Abstract: A targeted seed implanting robot suitable for clinical treatment of a human patient in the lithotomy position includes a rack, and further includes a position and posture adjusting mechanism, a contact force feedback friction wheel type targeted seed implanting mechanism, and a sine elastic amplification moment compensation mechanism; and the specific use steps are as follows: S1, driving; S2, meshing; S3, swing; S4, transverse movement; S5, compensation moment; S6, linear motion; S7, rotary motion; S8, detection; and S9, transmission of information.

Abstract: A method and system may include a therapeutic agent having a radioactive source enclosed by a container. The container may be placed within a cavity of a medical device for treating animal tissue. The method and system allows a radioactive source to be manufactured in such a manner so as to control and spatially modulate the delivery of radiation doses to a treatment area of animal tissue, such as for tissue of humans. From the container, radiation doses and/or a radiation field are produced by the radiation source. The geometry and size of the radiation doses are controlled by the geometry of the container and the geometry of the radiation source as well as the type, number, and geometry of holes/slots in either the source material and/or a surface of the container.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a conduit, an adjustable membrane element coupled to the conduit near the front end of the conduit for controllable coaptation of a body lumen, such as coaptation of a urethra as treatment for urinary incontinence, and a fixation mechanism at or near the front end of the conduit. In various embodiments, the fixation mechanism can anchor the implantable device to the tissue using a movement of a push wire. Optionally, the fixation mechanism can also allow the implantable device to be released from the tissue using another movement of the push wire, to allow for re-positioning or removal of the implantable device.

Abstract: Provided is a system for advancing an article along a path. The system may include a head member; a dispatching member, and an eversion sleeve configured with an inverted portion having a sleeve end configured to be fixed to the dispatching member. The system may also include an everting portion configured for articulating to the head member and an un-inverted portion configured to extend from the everting portion towards the dispatching member, at least partially within the inverted portion.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus and a brachytherapy method using the brachytherapy apparatus are provided. The brachytherapy apparatus includes a rod-shaped main element, a first holder, a second holder, side elements which extend between the first holder and the second holder and which are flexible and connected to the first holder and the second holder in such a way that a change in the relative position of the first holder in relation to the second holder brings about a change in the distance between the main element and the at least one side element, and a measuring apparatus configured to specify a measurement value based on at least one coordinate of the relative position of the first holder in relation to the second holder, said measurement value representing a quantity that depends on the distance.

Abstract: Certain configurations of an infusion device are described. In some examples, the infusion device may comprise an enclosure that can absorb radiation from a radioisotope material within the enclosure. The enclosure can also be configured to permit administration of the radioisotope material within the enclosure to a human in need of treatment for a condition such as cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating tumors at a target site, the device having a first balloon containing a radio isotope; a second balloon encasing the first balloon wherein the second balloon includes structures to create a void between the first balloon and the second balloon; and a third balloon encasing the second balloon, wherein the third balloon facilitates removal of material from the target site. The invention also provides a method for treating a tumor excise site, the method simultaneously exposing the tumor to heat and radiation.

Abstract: Described herein are shock wave devices and methods for the treatment of calcified heart valves. One variation of a shock wave device includes three balloons that are each sized and shaped to fit within a concave portion of a valve cusp when inflated with a liquid and a shock wave source within each of the three balloons. Each balloon is separately and/or independently inflatable, and each shock wave source is separately and/or independently controllable. Methods of treating calcified heart valves using a shock wave device can include advancing a shock wave device having one or more balloons and a shock wave source in each of the balloons to contact a heart valve, inflating the one or more balloons with a liquid such that the balloon is seated within a concave portion of a valve cusp, and activating the shock wave source.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a conduit, an adjustable membrane element coupled to the conduit near the front end of the conduit for controllable coaptation of a body lumen, such as coaptation of a urethra as treatment for urinary incontinence, and a fixation mechanism at or near the front end of the conduit. In various embodiments, the fixation mechanism can anchor the implantable device to the tissue using a movement of a push wire. Optionally, the fixation mechanism can also allow the implantable device to be released from the tissue using another movement of the push wire, to allow for re-positioning or removal of the implantable device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for in vivo classification of tissue are disclosed. The tissue is irradiated with light from multiple light sources and light scattered and fluoresced from the tissue is received. Distinct emissions of the sample are identified from the received light. An excitation-emission matrix is generated (1002). On-diagonal and off-diagonal components of the excitation-emission matrix are identified (1004, 1006, 1008). Spectroscopic measures are derived from the excitation-emission matrix (1014), and are compared to a database of known spectra (1016) permitting the tissue to be classified as benign or malignant (1018). An optical biopsy needle or an optical probe may be used to contemporaneously classify and sample tissue for pathological confirmation of diagnosis.

