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 shielded radioactive medical apparatus has a tubular housing with a quick release cap configured for closing an open end of the tubular housing. A quick release mechanism holds the quick release cap on an open end of the tubular housing. A data display module on the housing communicates with an outside computer for receiving and transmitting information. The data display model also calculates and displays the radioactivity of a dose within the housing.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical pig is used to transport a syringe containing a liquid radiopharmaceutical from a radiopharmacy to a medical facility for administration to a patient. The pharmaceutical pig includes an elongate polymer cap that is removably attached to an elongate polymer base. The elongate polymer cap includes a cap shell that completely encloses a cap shielding element and the elongate polymer base includes a base shell that completely encloses a base shielding element. Preferably the polymer utilized for the cap shell and the base shell is polycarbonate resin, e.g., LEXAN®. An inner liner is not utilized and the cap shielding element and the base shielding element, which are preferably, but not necessarily, made of lead, are completely sealed and unexposed.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding container for storing a syringe includes a body assembly and a cap assembly securable to the body assembly such that first and second chamber portions define a chamber for storing the syringe. The body assembly includes a body shield formed of radiation shielding material, a body shell that defines a first cavity having an open end for receiving the body shield and defines a first chamber portion for receiving a portion of the syringe, wherein an inner wall of the body shell separates the first cavity and the first chamber portion, and a body plug secured to the body shell to cover the open end of the first cavity and retain the body shield within the first cavity.

Abstract: A syringe injection shield (100) is formed primarily from a radio-opaque substance, such as tungsten, to shield medical personnel from exposure to radiation during administration of radiopharmaceuticals to patients. Safety syringes (22) typically have a needle sheath that can be positioned around a needle (24) after administration of the radiopharmaceutical. The syringe injection shield of the present invention allows medical personnel to make the syringe “safe” before the used syringe is removed from the syringe injection shield. The syringe is safe when the needle sheath is positioned and locked in place around the needle to reduce the risk of needle stick. The syringe injection shield includes a toggle element (110) that can assume four different positions as follows: neutral; ready; hold; and release.

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: One aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for power filling a syringe with a radiopharmaceutical from a vial while attempting to provide low exposure to radiation, and thereafter, power injecting the radiopharmaceutical. A radiation-shielded container of the system generally holds the vial. A filling and injecting device of the system generally includes a mounting structure adapted to support the syringe with a needle of the syringe located in the vial. An electromechanical drive of the system may be commanded by a control to pull a syringe plunger through a controlled motion, thereby filling the syringe.

Abstract: A fluid path set for a fluid delivery system includes a tube coil that is designed to optimally position one or more volumes of a pharmaceutical within an ionization chamber to optimally measure and prepare a pharmaceutical dose for administration to a patient. The tube coil may be maintained in a desired dimensional geometry by means of a core structure around which the tube coil is positioned.

