Abstract: The present invention relates to aerosols containing magnetic particles, wherein the aerosols comprise magnetic particles and a pharmaceutical active agent. The invention furthermore relates to the use of such aerosols containing magnetic particles for directed magnetic field-guided transfer of the active agents contained therein in aerosol therapy.

Abstract: A method for brachytherapy in a lumpectomy cavity of a breast including, positioning a distal end of a brachytherapy device within the cavity, expanding an expandable surface portion located between proximal and distal ends of the device within the cavity, the source lumen tubes defining a curved configuration within the cavity; and positioning a source of radiation sequentially within one or more source lumens of the source lumen tubes according to a brachytherapy treatment plan. The device includes an inner tube, and a plurality of source lumen tubes located around the inner tube and including distal ends secured together with the inner tube at the distal end disposed within the body cavity, the source lumen tubes comprising proximal portions sufficiently long to extend outside the breast.

Abstract: A magazine for chain components of a chain with radiation sources comprises a housing as well as a first means for receiving chain components that is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing and has recesses for receiving the chain components, a tension spring for driving the means for receiving the chain components, a sprocket being coupled in a pivotal manner to the means for receiving the chain components and being mounted in a pivotal position in the housing, and an ejector for ejection of the radiation sources. Furthermore, the magazine comprises an ejection lever which is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing, whereby, in a first position, the ejection lever engages the sprocket, and in a second position it blocks the ejector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant includes a first portion having a shape and configured to support a tissue within the body of a patient. Markings disposed on the first portion indicate a portion of the implant to be removed for resizing the first portion such that the first portion after the resizing has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the first portion before the resizing.

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

Abstract: A system for treating a lesion site of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a cannula having a lumen, a conduit in communication with said lumen, an introducer stylet removably disposed within said cannula, a resecting device selectively insertable within said cannula, and an adjuvant treatment device selectively insertable within said cannula.

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: A brachytherapy method and apparatus include implanting an applicator having at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel (62) into soft tissue adjacent a target region (40) to be irradiated. A high resolution planning image (64) of the target region including the applicator is generated, wherein the high resolution planning image is used for determining a three-dimensional treatment plan (66). A position of the applicator is tracked relative to the target region (40) and the treatment plan (66). Tracking the position includes measuring, via shape-sensing, a location and shape of the at least one radiation source or seed receiving channel (62).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for automatic injection of a product, comprising: a body (3) housing a container, the container being movable relative to said body between an initial position, to an insertion position; a safety shield (26) movable with respect to said container and said body between an insertion position to a protection position, when the user removes the device from an injection site; an external socket (48) receiving the body and provided with selection means (53) which can be placed by a user: either in a first position, in which the body (3) and the external socket (48) are bound to each other, the safety shield extending beyond the distal end of both said body and said external socket in the protection position; or in a second position, in which the external socket (48) is able to move axially in the distal direction with respect to the body (3), both the safety shield and the external socket extending beyond the distal end of said body, in the protection position.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering brachytherapy includes elongate members movable between collapsed and expanded configurations for delivering brachytherapy within a lumpectomy cavity, a vaginal cavity, or other target region. The elongate members may be expandable into a symmetrical or asymmetrical expanded configuration, e.g., into a generally spherical, pear-shaped, or planar configuration. A system for delivering brachytherapy includes the applicator and an access device for lining and/or dilating a body cavity and/or for receiving the applicator therein. The access device is advanced into a body cavity, an expandable member on the access device is inflated, the applicator is advanced into the access device, and the elongate members are expanded to deliver radiation to the target region.

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: The invention relates to a real time radiation treatment planning system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body using hollow needles. According to embodiments of the invention, the system may include a processing means processing means-configured to perform a three-dimensional imaging algorithm and a three-dimensional image segmentation algorithm, with respect to one or more specific organs within the pre-selected anatomical portion and with respect to the needles, for converting the image data obtained with an imaging means into a three-dimensional image of the anatomical portion, using at least one single or multi-objective anatomy-based genetic optimization algorithm.

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 toroidal brachytherapy balloon is provided that fits over any brachytherapy applicator and reproducibly positions the applicator on every use.

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: This invention relates generally to treatment of solid cancers. More particularly, the invention relates to a computer controlled patient positioning, immobilization, and repositioning method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-field charged particle cancer therapy coordinated with patient respiration patterns and further in combination with charged particle beam injection, acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods and apparatus.

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

Abstract: Radiation shielding devices are provided herein. In particular, the devices provided herein can be adapted to shield radiation emitted by one or more radioactive brachytherapy seeds contained within, for example, a vial or a cartridge.

Abstract: A brachytherapy template adaptor for performing brachytherapy procedures using needles smaller in diameter than the template is designed to accommodate. Additionally, a kit for adapting a brachytherapy template is provided.

