so as to extend deep into the vessel, to receive a radiation source in the source guide. A manipulator can be connected to the radiation source, and also to the source guide, for allowing several different types of manipulation of the source orientation and position within the vessel during the brachytherapy procedure.

Abstract: A control parameter is determined for a system for irradiating a predetermined target volume in a body with a particle beam. The system is constructed to direct the particle beam at a multiplicity of target points in the target volume in succession in order to produce at, each of the target points a predetermined dose distribution in a region around the target point. The control parameter controls the extent of an overlap of the dose distribution of a first target point with the dose distributions of neighboring target points. For determination of the control parameter, there is first determined a movement parameter which quantitatively characterizes the movement of the body at the first target point. The control parameter is determined in dependence on the movement parameter.

Abstract: A method for maintaining access to a biopsy site within a patient, includes forming a passageway from an opening in an exterior site on the patient to a desired location for a biopsy specimen within the patient; removing a tissue specimen from the desired location thereby leaving a biopsy cavity; providing a temporary catheter having an elongate shaft, a flexible proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section having a cavity filling member thereon; inserting the cavity filling member on the distal shaft section into the biopsy cavity; inflating the cavity filling member after inserting the cavity filling member within the biopsy cavity, but before closing the opening, using the flexible proximal shaft section; placing the flexible proximal shaft section at an intracorporeal location; and closing the opening so as to seal the passageway.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to catheter devices and methods for controlled application of irradiation to tissue adjacent a body site, such as cavity after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer. The catheter device includes an inflatable balloon having at least two layers. The inflatable balloon has an expansion of more than 25% and less than 200% when inflated from the un-inflated condition to a turgid condition, preferably more than 50% and less than 150%. In the turgid condition the polymeric material(s) of the balloon layers are at or near the elastic limit of the balloon layer material. The balloon may contain or be formed of or be coated with radiopaque material to facilitate positional or symmetry verification.

Abstract: A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A balloon is affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon. The balloon has a laterally flat surface thereon when inflated. The laterally flat surface of the balloon has a longitudinal groove formed thereon. The balloon has a radiation sensor positioned within the groove and a plurality of fiducial markers positioned on a surface of the balloon. A stopper is slidably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) of treating tissue adjacent a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema, includes injection of a drug-encapsulated within a heat-sensitive carrier, such as a liposome, within a region of tissue to be treated. The heat produced by the energy-emitting source (110) heats a portion of the tissue surrounding the bodily conduit to a temperature of approximately 43° C. for a time sufficient to destroy the heated portion of the tissue. In addition, the heat produced by the energy-emitting source (110) activates the heat-sensitive carrier to activate the release of the encapsulated drug and the drug targets the tissue to be heated. The focused energy of the energy-emitting source together with the compression acting on the target area can assist in delivering drugs to the target area so that a natural stent has a long term efficacy.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to catheter devices and methods for controlled application of irradiation to tissue adjacent a body site, such as cavity after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer. The catheter device includes an inflatable balloon having at least two layers. The inflatable balloon has an expansion of more than 25% and less than 200% when inflated from the un-inflated condition to a turgid condition, preferably more than 50% and less than 150%. In the turgid condition the polymeric material(s) of the balloon layers are at or near the elastic limit of the balloon layer material. The balloon may contain or be formed of or be coated with radiopaque material to facilitate positional or symmetry verification.

Abstract: A catheter-based radiation delivery system is adapted to treat pain, nervous system injury, and select neoplasms. A source of pain is identified within soft tissues of an individual or an animal. A needle or catheter is then used to deliver radiation to the source of pain.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treatment to tissue surrounding a body cavity or other intracorporeal site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer. Such a device includes a treatment location on a distal portion of the device with one or more radiation shielding components that partially encircle a radiation source at the treatment location to control emitted radiation from the radiation source. The device minimizes radiation damage to healthy tissue surrounding the body cavity or other site while irradiating tissue not shielded by the radiation shielding components. A device embodying features of the invention can include a sealing member at a location on a shaft of the device proximal to a treatment location to seal the passageway leading to the body cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for transporting and positioning a capsule, in which a radioactive source is present, from a screened safe into an applicator to be temporarily placed in the body of the patient. The apparatus is provided with a safe for storing at least one capsule and with a larger number of applicators, which can be connected, via transport tubes, to passages in a switch-connecting plate, wherein the capsules, or a dummy instead of one of the capsules, can each, via their own tube and switch, independently of one another, be introduced into a transport tube selected by the respective switch and can be displaced therein independently of one another in a manner programmable with regard to location and residence time, by a transport wire slidable via a drive motor.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating a target tissue with a radioisotope. Some methods include determining a distance between a target tissue and a surface of a matrix material to be positioned adjacent the target tissue and, based on the determined distance, determining an activity to be mixed with the matrix material to obtain a desired activity concentration. Some methods further include mixing the radioisotope with the matrix material. In some embodiments, the matrix material is a bone cement, and the target tissue is a tumor in a bone. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitting radioisotope mixed in the cement at a concentration to form a radioactive cement.

Abstract: A device and method suitable for remodelling the internal surface of a hollow vessel at least partially occluded by a mass is provided. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a tip portion located at the distal terminus of the body, and at least one heating element located proximally to the tip portion within the distal end. The at least one heating element is configured to be greater in dimension proximally than distally and thereby tapers towards the distal end. Furthermore, the at least one heating element is arranged so that it can be deployed outwardly from the body of the device and in so doing exert an expansion force on the hollow vessel. The at least one heating element is capable of delivering sufficient energy to remodel the internal surface, and if necessary caused localised ablation, of the hollow vessel without inducing closure of the hollow vessel.

Abstract: Radiation treatment methods for breast cancer following resection, both intraoperative and post operative, involve mapping preferably using an electronic x-ray source, and can include rotation of a direction source. By using a very rapid, near-instantaneous method of pathology of tissue margins following resection, the invention carries out intraoperative radiation treatment, preferably with the patient remaining anesthetized. Whether or not radiation is intraoperative, the invention preferably includes a mapping procedure using an electronic source that is progressed through the resection cavity while radiation dose is sensed at one or more points, to determine the shape of the resection cavity.

Abstract: System, apparatus and methods specialized for breast and related tissue radiation therapy and imaging of a prone patient but also usable for supine patient if desired or needed. A special treatment radiation source such as a LINAC unit generates radiation of types and energy ranges specifically matched to breast tissue. Any one or more of several imaging technologies may be used to localize the tissue to be irradiated and to generate information for therapy planning, adjustment, and verification.

Abstract: The disclosure describes devices and methods for asymmetrical irradiation at a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or cancer. One device includes a lumen which is off-set or off-settable from a longitudinal axis to increase the intensity of radiation received from a radiation source by a first tissue portion surrounding the body cavity and to reduce or minimize radiation received by a second tissue portion (e.g. healthy tissue) surrounding the body cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for treating a cavity that is created as a result of a resection, the implant being modular and the modules being interconnectable.