Abstract: A tube connection apparatus enabling the connection of tube members to a chemical solution container for a radioactive contrast medium with exposure of a operator to the radiation minimized. When the container (400) is loaded to a container holding mechanism (315) located at a retreat position, the container (400) is moved to a needle insertion position by a container moving mechanism (310) and short/long needle members (341, 342) are moved to the insertion position by a holder moving mechanism (320). Since the short/long needle members (341, 342) are inserted into the elastic member (402) of the chemical liquid container (400) without requiring manual operation by a operator, a liquid supply tube (120) and a chemical solution injection tube (130) can be connected to the container (400) with the exposure of the operator to radiation minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a radioactive brachytherapy source material comprising indium-114m in radioactive equilibrium with indium-114 as main radioactive isotopes. A new radioactive brachytherapy source material comprises indium-114m in radioactive equilibrium with indium-114 as main radioactive isotopes. A new encapsulated radioactive brachytherapy source comprises the new radioactive brachytherapy source material.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a hazardous pharmaceutical comprising the steps of: connecting a source of flushing fluid to a first port of a fluid delivery set; connecting a pressurizing unit of a powered injector system (including a powered injector and the pressurizing unit) to a second port of the fluid delivery set; purging air from the fluid delivery set; and, after purging air from the fluid delivery set, connecting a third port of the fluid delivery set to a source of the hazardous pharmaceutical. The fluid delivery set can, for example, include a valve system or assembly to control flow of fluid through the fluid delivery set.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical pig is used to transport a syringe containing a liquid radiopharmaceutical from a radiopharmacy to a medical facility for administration to a patient. The pharmaceutical pig includes an elongate polymer cap that is removably attached to an elongate polymer base. The elongate polymer cap includes a cap shell that completely encloses a cap shielding element and the elongate polymer base includes a base shell that completely encloses a base shielding element. Preferably the polymer utilized for the cap shell and the base shell is polycarbonate resin, e.g., LEXAN®. An inner liner is not utilized and the cap shielding element and the base shielding element, which are preferably, but not necessarily, made of lead, are completely sealed and unexposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding container assembly defines a central axis and includes an elongated body portion having a closed end, an open end, and an outer surface extending between the open and closed ends. An inner surface is spaced radially inwardly from the outer surface, and a frusto-conical body surface extends radially inwardly from the outer surface adjacent the open end. A cap portion of the container is securable to the body portion and includes a closed end and an open end that is spaced from the closed end. The open end includes a frusto-conical cap surface that is matingly engageable with the frusto-conical body surface such that when the cap portion is secured to the body portion, the frusto-conical body surface and the frusto-conical cap surface overlap each other along a plane that is perpendicular to the axis, thereby preventing a straight-line path for radiation to escape from the container.

Abstract: An injector for liquid medicine comprises a cylindrical body 1, first and second gasket 2, 3 contained in a lumen of cylindrical body 1. The cylindrical body 1 is provided with a fluid inlet 13 and a fluid outlet 14 in opposite sides of the cylindrical body 1 with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. Second gasket 3 is spaced from the first gasket 2 to form a fluid chamber 4 between them. The first gasket 2 is adapted to be moved by sliding along the inner wall of the cylindrical body 1 from a first position to the distal end 11 of cylindrical body 1 via a second position. The fluid inlet 13 is opened at a position closer to the distal end 11 of the cylindrical body 1 than the outlet 14 is. The first gasket 2 is stopped at a second position where the fluid chamber 4 is communicated with the fluid outlet 14 but prevented from fluid-communication with the fluid inlet 13.

Abstract: A flexible source wire is provided containing a radioactive source that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire includes a thin flexible housing tube, housing therein a flexible backbone wire, wherein both the tube and the wire are constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive core is provided in the proximal end (i.e., the treatment end) of the thin flexible housing tube and abuts the proximal end of the backbone wire. Both ends of the source wire are sealed and the proximal end of the source wire is rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously treating a tumor or cancerous growth with both hyperthermia and X-ray radiation using brachytherapy. The device includes a needle-like introducer serving as a microwave antenna. Microwaves are emitted from the introducer to increase the temperature of cancerous body tissue. The introducer is an inner conductor of a coaxial cable. The introducer contains a hollow core which houses an X-ray emitter. The X-ray emitter is connected to a high voltage miniature cable which extends from the X-ray emitter to a high voltage power source. The X-ray emitter emits ionizing radiation to irradiate cancerous tissue. A cooling system is included to control the temperature of the introducer. Temperature sensors placed around the periphery of the tumor monitor the temperature of the treated tissue.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a hazardous pharmaceutical comprising the steps of: connecting a source of flushing fluid to a first port of a fluid delivery set; connecting a pressurizing unit of a powered injector system (including a powered injector and the pressurizing unit) to a second port of the fluid delivery set; purging air from the fluid delivery set; and, after purging air from the fluid delivery set, connecting a third port of the fluid delivery set to a source of the hazardous pharmaceutical. The fluid delivery set can, for example, include a valve system or assembly to control flow of fluid through the fluid delivery set.