Abstract: A positioning device is provided for delivering or guiding a surgical device into a lumen of a body vessel to a position adjacent target tissue. The device includes a housing, an elongate sleeve, and a source of pressurized fluid. The sleeve has a first end coupled to a delivery side of the housing, a second end positioned on a return side of the housing, and an inverted distal portion positioned between the first and second ends. One second end of the sleeve can be furled about a support member supported on the housing. A distal portion of the sleeve defines a cavity that communicates with a pressure chamber within the housing. When pressurized fluid is directed into the pressure chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the cavity of the distal portion of the sleeve to advance the sleeve away from the housing.

Abstract: A therapeutic applicator and method may include a wand portion and a module coupled to the wand portion. The module may have a body section and a recess positioned within the body section. The body section may include a prismatic member made of a transparent material and the body section may further include a convex surface. The convex surface may provide a magnification of a view that includes a region surrounding the recess. A radiation source may be positioned within the recess. The body section may have a thickness greater than a diameter of the radiation source which is sufficient to attenuate radiation being emitted from the radiation source while the transparent material of the body section allows visibility of a treatment site that is adjacent to the radiation source. The magnification of the view may fall in range between about 1.1 times to 50.0 times an unmagnified view.

Abstract: A transparent loading apparatus (also referred to herein as a “loader”) may partially or entirely comprise transparent material that allows light to pass through the loader and provides the viewer (whether manual or automated) a view of a radioactive seed, a seed carrier, a loading needle, etc. within the loader. In some embodiments, carrier material (e.g., collagen and/or other biocompatible material) and radioactive seeds (e.g., including a metal shielding and radioactive isotope) may transmit light to different degrees. For example, certain carriers, such as collagen carriers, may be translucent, while seeds may be opaque (or mostly opaque) to light. The systems discussed herein allow a viewer to detect location of a seed within a loader, and even within a carrier, because of these different light transmissivity characteristics.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for maintaining functioning drainage blebs to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye being treated for glaucoma. The methods, systems, and compositions feature the combination of a minimally invasive micro sclerostomy (MIMS) procedure and the application of beta radiation to a target area. The beta radiation can function to inhibit or reduce the inflammation and/or fibrogenesis that typically occurs after a MIMS procedure and leads to hole and/or bleb failure. By reducing inflammation and/or fibrogenesis, the MIMS holes and/or blebs can remain functioning appropriately.

Abstract: A gold marker recovery device for radiotherapy positioning and its using method comprises a positioning gold marker and a recovery clamp, the positioning gold marker comprises a gold marker body and an elastic fixed structure, the elastic fixed structure comprises a fixed segment, an extending segment and a spiral segment connected in sequence; the fixed segment is embedded in the gold marker body so that the fixed segment is closely connected with the gold marker body, A magnetic ball is arranged at one end of the gold marker body away from the extending segment; the recovery clamp comprises an operating handle, the rear end of the operating handle is connected with an outer sheath tube in a hollow structure, and the outer sheath tube is connected with a zipper for driving the clamp to open and close.

Abstract: Apparatus or techniques can include an applicator that can include an expandable element and an ultrasonic transducer. The applicator can be inserted into a cavity of a tissue region of a patient and images of the cavity and the applicator can be generated based on signals obtained from the ultrasonic transducer. Dosing of radiation can be determined based on the images and a dose of radiation can be delivered to the tissue region by a radiation source located in the applicator.