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: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.

Abstract: An assembler which limits the amount of torque that may be applied to a brachytherapy cartridge magazine when its cap is threaded onto same. The assembler is constructed so that the brachytherapy cartridge will rotate within the assembler before a destructive torque is applied while the cap and cartridge magazine are screwed together.

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: A source delivery surgical staple device delivers a source/seed to a staple margin. The surgical staple delivery device includes a main staple body segment hingedly attached to a second body segment. Each of the segments is appointed for engagement to dispense the sources/seeds and/or a surgical staple to the staple margin. The device also includes a cartridge removably attached and snapped onto the main staple body segment. The cartridge has at least one staple line appointed for housing surgical staples, and being operative to form at least one staple line of surgical staples, and at least one cut line. The cartridge also has at least one source/seed/brachy staple line forming a brachy or radioactive seeds and/or chemotherapy agent dosage source. The radioactive seeds have a radioactive and/or chemotherapy source supported by leg portions that are manipulated during insert for fastening the radioactive staples to tissue at an incision margin.

Abstract: A selectively loadable/sealable bioresorbable carrier assembly for retaining and positioning elements used in brachytherapy procedures comprises a bioresorbable tube having a closed distal end and a proximal open end. The bioresorbable tube is loaded with a selectable arrangement of elements, including at least one radioactive seed, through the proximal open end. After the bioresorbable tube is selectably loaded, the bioresorbable tube is heat sealed at a sealing position adjacent a proximalmost element. Once sealed, the bioresorbable tube maintains the arrangement of elements throughout the treatment duration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.

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: 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: 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: A brachytherapy device for treating tissue within a cavity of a body. The device may include a first set of tubes configured to be inserted into the cavity through an opening at the surface of the body. Each of the tubes may have an external end and an interior channel beginning at the external end that is configured to receive radioactive material. The external ends of the tubes may be bundled together. The tubes may be of a length that causes the external ends to be near the opening in the surface of the body while the tubes are in the cavity. A seal may be configured to prevent fluid that originates from the cavity from entering into the external ends of the tubes while they are near the opening in the surface of the body. The seal may include a gasket that is pressed against the external ends of the tubes. The gasket may have openings that align with channels within the external ends of the tubes.

Abstract: A brachytherapy seed cartridge assembly includes an elongate movable shield, formed from a radiation-shielding material, that is slideably supported so as to movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cartridge assembly also provides a quick-connect feature for a more efficient assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning, orientation and insertion of a medical device. The apparatus comprising a first pentagonal mechanism which offers two degrees of freedom, and a second pentagonal mechanism which offers three degrees of freedom of motion. The two are aligned along a first axis so as to permit them to hold an instrument driving means. The instrument driving means is adapted to hold a medical instrument and adapted to permit said instrument to move along and rotate on its own axis. The instrument driving means offers another two degrees of freedom of motion. The apparatus provides a total of six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A device for orienting a brachytherapy applicator implanted in a treatment cavity may include an elongated body defining an open channel adapted for slidably receiving at least a portion of a shaft or catheter body of a brachytherapy applicator. A manually engageable gripping element at an end of the elongated body is actuated to constrict at least a portion of the channel around a portion of the shaft to help prevent shaft twist and rotational movement between the elongated body and brachytherapy applicator. At least one engaging element on the elongated body is actuated to releasably engage at least one corresponding engaging element on a brachytherapy applicator. Shaft twist and rotational discontinuity between the elongated body and brachytherapy applicator are further prevented when the at least one engaging element of the elongated body engages the at least one corresponding element of the brachytherapy applicator.

Abstract: Provided herein are bio-absorbable strands for use in brachytherapy. In an embodiment, a plurality of discrete hollow bio-absorbable segments spaced apart from one another and encapsulated using a bio-absorbable material to form an elongated member configured to be implantable in patient tissue using a hollow needle. Each hollow bio-absorbable segment has a length, an outer periphery and an inner channel. Radioactive material is within at least a portion of the inner channel or coating at least a portion of the outer periphery of each hollow bio-absorbable segment. Contrast material is within at least a portion of the inner channel or coating at least a portion of the outer periphery of each hollow bio-absorbable segment.

Abstract: In brachytherapy radiation treatment, particularly on the breast following a tumor resection, adequate skin to balloon distance must be maintained, to avoid damage to the skin. Often the distance is too small in certain areas or at a single point. The disclosed procedures and devices are effective to manipulate the skin-to-balloon distance to increase that distance when necessary, using vacuum, friction or other means to grip, move and “bunch” the breast tissue from regions of larger balloon-skin distance to regions with inadequate balloon-skin distance. The apparatus can include a ring or ring shaped array that fits around the breast, larger than the balloon, a circular vacuum device, or a cup which is pushed over the breast to move tissue toward a thin tissue region. In many cases only a few millimeters of added distance are needed to meet minimum requirements so that the radiation procedure can commence.