Abstract: A novel method for the design and construction of a spectacle lens for the correction of human vision, including the correction of high order aberrations. The lens enables the provision of super-normal vision using spectacles. Different lenses are described for use at a partial or a fuller field of view. The method applies corrective measures based on data obtained from high order wave front measurements of the subject's eye. According to one method, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the overall eye and lens optical system is optimized. According to another method, the optimization is performed on the wavefront of the overall eye and lens optical system. Both methods use weighted functions in the optimization procedure. This method of high order aberration correction is also applicable for the design of contact lenses and intra-ocular lenses, and for the execution of refractive eye surgery.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a hazardous pharmaceutical includes the steps of: connecting a source of flushing fluid to a first port of a fluid delivery set; connecting a pressurizing unit of a powered injector system (including a powered injector and the pressurizing unit) to a second port of the fluid delivery set; purging air from the fluid delivery set; and, after purging air from the fluid delivery set, connecting a third port of the fluid delivery set to a source of the hazardous pharmaceutical. The fluid delivery set can, for example, include a valve system or assembly to control flow of fluid through the fluid delivery set.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus is composed of a tubular needle with forwardly protruding cutting edges at its tip, a holder supporting the needle and a driver for electromechanically causing the needle to undergo a continuous or oscillatory rotary motion around its axis and/or a reciprocating linear motion in the longitudinal direction such that its front opening at its tip can reliably reach a specified position inside a patient's tissue without being deflected or bowing when it encounters an obstruction such as a calcification or a small bone. Such motions may be provided by a piezoelectric hammer and a piezoelectric tamper. After the needle is thus correctly positioned, a brachytherapy device such as a radioactive seed or a reflector may be pushed through and out of the needle by means of a pusher as the needle is retracted to leave a track inside the tissue. A quickly hardening liquid may be thereafter injected through the needle to immobilize the deposited brachytherapy device.

Abstract: A syringe protecting device includes a casing (9) made of a material protecting against radiation, adapted to cover the syringe cylindrical body (3), which casing (9) is associated with a structure (10) likewise made of a material protecting against radiation, designed to form at least a partial protective shield on the rear end of the syringe, while allowing the syringe plunger (4) to be operated. In one particular embodiment, the protective shield is globally shaped like a cylindrical sleeve (10) provided with a base (18); the sleeve (10) is mounted sliding on the protective casing (9) by capping it through its rear end, and it comprises mechanism (20) for being removably secured to the stem (5) operating the syringe plunger (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals. Typically, the apparatus is a two-part assembly, each part having an exterior shell, a radiation shield and a non-porous lining. Additionally, the assembled apparatus has a sealed internal chamber suitable for carrying a syringe or a sharps container containing a syringe. The internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig is lined with a non-porous lining, typically a durable plastic, that prevents contamination of the radiopharmaceutical doses, the radiation shield, or the environment. Additionally, the non-porous lining can be quickly and easily cleaned and sterilized, avoiding the often difficult, to impossible, task of cleaning and sterilizing the radiation shield of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The non-porous lining is surrounded by a radiation shield that is typically comprised of elemental lead. The radiation shield prevents radiation from the radiopharmaceutical from contaminating the user or environment.

Abstract: An infuser for transferring hazardous treatment fluids to and from a medical application includes a spill containing housing having a medical application connecting element and a syringe seat. The syringe seat of the infuser leads to a syringe connecting element that provides a fluid coupling between the syringe and a fluid passage leading to the medical application connecting element. The interior of the housing can be sealed against leaks, for example, by providing the housing in two portions with a gasket provided between the portions. A fluid tight coupling between the syringe and the interior of the housing may be created by integrally forming a septum with the gasket and coupling the syringe with the syringe connecting element through the septum. The infuser can also be provided with two syringe seats so that two different fluids can be transferred. In one embodiment, a second syringe connecting element is provided in fluid-tight communication with a second fluid passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting radiopharmaceutical substances. The apparatus comprises a radiation shielding pig having an elongated sidewall that extends between two ends and that defines an elongated, interior chamber. The sidewall is thinner than each of the ends. A radiation shield defines at least one cavity. The shield has two open ends and a central area between the open ends that is thicker than each of the two open ends. Also, a method of assembling and disassembling the apparatus includes, placing a syringe filled with a radiopharmaceutical substance into the pig; placing the pig containing the filled syringe in the radiation shield; placing the pig and the shield into an ammunition can for transporting the radioactive substance contained in the syringe.

Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Another method includes introducing a quantity of liquid into a container and covering at least one predetermined internal surface or component with the liquid to mask the surfaces and keep the hyperpolarized gas away from the predetermined internal surface, thereby inhibiting any depolarizing affect from same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for applying a radially uniform radiation dose to an intravascular treatment region to inhibit hyperplanes, and specifically to reduce “candy-wrapper” ends, following intravascular intervention. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, a pair of axially spaced apart radiation shields on the catheter body, and a radiation source. The radiation source applies a radiation dose which is substantially uniform in a radial direction over an entire distance between the axially spaced apart shields.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for eroding or ablating a shaped volume of an eye's corneal tissue in accordance with the treatment of a specified eye condition. To determine the laser beam shot pattern, a plurality of laser beam shots of uniform intensity are first selected to form a uniform shot pattern of uniform shot density. The laser beam shots applied in accordance with the uniform shot pattern of uniform shot density would be capable of eroding a volume of the corneal tissue of uniform height. The volume of uniform height is approximately equivalent to that of the shaped volume. The laser beam shots are applied to the corneal tissue in a spatially distributed pattern spread over an area approximately equivalent to the surface area of the shaped volume to be eroded. The spatially distributed pattern extends the uniform shot pattern in fixed angles from a reference position on the shaped volume representative of the shaped volume's axis of symmetry.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to treat a disease process in a luminal structure. A dual-balloon catheter for treating a disease process in a luminal structure of a patient comprises an inner balloon, an outer balloon substantially concentric with and substantially surrounding the inner balloon, an inner balloon fluid delivery lumen in fluid connection with the inner balloon, and an outer balloon fluid delivery lumen in fluid connection with the outer balloon.

Abstract: A radioactive substance administrator including a syringe structured to receive a dosage of the radioactive substance therein; a containment housing structured to contain the syringe and including a radioactivity retardant material, structured to substantially attenuate the emergence of radioactivity through the containment housing, and a plunger track structured to contain a plunger assembly of the syringe movably therein; an exterior actuation assembly operatively associated with the containment housing and structured to actuate the plunger assembly of the syringe; and a secondary shielding assembly operatively associated with an outlet of the containment housing and structured to permit the passage of the radioactive substance to the patient while also attenuating radioactivity emerging from the outlet of the containment housing and radioactivity emanating from the radioactive substance exiting the containment housing.

Abstract: The present invention first relates to an apparatus for dispensing liquid radiation for intraluminal radiation therapy. The apparatus uses two arms of a three-way stopcock to permanently connect a balloon-tipped catheter with an inflation syringe. The inflation syringe is fabricated from material which substantially limits radiation exposure. The apparatus is then placed into a sterile and closed catheter package comprised of a tray and a removable cover. The tray includes a port fashioned into its side, which receives the third arm of the three-way stopcock. Through this port, a radiopharmacist may inject liquid radiation into the inflation syringe while the apparatus remains within the sterile catheter package. In this manner, the medical staff are not required to load liquid radiation into the catheter assembly in the operating room, and may thereby avoid the risk of spillage and the risk of exposure to radiation incident to the loading process.

Abstract: A process for surgically correcting presbyopia includes anesthetizing a patient and marking a portion of an eye of the patient which is to be ablated. At least a portion of the cornea is resected to expose the corneal stroma. An annular portion of the corneal stroma is then ablated using radiation from a laser beam. After ablation, the cornea is repositioned onto the eye. The cornea may be resected such that a portion of the cornea remains intact, and is folded back to expose the corneal stroma. Alternatively, a complete disk of the cornea may be removed from the eyes to thereby expose the corneal stroma. After exposure but before ablating, the corneal stroma should be dried to prevent uneven ablation which may occur if fluids are present on the stroma. The laser beam may be directed in a circular fashion until an annular ablation is formed, or a mask may be provided over a central area of the corneal stroma. To prevent edema, the ablated portion should be cleaned by brushing and irrigating.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted handling and loading of radioactive seeds into implant needles from a lead glass shielded glass tube and with seeds manipulated within an enclosed visible radiation shield. Radioactive seeds and spacers are located on a loading platform within a shield having at least two transparent side walls for viewing into the interior of the shield. A vacuum pickup probe is inserted into the shield to manipulate the radioactive seeds and spacers to lift and drop the radioactive seeds and spacers into the funnel leading to a glass tube, behind a lead glass window. The manipulation of the vacuum pickup probe is performed from outside of the shield and vacuum force exerted through the pickup probe and the glass tube on the radioactive seeds or spacers.