Abstract: A medical dispensing device which includes a catheter, an applicator tip at a distal end of the catheter, the catheter and the applicator tip defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis and a distal opening, a plunger in the lumen and movable along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of elements in the lumen proximal to the distal opening and distal to the plunger, the plurality of elements stacked along the longitudinal axis for dispersement of one element at a time through the distal opening via a force applied by the plunger.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a rotating shield brachytherapy device. As disclosed herein, the rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) apparatus may comprise a radiation source, a drive assembly, a catheter, and an applicator. The applicator can have an outer surface and opposed proximal and distal end portions and a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the catheter. The distal end portion of the catheter can comprise one or more radiation shields and is configured to receive the radiation source. The drive assembly can be configured to engage the proximal end portion of the catheter to selectively rotate the catheter about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A body-insertable device having an adjustable radiation emission direction and radiation emission range, which includes a first outer body extending to be long and an accommodation space having a first accommodation space and a second accommodation space having different distances to the first outer body.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation release capsule for controlling radiation exposure and selectively providing electromagnetic pulse therapy, electric field therapy, or treatment drug or gas delivery at a treatment site associated with a treatment environment in accordance with a treatment cycle. The radiation release capsule includes an inner housing that is radiopaque, the inner housing includes an aperture and defines a cavity configured to at least encompass a radiation source. An outer housing is radiopaque. A case is radiation permeable and surrounds the inner housing and outer housing. One of the housing is repositionable blocking all or some of the aperture through which radiation dosage is directionally delivered to the treatment site. A control system operates the radiation release capsule. The capsule can be operated locally by an authorized person to deliver treatment or wirelessly data communicate and be managed remotely in telemedicine applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a phototherapy eye device. In an example, the phototherapy eye device includes a number of radioluminescent light sources and an anchor. Each radioluminescent light source includes an interior chamber coated with phosphor material, such as zinc sulfide, and containing a radioisotope material, such as gaseous tritium. The volume, shape, phosphor material, and radioisotope material are selected for emission of light at a particular wavelength and delivering a particular irradiance on the retina (when implanted in an eyeball). The wavelength is in the range of 400 to 600 nm and the irradiance is substantially 109 to 1011 photons per second per cm2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments a 6 degree-of-freedom (6DoF) correction trajectory in order to compensate movement of a treatment target in a patient supported by a patient support end-effector. An embodiment operates by receiving a starting end-effector position, a starting clinical target position, and a target destination position. The target destination position corresponds to a position in space receiving targeted treatment from a treatment delivery device. The embodiment determines a destination end-effector position in 6DoF associated with the end-effector that would cause the target to be positioned on the target destination position. A trajectory is calculated between the starting end-effector position and the destination end-effector position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatuses, means and methods to promote uptake of biocompatible fluids into a reservoir of an implantable drug delivery system though a porous membrane. Embodiments of the invention promote fluid uptake by creating a pressure differential between the reservoir of the drug delivery device and the biocompatible fluid outside the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for Fallopian tube diagnostics. In some embodiments a tube may have a distal end, and a balloon may have a first end coupled to the distal end of the tube. The balloon may be disposed in the tube in a first, inverted position, may be movable to a second, everted position, and may be extendable a distance distal of the tube. An extending portion may have a proximal end coupled to a second end of the balloon. The extending portion may be disposed within the balloon in the first inverted position, and may be extendable from the second end of the balloon in the second everted position.

Abstract: Systems, such as an electrosurgical unit, and method for use with an active electrode and a plurality of return electrodes are disclosure. An electrosurgical treatment is provided to tissue via the active electrode at a treatment site and a first return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at the treatment site. An impedance measurement is received or determined of an impedance in the tissue between the active electrode at the treatment site and a second return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at a site remote from the treatment site.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is usable to embed radioactive seeds into carriers, while limiting exposure of the user to radioactive energy from the radioactive seeds. The loading apparatus facilitates accurate positioning of radioactive seeds within a carrier. The illustrated loaders comprise two components, a base and a lid, although in other embodiments the loaders may be separated into additional components.

Abstract: Provided is a system for advancing an article along a path. The system may include a head member; a dispatching member, and an eversion sleeve configured with an inverted portion having a sleeve end configured to be fixed to the dispatching member. The system may also include an everting portion configured for articulating to the head member and an un-inverted portion configured to extend from the everting portion towards the dispatching member, at least partially within the inverted portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nanoparticles which can be advantageously used in the health sector as diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. Nanoparticles of the invention comprise a metallic material at least partly covered with a hafnium oxide material or embedded therein. When compared to existing products, these nanoparticles offer a remarkable benefit over risk ratio. Specifically, these nanoparticles potentiate the efficiency of known metallic nanoparticles. Indeed, they retain the metal's intrinsic properties and are now in addition safely usable in a mammal, in particular in a human being. The invention also relates to methods for producing said nanoparticles, to compositions containing same, and to uses thereof.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for efficient loading, indexing and replacement of cartridges for storing, for example, hair grafts. In addition, an improved urging mechanism for expelling hair grafts from a receptacle of a storage cartridge is provided, as well as a method of its operation. Furthermore, cartridges with a plurality of receptacles comprising slots for loading hair grafts are disclosed.