Abstract: The invention provides magazines for radioactive brachytherapy seeds. The seed magazines provided herein include housing, seed holder, and pusher components, and optionally have a slidable shield to protect a user from radiation.

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: Bracytherapy devices include a respective tether attached to a proximal end portion of the strands. The tether can be color-coded to match a color associated with the corresponding strand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in vivo and ex vivo control, detection and measurements of radiation in brachytherapy accomplished through scintillating material detection. One example includes scintillating fibers placed along a delivery guide such as a catheter for measuring applied radiation levels during brachytherapy treatments, sensing locations of a radiation source or providing feedback of sensed radiation. The catheter may also be a mammosite type catheter. The scintillating fibers provide light output levels correlating to the levels of radiation striking the fibers. The output may then be used to measure and compute radiation distribution maps using Monte Carlo reconstruction simulation. Adjustments to a radiation treatment may be made as needed based on actual and measured applied dosages. Characteristics of a radiation source may also be measured using scintillating materials.

Abstract: A power-supply starter apparatus for a capsule-type medical device that includes a container case internally retaining a capsule-type medical device having at least a intra-subject information acquiring unit and a power switch for switching power supply to each unit including the intra-subject information acquiring unit, and a starter that has a magnetic body and controls switching of the power supply by applying a magnetic field originating from the magnetic body to the power switch of the capsule-type medical device inside the container case, wherein the container case has an insertion/removal unit in which a space is formed where the magnetic body can be brought closer to the power switch and the starter is inserted/removed, and the insertion/removal unit and starter have a restriction unit for restricting rotation around an axis in an insertion/removal direction of the starter into/from the insertion/removal unit so that switching of the power supply is controlled only by an insertion/removal operation of

Abstract: A method of removing lesions by implanting a radioactive seed at the location of the lesion, locating the lesion with the radioactive seed, and removing the lesion with the radioactive seed. A kit is also provided by the present invention for use in removing lesions by implanting a radioactive seed at the location of the lesion, locating the lesion with the radioactive seed, and removing the lesion with the radioactive seed. Other embodiments of the invention include: a disposable needle preloaded with radioactive seed(s); and radioactive seeds comprising hooks to ensure proper localization of the seed(s) in the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for performing brachytherapy treatment of tumour tissue in a human or animal body comprising an intracavitary component and at least one guiding unit, said at least one guiding unit exhibiting a longitudinal axis and being connectable to said intracavitary component, and wherein said at least one guiding unit is provided with coupling means for coupling at least one interstitial needle-assembly for delivering treatment to said tumour tissue. The assembly has coupling/uncoupling means arranged to allow a displacement of said at least one interstitial needle-assembly in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis and to prevent a displacement of said at least one interstitial needle-assembly in a direction parallel to or a pre-defined angle to said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlled application of a treatment to tissue adjacent a body cavity, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer. A device embodying features of the invention includes one or more radiation shielding components to control emitted radiation from a radiation source to minimize radiation damage to healthy portions of the body cavity. 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 therein to seal the passageway leading to the body cavity. Methods for treating a body cavity include methods for delivering a radiation source to a body cavity while minimizing damaging irradiation of healthy tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: The invention relates to a real time radiation treatment planning system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body using hollow needles. According to embodiments of the invention, the system may include a processing means processing means-configured to perform a three-dimensional imaging algorithm and a three-dimensional image segmentation algorithm, with respect to one or more specific organs within the pre-selected anatomical portion and with respect to the needles, for converting the image data obtained with an imaging means into a three-dimensional image of the anatomical portion, using at least one single or multi-objective anatomy-based genetic optimization algorithm.

Abstract: A site marker delivery system is provided that may be used in combination with a tissue cutting device for marking a biopsy site. The system includes a tube attached to a hub. A push-rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The push-rod is advanced forward through the lumen of the tube causing a marker seated within the tube to be deployed at a biopsy site.

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: Spacers for use in brachytherapy, radiotherapy, and other medical therapy, which can be used to improve a patient's outcome, assist in treating difficult cases and/or combine multiple modalities that are currently performed separately into a single procedure. In accordance with an embodiment, a spacer is formed of an encapsulating material in a generally cylindrical or elongated shape. One or more regions are formed within the spacer for receiving and retaining therapeutic loads, such as radiation sources and/or pharmaceutical therapeutic loads, and/or any other substances that a physician might select to treat a patient, such as drug liquids, powder or particles (e.g., microparticles or nanoparticles), with the particles or powders combined with binders, such as polyacrylamide, that are selected to retain and gradually disperse the powder or particles at a desired rate.