Abstract: A method and composition for inhibiting restenosis. The composition includes an adhesive or polymeric material having a radioactive component dispersed therethrough. A biologically compatible adhesive including a radioactive material is applied to a vessel region where inhibition of restenosis is desired in a preferred method. In one composition, the radioactive material is admixed with the adhesive. In another composition, the radioactive material is chemically bonded to a polymeric adhesive. The adhesive is preferably cured in place. The radioactive material has a preferred half life of less than six months. In one method, the application of adhesive is followed by stent placement, leaving radioactive adhesive extending beyond both stent ends. The application can include forcing adhesive from a double walled balloon having a porous outer wall.

Abstract: A sheath for a syringe barrel, includes a main body in which a radiation shielding device for holding a syringe filled with pharmaceutical liquid therein is fitted, a male luer provided at a front end of the main body and designed to set a disposable needle, and a transfixing needle extending backward from inside of the male luer to penetrate a rubber plug at an opening at a front end of a syringe held in the main body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

Abstract: A holding device for a syringe while filling the syringe with radioactive liquid allows the syringe to be held such that a user is not exposed to radioactive rays. The holder generally comprises first and second rigid elongate members joined by a hinge. The first member distal end terminates in a finger flange bracket for receiving and retaining a syringe finger flange. The second member distal end terminates in a thumb flange bracket for receiving and retaining a syringe plunger thumb flange. An adjustable metering device restricts the angle through which the arms can move. In an exemplary embodiment, the finger flange and thumb flange brackets are removable.

Abstract: A radiation-shielded injector comprises a cylinder of radiation shielding material having a cutout, a transparent radiation shielding plate being fitted to the cutout, a through-hole being provided at the closed end of the cylinder, a winged finger holding member being fixed to the cylinder, a cap having a hole for the passage through of a plunger being detachably attached, and a syringe-type body encapsulated with radioactive material, the cap being attached to the free end of the cylinder whereby the body is fixedly caught between the closed end of the cylinder and the cap. The infected is characterized by forming a built-up portion like a bank of radiation shielding material on the cutout periphery of the cylinder, the peripheral lateral side of the transparent plate being thereby covered with the thickness of the built-up portion. The radiation-shielded injector thus designed can minimize leakage of radiation and effectively protect the operator from radiation exposure.

Abstract: .sup.1/3 Holmium in a carrier metallic hydroxide aggregate is disclosed for the treatment of arthritis and, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis. The compound disclosed preferably has a particle size of 1 to 40 microns, Beta energy emissions in the range of 1.76-1.84 MeV, low levels of gamma ray emissions and a radioactive half-life of 26.8 hours. The preferred metallic hydroxide is selected from the group consisting of Ferric Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Bismuth Hydroxide, Chromium Hydroxide, Cupric Hydroxide, Manganese Hydroxide and Stannous Hydroxide. Methods are also disclosed for the preparation of the compound, as well as for the methods of its administration to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A radioactivity shielding assembly, suitable for transferring a radioactive substance with a reduced risk of human exposure and environmental contamination, includes a protective shield casing having a reservoir disposed in the casing for receiving the radioactive substance. Associated with the casing is a coupling structure for coupling the reservoir and casing directly to a receiver into which the radioactive substance is to be transferred. The casing includes a side shielding structure in which the reservoir is retained and two end shield structures which are removably attached to the side shield structure. The two end shield structures are removed from the side shield structure at the location at which the radioactive substance is to be discharged, but such removal leaves the reservoir protectively received in the side structure to maintain continued protection against radioactive exposure or contamination. A related method of transferring the radioactive substance is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.