Abstract: A transparent loading apparatus (also referred to herein as a “loader”) may partially or entirely comprise transparent material that allows light to pass through the loader and provides the viewer (whether manual or automated) a view of a radioactive seed, a seed carrier, a loading needle, etc. within the loader. In some embodiments, carrier material (e.g., collagen and/or other biocompatible material) and radioactive seeds (e.g., including a metal shielding and radioactive isotope) may transmit light to different degrees. For example, certain carriers, such as collagen carriers, may be translucent, while seeds may be opaque (or mostly opaque) to light. The systems discussed herein allow a viewer to detect location of a seed within a loader, and even within a carrier, because of these different light transmissivity characteristics.

Abstract: A device for treating the brain includes a light source configured to emit near infrared light. The device also includes a collimator configured to receive the near infrared light emitted by the light emitter. The collimator is further configured to collimate the near infrared light. The device also includes an optic configured to focus collimated light. A reflector of the device is configured to change a direction of the collimated light. The reflector is at a distal end of the device, and the distal end is configured to fit between an upper portion of an eyelid of a patient and an orbital socket of the patient.

Abstract: A system and methods for adaptive placement of a treatment element include a placement device (134), and a localization system (120) configured to track progress of the placement device such that a position of a treatment element (146, 132) placed by or to be placed by the placement device is stored in memory. A computer system (142) includes a program (104) implemented in computer readable storage media and configured to compute an effect of the treatment element at the position and determine whether a dosage amount has been achieved by the treatment element for treatment of an organ.

Abstract: A method for minimally invasive laser ablation of a target tissue within a patient while sparing tissue within a safety zone proximate to the target tissue, comprising: guiding a laser fiber within a patient with a guidance tool; measuring a temperature within the target tissue and the safety zone based on an invasive and a non-invasive thermal sensor; computing a thermal profile in conjunction with a real-time tissue image adapted for guidance of the laser fiber with the guidance tool within the patient; and controlling a laser to deliver energy through the laser fiber, to deliver a minimally therapeutic ablation therapy to the target tissue while ensuring that the safety zone is maintained in a non-ablation condition, based on at least a treatment plan, the measured temperature, and the thermal profile.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus capable of improving the accuracy of a dose distribution includes an X-ray generation device that is provided at an arm portion of a rotation gantry, a radiation detector that is insertable into the body of a patient, a dose calculation device, and a feedback control device. An X-ray generated due to collision of an electron beam with a target in the X-ray generation device is applied to an affected part (cancer) of a patient on a bed. The radiation detector which is insertable into the body detects the X-ray applied to the affected part so as to output a photon to obtain a dose rate and a dose based thereon. The feedback control device either controls the X-ray generation device such that the obtained dose becomes a set dose or controls the radiation generation device such that the obtained dose rate becomes a set dose rate.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a three-dimensional precise intracavitary radiotherapy method and system for treating tumours, comprising the steps of: (1) lesion three-dimensional quantitative measurement and analysis of three-dimensional scanning image of the lesion cavity; (2) comprehensive analysis according to lesion three-dimensional quantitative measurement results and lesion characteristics to calculate the three-dimensional distribution of lesion radiation dose; and (3) according to the three-dimensional distribution diagram of radiation dose, selecting appropriate radiation sources and radiation dose to make a stent, and performing three-dimensional precise intracavitary radiotherapy. At the same time, also provided by the present invention is a system for achieving the above radiotherapy method.

Abstract: A ventilation device includes a hollow body having a main portion, at least one distal member coupled to a distal end of the main portion and at least one proximal member coupled to a proximal end of the main portion. The at least one distal member is formed of a shape memory material. The hollow body includes a deployed state for maintaining an opening in an anatomical structure and an undeployed state. The shape memory material forms the at least one distal member into a deployed position. The shape memory material is reversibly deformed from the deployed state into the undeployed state such that at least the distal member changes in shape to an undeployed position, while the main portion of the hollow body remains unchanged.

Abstract: A filter delivery device for implanting a vessel filter within a blood vessel of a patient's body. The filter delivery device includes a mechanism for preventing hooks and/or legs on a vessel filter from entangling with each other while the vessel filter is loaded within the delivery device. In one variation, the filter delivery device includes a delivery catheter with grooves at the distal end lumen opening. When a vessel filter with radially expanding legs is compressed and inserted into the distal end of the delivery catheter, the hooks on the distal end of the legs are received and separated by the corresponding grooves on the delivery catheter. In another variation, a pusher rod, with a receptacle for receiving the hooks, is positioned within a delivery catheter to prevent the entanglement of the hooks and/or legs of a filter loaded within the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A flexible or elastic brachytherapy strand that includes an imaging marker and/or a therapeutic, diagnostic or prophylactic agent such as a drug in a biocompatible carrier that can be delivered to a subject upon implantation into the subject through the bore of a brachytherapy implantation needle has been developed. Strands can be formed as chains or continuous arrays of seeds up to 50 centimeters or more, with or without spacer material, flaccid, rigid, or flexible.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for implanting a plurality of fiducial markers into a tissue. Systems include a needle, a stylet sized to slide within a lumen of the needle, and a multi-stop stylet spacer having stopping features configured to engage with the stylet to stop the distal end of the stylet at one or more predetermined distances from the distal end of the needle. Methods for implanting a plurality of fiducial markers into a tissue are described and include inserting a needle preloaded with fiducial markers into a tissue, adjusting a multi-stop stylet spacer from a safety position to a first deployment position, deploying a first fiducial marker into the tissue, adjusting the stylet spacer from the first deployment position to a second deployment position, and deploying a second fiducial marker into the tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a source wire assembly for radiographic applications, particularly for guiding a gamma ray source through a tubular path, such as with a radiographic projector. The source wire assembly includes a core of flexible metal cable, such as, but not limited to, aircraft cable, which may include wires and/or strands which are woven, twisted, helix wound or braided. A distal end of the source wire assembly is securely engaged to a Radioactive source capsule assembly while a proximal end of the source wire assembly is securely engaged to a connector housing for connection to driving equipment, such as, but not limited to, a push-pull operation associated with a radiographic projector, which may include source wire locking and safety mechanisms.

Abstract: A barrel adapter mountable to a syringe barrel includes a barrel tip, a needle assembly, a stylet assembly slidably disposed within a needle lumen of the needle assembly, and a plug within the lumen of the needle. An implant delivery syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly, and the barrel adapter. The syringe may include a needle retraction mechanism having a biasing member and an actuable locking arrangement. When the actuable locking arrangement is actuated, the biasing member causes the needle to axially translate over the stylet during retraction to dislodge the plug and cause delivery of an implant to a target location. The plug may be a biodegradable polymer plug such as a water-soluble polymer, PLGA, and/or CARP. The stylet may be retracted following delivery. Methods of assembling implant delivery syringes with drug implants are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are discussed directed to the use of a low profile laser ablation catheter for use in laser ablation removal of arterial plaque blockages to restore blood flow in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas. Also discussed are devices and methods directed to packaging, long term storage and sterilization of liquid core ablation catheters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a verification system for confirming the position of a conduit inserted within a patient may include an elongate control element dimensioned for insertion within the conduit. The control element has a proximal end and a distal end, and a verification element coupled to a distal region. The verification element may be configured to detect the presence of a reference marker associated with the conduit and communicate a signal indicative of the position of the reference marker relative to the verification element. The control element may also be configured to maneuver the verification element along a length of the conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a recessible-toothed rack and actuation member(s) configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which needle slot also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: Glaucoma can be treated by implanting an intraocular shunt into the eye. Such procedures can employ various deployment devices, shunts, and implantation techniques.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for efficient loading, indexing and replacement of cartridges for storing, for example, hair grafts. In addition, an improved urging mechanism for expelling hair grafts from a receptacle of a storage cartridge is provided, as well as a method of its operation. Furthermore, cartridges with a plurality of receptacles comprising slots for loading hair grafts are disclosed.

Abstract: Brachytherapy seed insertion and fixation devices and systems to decrease implanted brachytherapy seed migration within tissue and minimize trauma. Component(s) with cavity or opening features are attached to a brachytherapy seed or series of seeds. The cavity or opening features interact with the patient's tissue to fix the seed and component assembly in place and inhibit movement/migration of the seed(s). The cavity or opening features may optionally be filled with an adhesive or other beneficial material. The seed(s) or seed and component assembly may be inserted using a delivery device having a needle through which the seed(s) or assembly are implanted and a stylet extending through the needle to cut tissue and facilitate insertion of the needle. The stylet has a reduced diameter cutting tip to cut a narrow hole in tissue, and a tapered region that stretches the narrow hole to accommodate insertion of the larger diameter needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for delivering energy to difficult to access tissue regions (e.g. peripheral lung tissues), and/or reducing the amount of undesired heat given off during energy delivery.

Abstract: A portable device for insertion of radioactive seeds in percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy applications is described. The device includes: an elongated main body in form of a handpiece; a shielded container of radioactive seeds, received within the main body and having a rotating drum suitable, in use, to release one or more radioactive seeds from the container; means for driving the rotating drum, activatable by an operator and based on lever mechanisms and gears; and means for introducing one or more radioactive seeds in a body site of interest, comprising a substantially wire-shaped pusher. The pusher urges the radioactive seed(s) released from the rotating drum through a cannula unit.